The Autonomous Enterprise
Governing, Scaling and Securing the Next Generation of AI-Driven Business
The CxO Institute West Coast US brings together over 100 senior C-Suite and IT executives from the heart of the Bay Area for a day focused on strategic insights and building high-value connections. As an exclusive, invitation-only event, it equips leaders with the knowledge and peer network needed to accelerate innovation and propel productivity.
The agenda will delve into critical topics like leveraging data for business impact, advanced cybersecurity strategies, and fostering a culture of technology leadership. Through a dynamic format of Keynotes, Panel Discussions, and Interactive Boardrooms, the program is designed to provide practical takeaways and a trusted network to help lead your organization’s next phase of growth.
Agenda
08:00 - 08:45
Registration & Networking Breakfast
08:45 - 09:35
Opening Panel
CxO
Redefining IT Leadership for the Autonomous Enterprise
- Explore how technology leadership is evolving from operational oversight to shaping intelligent, self-directed digital ecosystems
- Gain clarity on the strategic frameworks needed to govern AI, automation and decision intelligence at scale
- Understand how autonomous data security strengthens the trust, integrity and safety required for AI-enabled decision-making
- Learn how organisations can adapt their strategy, structure and capabilities to thrive as continuously adaptive digital enterprises
Sarah Leteney
Group CIO
Urenco Global
Simon Price
Director of Insight, AI & Innovation
HMRC
Omer Moghraby
Chief Digital Information Officer
West London NHS Trust
Simone Steel
CIO, Data & AI
Deutsche Bank
Stephen Miller
CIO
International Personal Finance
09:40 - 10:20
Strategy
The Rise of the Super-Agent: Humans and AI in Perfect Balance
We are entering a new era of customer engagement - one defined not by automation alone, but by augmentation. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday operations, the organisations that stand apart will be those that use technology to elevate human potential, not diminish it. This presentation explores the rise of the Super-Agent: a future-ready professional empowered by AI to deliver richer, more intelligent, and more human interactions. The session will give delegates clear guidance on how to decide which interactions should be automated versus handled by Super-Agents, not just why the balance matters.
Grant Counsell
Client Acquisition Director,
Maintel
Jason Chapman
Head of Commercial, UK & IE
Zoom Communications
10:25 - 11:05
Strategy
Harnessing Agentic AI for Enterprise Impact
Agentic AI is redefining enterprise operations by automating complex workflows, improving decision-making, and driving innovation. To realize its full potential, organizations must deploy it securely and responsibly across multi-cloud environments. Success depends on building the right infrastructure, governance, and culture to move beyond pilots and achieve enterprise-scale outcomes. Join us to explore practical strategies and actionable insights for making agentic AI a catalyst for measurable business impact.
Alexander Michael
Senior Strategy Consultant
Rackspace
Security
The Next Billion Users Will NOT Be Human: How Browser Security Secures Humans and Agents
AI agents are rapidly becoming autonomous digital workers inside the enterprise—planning tasks, accessing data, and executing actions across SaaS apps, APIs, and browsers. While adoption is accelerating, most organisations lack the security controls to manage agents as privileged non-human identities. This keynote examines the drivers and growth of enterprise AI agents, the new attack surface they create—especially through browser and web-based interactions—and real-world risks and offers a practical approach to security ai agents today and into the future to maintain productivity and automation, safely.
Tom McVey
Senior Sales Engineer EMEA,
Menlo Security
11:10 - 11:50
Data
The Agentic Advantage: Bridging the Divide Between AI Potential and P&L Reality
The "GenAI Gold Rush" has evolved. In 2026, the competitive divide is no longer between those using AI and those who aren’t, it is between those stuck in "Pilot Purgatory" and those who have industrialised AI and Agentic Workflows. While McKinsey projects up to $25 trillion in global economic impact, only 1% of organizations have reached true AI maturity. The rest are struggling with data silos, “Project thinking" traps, and fragmented governance. Keepler Data Tech will share the operating and technical blueprints used by the world’s most AI mature enterprises to bridge this gap and deliver ROI at scale.
