Roundtable: Navigating Tech Leadership in the AI Era
The pressure is mounting for senior leaders in tech businesses to deliver the astounding gains promised by AI.
What executives now want is straightforward, but by no means easy: a leader who can use AI to deliver tangible commercial value and sustainable competitive advantage.
In this roundtable, Simon Ranyard, Managing Director at Orange Business, and Dr Alex Leathard, an AI and Data Leader, will explore how leaders can navigate this volatile period and deliver on the promise of AI. Join the discussion to understand the balance of innovation and strategic focus that is essential in the AI era.
You will get clarity on where to double down to get the most value for your business, what distinguishes hype from value, and explore how to innovate alongside AI - without losing creative flair or your customers’ trust. We will also look to the future, how you build customer trust, and even consider AI physical infrastructure in relation to your strategy.
Applications to attend close May 15th, 2026.

About this Roundtable
This roundtable will explore how leaders can navigate the shift into the AI era by balancing innovation with strategic focus. The session will cover how to make informed decisions about where to invest time and financial resources to scale effectively, how to create technology that consumers can trust in an AI-driven world, and how to build teams that leverage AI without becoming overly dependent on it.
Agenda
10:15 – 10:45 | Arrival, Welcome & Breakfast
10:45 – 11:00 | Keynote Discussion
11:00 – 11:45 | Roundtable Discussion
Optional Activities:
11:45 – 12:15 | Guided Tours
12:30 – 13:30 | Rooftop Lunch & Networking
13:30 – 17:00 | Work from the Hub Option


Why Attend the Roundtable
A McKinsey Global Survey (2025) found that 83% of businesses believe AI will be the most transformational technology of this generation.
This roundtable is designed to arm strategic leaders within the tech industry with the insights and confidence to tackle the uncertainty around long-term value, implementation, and strategic direction of artificial intelligence, as well as prepare for what comes next.
- Hear from AI and leadership experts
- Connect with and learn from peers on their own AI journey
- Gain practical insights on turning AI hype into tangible commercial value
For more infomation visit Mayor of London and GOV.



