Didem Un Ates

Didem Un Ates is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence, technology, and transformation, known for her expertise in AI/Gen AI strategy. Her unique blend of strategic, operational, and business development skills has positioned her as a leader in fostering innovation and transformation. As the Vice President of AI Strategy and Innovation at Schneider Electric, Didem was at the forefront of implementing responsible AI across the company’s vast 130,000-employee network. Today, Didem is a Value Accelerator Senior Operating Advisor of Asset Management and a Member of the AI/Generative AI Council for Goldman Sachs – having also become the Founder and Chief Executive of LOTUSAI to further her advisory to Goldman Sachs. Her insights and experiences are now enriching a wide array of events, focusing on diversity, inclusion, responsible AI, and human-centric AI.

A luminary in the fields of data, AI, and the metaverse, Didem holds an MBA from Columbia Business School. Her career trajectory includes significant roles at CapGemini and Motorola, leading to her joining Microsoft as Business Development Lead in 2012. Her journey through various departments at Microsoft culminated in her role as Head of Applied Strategy for Data & AI at Microsoft. Here, she co-created and managed the Metaverse for Education Co-Innovation Program and played a critical role in the operationalisation of responsible AI across 120,000 employees. Her efforts were instrumental in driving Microsoft’s growth, contributing to an impressive £3.5 billion in revenue.

Didem’s commitment to inclusivity in technology and AI is evident through her role as Founder of the Microsoft ‘Girls in AI’ Hackathon and Bootcamp, which she continues to lead. Her dedication has been recognised with numerous accolades, such as the 2022 Microsoft Rise Award, the Dublin Tech Summit Diversity Role Model award, and being a finalist for the 2022 WomenTech Network Global AI Inclusion Award. Her inclusion in the Trailblazer50 list further underscores her prowess in the field. She has also recently become a Board Member of the tinyML Foundation.

In addition to her role at Schneider Electric, Didem has served as Managing Director of Data and AI at Accenture. She is a respected member of the WEF AI Governance Alliance and the Forbes Technology Council, leveraging these platforms to champion a future shaped by responsible AI. With over 25 years of experience as an innovation strategist, business developer, project manager, and consultant, Didem’s achievements are unparalleled. Booking Didem Un Ates for a technology and AI-related event guarantees an enriching, informative, and inspiring experience for the audience, showcasing her as a true visionary in her field.

In January 2024 we sat down virtually with Didem Un Ates and discussed future technologies and how companies can introduce AI into everyday practices. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Didem Un Ates here.