Sean Poulley
COO
Keepler Data Tech
Strategy
Beyond the Pilot: Scaling AI Literacy to Drive Frontline Productivity and Performance
With executive leadership now firmly committed to the AI agenda, the focus for forward-thinking organisations has shifted from securing buy-in to achieving enterprise-wide scale. The challenge is no longer visionary; it is operational. This 40-minute boardroom briefing explores how to bridge the "implementation gap" by transforming the workforce from passive users into active AI and Automation Practitioners. We will discuss a practical framework for scaling AI agency, underpinned by the latest in data & AI training. This session moves beyond high-level theory to examine the mechanics of embedding AI into the daily workflows of those closest to your customers and core processes. Attendees will learn how to move from top-down mandates to a self-sustaining culture of frontline innovation that delivers measurable business value. Key themes for discussion include:
- The Shift to Agency: Moving beyond basic AI literacy to develop a new class of "Internal Practitioners" capable of identifying and implementing real-world automations.
- Standardising Excellence: Leveraging the AI Workforce Specialist framework to create a consistent, high-quality blueprint for AI and automation roles across the business.
- The "Last Mile" of Implementation: Overcoming the friction of legacy processes and ensuring AI tools move from pilot phases into core operational workflows.
- Measuring Value at Scale: Shifting the focus from strategic ROI to "Proof of Value" metrics—tracking productivity gains, cost savings, and workforce efficiency in real-time.
George Anthony
Commercial Director
Cambridge Spark
11:55 - 12:35
Security
Agentic AI in the Enterprise: Identity, Trust and Risk Management
- How agentic AI can drive enterprise transformation while maintaining organizational trust and accountability
- Strategic approaches to managing risk and security in autonomous AI decision-making at scale
- Unlocking competitive advantage through responsible adoption of AI that acts on behalf of the business
Andrew Potter
Senior Principal Sales Engineer
Ping Identity
Security
The Next Era of AI Networking
As enterprises embrace hybrid work, cloud-first strategies and heightened security demands, AI-native networking is becoming a cornerstone of agility and resilience. Intelligent automation, secure architectures and real-time insights are transforming networks into strategic assets for growth.
- Predict performance issues, resolve them instantly and deliver consistent connectivity for all users
- Build adaptable, zero-trust networks ready for hybrid and multi-cloud environments
- Use real-time telemetry and AI to anticipate risks, optimise operations and cut complexity
Elliot Townsend
Sr Director Product Management
HPE
12:35 - 13:25
Networking Lunch
13:25 - 14:05
CxO
Governing AI and Data at Scale: Delivering Trust, Value and Enterprise Impact
- Why governance, data quality, and trust are critical to scaling AI beyond pilots
- Embedding AI and automation into real workflows to boost adoption, productivity and measurable business outcomes
- Aligning strategy, governance, and investment to accelerate responsible innovation without slowing execution
Sarah Leteney
Group CIO
Urenco Global
Gurpreet Singh
Vice President, Managing Director Integrated Safety
IQVIA
Gillian Tomlinson
Group Chief Data & Digital Officer
The Weir Group
Stuart McIntyre
Executive Director, Digital Strategy & Operations
Standard Chartered
14:10 - 14:50
Security
Connecting and securing hybrid networks for business agility
- How SASE and SD-WAN enable secure, resilient, and high-performing networks
- Turning network transformation into strategic advantage, operational efficiency and measurable business outcomes
- Aligning connectivity and security with enterprise priorities to support innovation, growth and hybrid work
Richard Jones
Regional Sales Director
Versa Networks
Strategy
Unlocking Digital Value: Aligning Skills, Talent and Adoption
- Explore how aligning workforce skills with strategic priorities can turn digital investments into measurable business results
- Identify where to build internal expertise versus leverage external support to accelerate transformation and reduce risk
- Learn practical approaches to ensure technology is embraced across the organisation, translating deployment into real business outcomes
Claire Talbot
Global VP of IT
Smartest Energy
14:55 - 15:35
Strategy
Driving Enterprise Innovation: From Strategy to Impact
- Using AI, automation and data platforms to deliver measurable productivity and efficiency gains
- Balancing bold experimentation with fiscal discipline and operational realities
- Aligning incentives and operating models to scale innovation that improves performance, not just experimentation
Warren Price
CIO
Venterra Group
Strategy
Cloud Infrastructure as a Strategic Engine: Enabling Scale, Resilience and AI-Driven Growth
- How cloud infrastructure is evolving from a cost centre into a strategic platform for innovation, agility and enterprise-wide transformation
