AI is Easy. Transformation is Hard
14th May at 6pm | Keynote | Panel | 3 course meal | Networking
An invite only CXO evening on what it takes to succeed in AI transformation. Get inspired by AI industry leaders from AXA, Sanofi and OAO - the recent winners of the World Economic Forum Minds Award 2026.
Transformation
is an Enterprise Mission
About the Event
This exclusive insights event with networking dinner is bought to you by event partners OAO and Eden Smith.
It is designed for CXO's to be inspired on how to progress from AI pilots and use cases to enterprise wide transformation and change.
Get inspired by AI industry leaders from Axa, Sanofi and OAO - the recent WEF Minds Award Winner 2026.
Success depends on how effectively leaders can inspire strategy, culture, and capability evolve together OR leaders align people, process, and strategy.
Join this exclusive executive session designed for c-suite leaders navigating the realities of digital transformation, exploring how cross-functional collaboration fuels transformation - from strategic design to measurable adoption.
Learn from case studies of successful transformation, discover practical frameworks for adoption, and see how OAO helps organisations translate AI potential into business value. Join a panel of experts and peers for an evening of insight, discussion, and networking.
Who Should Attend
- CXO
- Senior Executives
- Executive Responsibility for Transformation
Agenda
Venue: The 1776 at 1 Lombard Street
Date: Thursday 14th May, from 6pm-10pm
- Welcome reception
- Keynote with Niresh Rajah, CDAIO
- Panel Discussion on Transformational Change
- 3 course dinner & networking
Speakers
Ex-CDAIO DLA Piper, Prof. Oxford University
Niresh Rajah is a global executive leader with over 20 years’ experience across Financial Services and Professional Services, specialising in Data & Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, regulation and large‑scale transformation.
He is a trusted advisor to mid‑cap and large Private Equity funds and portfolio companies, supporting technology, data and AI due diligence through to value creation.
A former Group Chief Data & AI Officer, Niresh has held senior leadership roles at Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, Danske Bank, DLA Piper and Grant Thornton, reporting to Group CEOs, COOs, Boards and Regulators.
He is recognised as a multi‑year Global CDO‑100 and AI Executive to Watch.
Ex-CDAO AXA, Snr Partner Kearney
Roland Scharrer is an experienced transformation leader with over 15 years’ experience working at the intersection of data, technology and strategy.
With a multidisciplinary background spanning natural sciences, computer science, statistics, sociology and business administration, he specialises in bridging disciplines and enabling effective collaboration across diverse teams.
Roland has worked as a software engineer, data scientist, strategy consultant and project manager on complex national and international programmes.
His expertise lies in leveraging data, analytics and emerging technologies to drive digital transformation, strengthen decision‑making and help organisations achieve sustainable competitive advantage.
Co-Founder at OAO, Prof. HEC Paris
Julian Schirmer is a transformation leader focused on data‑ and AI‑driven change within large, complex organisations.
He works closely with Executive Committees and Chief Data, Technology and Transformation Officers across multiple industries to help translate ambition into meaningful progress.
Julian is a strong advocate of executive education as a critical enabler of transformation, while recognising that lasting change requires organisations to go further - embedding new ways of thinking, working and leading.
He is also passionate about connecting leaders across organisations to share insight, challenge assumptions and accelerate learning in the data and AI transformation space.
