Howden and Thomson Reuters: The AI Revolution in Business

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Key Takeaways

1Howden has introduced an AI productivity director to optimize the use of generative AI in its operations.

260% of companies already have an AI director, and 26% plan to appoint one this year.

3Kirsty Roth from Thomson Reuters advocates for an integrated approach to AI, involving all staff rather than a single responsible person.

💡Why it matters — Integrating AI into businesses requires strategic management to maximize its potential and maintain a competitive edge.

A Growing Need for Data Leadership

Many companies are turning to the appointment of AI directors to oversee the integration of this technology into their operations. However, some remain skeptical about the best way to structure this role. For example, the insurance specialist Howden has innovated by creating a position for a Director of AI Productivity. This role is essential for ensuring collaboration and the effective utilization of AI resources within the company.

A debate persists over who should be responsible for optimizing the use of generative AI. Some experts believe that the CIO (Chief Information Officer) should oversee this crucial role, while others think it should fall to a Chief Data Officer. Meanwhile, the role of AI Director (CAIO) is gaining popularity, with key responsibilities such as governance, security, and identifying AI use cases.

ZDNET reported last year that 60% of companies already have a CAIO, and an additional 26% plan to appoint one this year. This trend underscores the growing importance of AI in the modern business world. However, not everyone believes that a dedicated CAIO is the ideal solution for the challenges associated with AI.

A Collaborative Approach

Kirsty Roth, Chief Operating Officer and Technology Director at Thomson Reuters, has a different approach. Her organization does not have a CAIO, as she believes that AI should be integrated into all aspects of the business. Roth acknowledges that the increasing importance of AI requires a senior person to ensure that requests for emerging technologies are managed effectively.

This vision is shared by Barry Panayi, Group Chief Data Officer at Howden. He explained that his company has created a dedicated role for a Director of AI Productivity, a specialist who sits between Panayi's data organization and the IT department. This creates a strong collaborative interface with the rest of the company.

Why Your Company Needs a Director of AI Productivity

Connecting Everyone

Many people in other business units are often confused about the different roles of technology and data teams. Barry Panayi, who joined Howden last August, decided to address this issue. "These tools are new enough that we need people to help with their adoption," he stated. He emphasized the importance of a clear line between technology and data roles to avoid disagreements that could complicate the use of the tools.

Ensuring Asset Utilization

The role of the Director of AI Productivity at Howden is to ensure that everyone is effectively using enterprise-level generative AI services. "I see it as a way to optimize technology and tools," Panayi said. He mentioned that the company uses tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, and Claude, and managing their effective use is a challenge, especially with over 20,000 employees in 55 countries.

Focusing on Competitive Advantage

The Director of AI Productivity collaborates with Howden's IT team to ensure that employees understand which tools are available for their work tasks. "Making sure everyone uses these tools is not a data issue, but a technology one," he noted. This approach allows the data team to focus on high-value projects for the company while leveraging proprietary data and models to maintain a competitive edge.