- Aligning cloud strategy with AI, data and business priorities to deliver scalable performance, resilience and measurable value
- Balancing cost optimisation, security and flexibility to build cloud environments that support long-term growth and operational stability
15:40 - 16:15
Closing Session
CxO
Empowering Strategic Growth Through Talent, Skills and Digital Capability
- Designing workforce capability as enterprise digital infrastructure to accelerate technology adoption, support continuous learning and maximise return on digital investment
- Embedding resilience and performance into the digital operating model through ongoing capability uplift, culture change and leadership enablement
- Leveraging data, AI and intelligent platforms to measure impact, forecast skills risk, and enable enterprise-wide innovation through adaptive learning strategies
Richard Michel
Chief Information & Digital Officer
University of London
16:15 - 17:15
Closing Drinks Reception
Event Speakers
Sarah Leteney
Group CIO
Urenco Global
Since 2021 Sarah has been working with Urenco, a supplier of enriched uranium within the global nuclear fuel cycle, as their Group CIO. She has three decades of expertise in leading IT delivery teams for Blue Chip, Central Government and Secure organisations and was recently ranked 20th in the 2024 UK Top 100 CIO Awards having demonstrated her expertise in Digital Transformation, Business Change, Consultancy, Service Delivery, Programme, Project, and Organisational Management. Sarah lives in the North West of England on the edge of the beautiful Pennines with her family and dog!
Simon Price
Director of Insight, AI & Innovation
HMRC
Simon Price joined HMRC in June 2025 as Director of Insight, AI and Innovation, to lead the Department’s strategic scale-up of AI across compliance, customer service, and internal functions. With a career spanning Unisys, Just Eat, Lloyd’s Register, NATO, and Capgemini, Simon brings deep technical and leadership expertise, underpinned by a PhD in machine learning and an honorary research fellowship at the University of Bristol. He is responsible for driving the AI outcomes in HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap and is currently leading the UK Government’s largest M365 Copilot. HMRC has over 65,000 staff, a “turnover” of around a trillion pounds and operates one of the most complex IT estates in Europe.
Omer Moghraby
Chief Digital Information Officer
West London NHS Trust
As Chief Digital & Information Officer at West London NHS Trust, Omer sits on the executive board and leads digital strategy across clinical informatics, data, analytics, and enterprise systems — while continuing his work as a Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist. His role spans electronic patient records, digital mental health innovation, and the responsible use of data and AI to improve outcomes across mental health services.
Simone Steel
CIO, Data & AI
Deutsche Bank
Simone is an executive leader in Data and Information Technology with a track record spanning Financial Services and Software organisations across Europe and the Americas. Operating within FTSE100-scale environments, she combines deep technical expertise in IT and Data Science with strong governance oversight and board-level engagement. Her experience includes direct work with UK regulators and reporting to Executive and Non-Executive Boards on complex programme delivery and risk management.
Stephen Miller
CIO
International Personal Finance
Stephen brings extensive executive experience leading technology transformation across complex financial services organisations. As CIO, he is responsible for shaping the company’s global technology strategy, ensuring that digital platforms, data capabilities, and operational systems support sustainable growth while maintaining strong governance and resilience. Throughout his career, Stephen has focused on aligning technology leadership with long-term business outcomes — helping organisations modernise legacy environments, strengthen digital capabilities, and build technology foundations capable of supporting future innovation.
Grant Counsell
Client Acquisition Director,
Maintel
Grant Counsell is a Client Acquisition Director at Maintel, with over 30 years' experience helping organisations get the best value from their technology investments. Whether delivering new projects or helping to manage existing technology Grant solutions have won multiple Comms Business and Comms National Awards. Today’s technology changes quickly and customers need flexible products and services to meet the demands of their customers and employees. With extensive knowledge across voice and data communication solutions Grant works to deliver telephony, Unified Communications, Contact Centre, Work Force Management, mobile, internet connectivity, MPLS, SD-WAN and system integrations. Outside work Grant is a frequent traveller, a slow and reluctant runner, a genealogy researcher and a season ticket holder at Manchester City.
Jason Chapman
Head of Commercial, UK & IE
Zoom Communications
Jason Chapman is the UK Commercial & Ireland Sales Leader at Zoom, where he and his teams help organisations transform customer experience and drive growth through AI first collaboration and next generation CX solutions. With a strong focus on building partnerships and delivering real business impact, Jason brings energy, insight and a relentless drive to make tech work for people. Outside of work, Jason is a proud father of two who loves travelling, trying new foods, painting miniatures, and following both football and American football.
Tom McVey
Senior Sales Engineer EMEA,
Menlo Security
Tom works closely with organisations across the region to design and implement secure web and email isolation architectures that eliminate online threats while maintaining a seamless user experience. With experience across leading cybersecurity organisations including Varonis, LogRhythm, and Menlo Security, he brings a strong technical perspective on protecting modern enterprise environments. Having entered the technology industry through an apprenticeship route, Tom combines deep technical expertise with a practical, real-world understanding of how security teams operate. He regularly shares his insights at industry events such as Infosecurity Europe and contributes to webinars and podcasts focused on evolving cybersecurity challenges.
Sean Poulley
COO
Keepler Data Tech
Sean brings extensive executive experience in scaling data-driven organisations and translating advanced analytics and AI capabilities into tangible commercial outcomes. As COO, he focuses on aligning strategy, delivery, and operational execution — ensuring that innovation initiatives directly support growth, efficiency, and P&L performance. With a strong track record of helping enterprises modernise their data foundations and operationalise AI at scale, Sean works at the intersection of business value, technology execution, and organisational change. His perspective is grounded in what it truly takes to move from AI potential to enterprise-wide impact.
George Anthony
Commercial Director
Cambridge Spark
George is a seasoned leader specialising in Data, AI, and workforce transformation. As Enterprise Director of Cambridge Spark, a leading data & AI skills provider, he helps organisations to develop critical competencies needed to drive positive business impact through applying Artificial Intelligence. Prior to Cambridge Spark, George spent several years at Coursera, where he partnered with HR and L&D leaders in developing large scale skill-building initiatives, including curriculum design, learner engagement planning, and business case building. Besides collaborating with organisations on their AI strategies, George takes a keen interest in the field of AI, most recently completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence for Business at Oxford University.
Andrew Potter
Senior Principal Sales Engineer
Ping Identity
Andrew Potter is a Senior Principal Sales Engineer at Ping Identity, and helps businesses solve complex IAM issues in the UK, Europe and beyond. Over too many years to count, Andrew has performed full implementations, from developer to architect, on some of the largest and most complex IAM projects in the world.
Elliot Townsend
Sr Director Product Management
HPE
Elliot Townsend is Senior Director of Field PLM for Campus & Branch at HPE Networking, shaping AI-native networking strategy across EMEA and LATAM/CALA. Formerly a senior Mist AI leader at Juniper Networks, he’s known for clear, real-world guidance on AI and the enterprise stack. He partners with customers, partners, and engineering teams to translate complex needs into scalable architectures, stronger roadmaps, and measurable outcomes.
Gurpreet Singh
Vice President, Managing Director Integrated Safety
IQVIA
Gurpreet Singh is currently the Vice President, Managing Director Integrated Safety at IQVIA. He is based in UK and has a total of 20 years' experience in Pharma Industry of which 18+ years have been in Global Drug Development. During these years he has had the opportunity to work with some top Global companies like Cognizant, Tata Consultancy, Novartis and Parexel. At Novartis he was the Global Head of PV Operations managing all Global PV activities. At Parexel he was the Senior Director PV Operations responsible for managing PV projects of top Global Pharma and Biotech companies. Gurpreet is a certified Six Sigma and Project Management Professional. He has keen interest in Digital Transformation and Organization Culture and has successfully led various projects during his tenure in the Pharma Industry. He is an avid runner and a speaker at various Pharma conferences.
Gillian Tomlinson
Group Chief Data & Digital Officer
The Weir Group
Gillian has over 20 years’ of experience in leading data, AI and digital strategy & transformation. Currently Chief Data & Digital Officer at Weir Group PLC, Gillian has a proven track record of success in developing and executing strategies resulting in significant business growth and innovation. Gillian has extensive Global IT / information architecture, operations and security skills and experience across a variety of industries , including financial services, insurance, retail, telecommunications, infrastructure, mining, and engineering. Previous roles include Chief Data Officer at both RSA Insurance Group PLC and Whitbread PLC, Enterprise Data Change Programme Manager at HSBC, Director of Data and Analytics at Three UK (Hutchinson Group), CDO at RSA Insurance, Head of Data Quality, Commercial Chief Operating Officer at Lloyds Banking Group and Vice President of Dun & Bradstreet EMEA.
Stuart McIntyre
Executive Director, Digital Strategy & Operations
Standard Chartered
Stuart is AI Lead for Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank. He has more than 25 years experience leading the definition, deployment and launch strategy of innovative enterprise technology platforms. Stuart is a creative and pragmatic thinker and leader, who has the ability to identify and distill complex business issues, positioning the appropriate solutions to improve user experience, enhance personal and organisational productivity, and drive employee engagement. He is currently managing the implementation of AI platforms and services across the communications and marketing function of the global bank that connects corporate, institutional and affluent clients to a network that offers unique access to sustainable growth opportunities across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Richard Jones
Regional Sales Director
Versa Networks
With 25 + years’ experience in the IT industry, Richard Jones is a seasoned networking and security expert who helps UK business leaders address complex connectivity and cyber-risk challenges. Having held key roles at VMWare and Teneo, he brings technical insight and market knowledge to building resilient, secure, and scalable network infrastructures.
Claire Talbot
Global VP of IT
Smartest Energy
Claire is a senior technology leader with extensive experience driving enterprise IT strategy within complex, fast-evolving organisations. In her global role at SmartestEnergy, she leads technology capability across international markets, aligning digital investment with commercial growth, operational resilience, and long-term sustainability. Her leadership is defined by a strong focus on people and capability — ensuring that digital ambition is matched by the right skills, operating models, and adoption strategies. Claire brings practical insight into how organisations can modernise core systems while building the talent and cultural foundations required to unlock measurable business value.
Warren Price
CIO
Venterra Group
A certified and accomplished IT Executive, CIO, CTO, CDO, and CISO, with more than 25 years of international experience creating and delivering enterprise-wide IT strategies to ensure safe, secure, and reliable day-to-day operations, whilst equally ensuring cost efficiencies. I hold a diverse range of strategic and technical abilities ranging from cloud, AI, and machine learning to enterprise architecture and cyber security covering all digital mediums, software, and hardware platforms.
Richard Michel
Chief Information & Digital Officer
University of London
Richard has been the CIDO at the University of London since September 2023. Prior to this role, Richard was the Managing Director at Global Business School (GBS) from July 2022 to September 2023. Richard's extensive experience includes over a decade at the international exam board, Trinity College London, where responsibilities encompassed leadership as Chief Operating Officer (Deputy CEO) and Chief Information Officer. He has previously worked in a range of roles across government, education and commercial sectors in the UK and internationally, leading on digital and organisational strategies, innovation, and organisational transformation. Richard holds an Executive MBA from Cranfield School of Management. At the University of London, Richard champions a student-centric approach to digital initiatives, harnessing AI and emerging technologies to enhance the global learner experience and operational effectiveness.
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Featured Attendees from Oxford in 2026
The CxO Experience
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Senior Manager, International / EMEA, Tangoe
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Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Holistic AI
Big thanks to CxO for the invite, it was a great event. Some great conversations with peers to discuss the...
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Adelina Sarmiento
Chief Marketing Officer, Keepler Data Tech
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Head of Product, National Grid
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Oxford
Oxford provides a distinguished setting for the CxO Institute UK. Renowned for its centuries-old academic heritage and culture of innovation, the city offers an inspiring environment where senior technology leaders can exchange ideas, build meaningful connections, and explore the future of enterprise leadership.
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Oxford
Oxford is one of the world's most celebrated centres of learning, research, and innovation, making it an exceptional location for the CxO Institute UK. Home to globally recognised institutions, pioneering research organisations, and a thriving technology ecosystem, the city has long been a place where knowledge, leadership, and breakthrough ideas converge.
Beyond its historic architecture and iconic colleges, Oxford is a modern hub for innovation, particularly in technology, life sciences, and artificial intelligence. Its unique blend of academic excellence and entrepreneurial ambition creates the perfect backdrop for senior IT leaders to engage in strategic discussions, discover new perspectives, and build valuable relationships with peers shaping the future of enterprise technology.
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