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Leadership & Governance

The people convening the Forum.

GAIL Forum is led by a group of Directors General, guided by an independent Advisory Council, and run by an executive Secretariat. Together they work with governments, industry, and researchers to foster international collaboration and accelerate responsible AI adoption.

Directors General

Strategic leadership across the Forum.

Select a name to read the full profile.

Nicholas Johnson

Director General · GAIL Forum CEO, Heisenberg Institute for AI & Quantum Computing

Nicholas provides strategic leadership for the Forum’s global initiatives, partnerships, and long-term vision. At the Heisenberg Institute he leads work in AI education, executive development, applied research, AI governance, and AI security — helping enterprises and public-sector organisations prepare for the next generation of artificial intelligence through practical education and responsible innovation.

A graduate of MIT with postgraduate study at Caltech specialising in artificial intelligence and machine learning, he works closely with governments, industry, and researchers to advance international collaboration on responsible AI.

Aiden Smith

Director General · GAIL Forum CEO, AI Business Magazine

Aiden specialises in enterprise AI strategy, executive leadership, and digital transformation. Throughout his career he has advised organisations on integrating artificial intelligence into business operations while balancing innovation, governance, and measurable business value.

Within GAIL Forum he oversees enterprise engagement, executive communities, strategic partnerships, and initiatives that help business leaders navigate a rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Michael Rieder

Director General · GAIL Forum CEO, Tech AI Magazine

With an extensive background in technology publishing and digital media, Michael is dedicated to making artificial intelligence accessible to professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and business leaders worldwide. Under his leadership Tech AI Magazine has become a trusted source for practical AI insights, emerging technologies, startup innovation, and industry trends.

At GAIL Forum he leads global communications, editorial strategy, knowledge dissemination, and international engagement initiatives that connect AI leaders across industries.

Andrea Glenn

Director General · GAIL Forum CEO, Talendium AI

With expertise in AI talent development, workforce transformation, and future-of-work strategies, Andrea focuses on helping organisations build the skills, leadership, and organisational capabilities required for the AI era.

At GAIL Forum she leads initiatives in AI workforce development, leadership programmes, and cross-sector collaboration, supporting organisations as they prepare for the next generation of intelligent technologies.

Advisory Council

Independent counsel on responsible AI.

The Advisory Council provides neutral, cross-sector guidance on the Forum’s research, convenings, and governance.

Dr. Sarah Thompson

Chairperson · Advisory Council

Dr. Sarah Thompson is an internationally respected leadership executive with over 30 years of experience in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and corporate innovation. She has advised governments, multinational corporations, and international organizations on AI strategy, technology governance, and digital public policy.

As Chairperson of the Advisory Council, she provides strategic oversight and helps shape GAIL Forum’s long-term vision and global partnerships.

Prof. David Chen

Vice Chair · Advisory Council

Prof. David Chen is a leading academic and researcher specializing in trustworthy artificial intelligence, machine learning, and AI governance. His work has influenced international research collaborations, public policy discussions, and industry best practices.

As Vice Chair, he supports GAIL Forum’s research agenda and strengthens collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers.

Emma Rodriguez

Advisory Council Member

Emma Rodriguez is a global business leader with extensive experience in enterprise technology, digital transformation, and organizational change. Having led major transformation programs across multinational enterprises, she advises organizations on innovation strategy, operational excellence, and technology adoption.

Within GAIL Forum, she contributes expertise in enterprise leadership and large-scale AI implementation.

Rajesh Kapoor

Advisory Council Member

Rajesh Kapoor is a technology entrepreneur, investor, and strategic advisor with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and emerging technologies. He has supported numerous startups and innovation initiatives while advising organizations on technology strategy and digital growth.

His expertise helps GAIL Forum bridge the gap between innovation, entrepreneurship, and enterprise adoption.

Secretariat

The team that keeps the Forum running.

The Secretariat coordinates the Forum’s programmes, research, partnerships, and communications.

Dr. Sofia Lindberg

Executive Director · GAIL Forum Policy & Governance

Dr. Sofia Lindberg leads GAIL Forum’s policy, governance, and international cooperation initiatives. With deep expertise in AI ethics, regulatory frameworks, and responsible innovation, she works closely with governments, regulatory bodies, and global institutions to promote trustworthy and accountable AI.

Ahmed Al Mansoori

Executive Director · GAIL Forum Government & Strategic Partnerships

Ahmed Al Mansoori oversees government engagement and strategic partnerships across GAIL Forum’s regional and international initiatives. With significant experience in digital government transformation and national AI strategies, he plays a key role in strengthening collaboration between the public sector, industry, and academia.

Jennifer Williams

Executive Director · GAIL Forum Enterprise Programs

Jennifer Williams leads GAIL Forum’s enterprise engagement and executive programs. A former Fortune 500 executive with extensive experience in business transformation and technology leadership, she works with industry leaders to develop initiatives that accelerate responsible AI adoption across organizations worldwide.

Prof. Kenji Nakamura

Executive Director · GAIL Forum Research & Innovation

Prof. Kenji Nakamura oversees GAIL Forum’s research collaborations, innovation programs, and technology initiatives. His expertise spans machine learning, autonomous systems, and AI commercialization, enabling the Forum to connect cutting-edge research with practical business and societal applications.

Join the community

Convened by leaders, for leaders.

GAIL Forum welcomes organisations and leaders committed to advancing responsible AI through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and meaningful action.

Request Membership → About the Forum

Membership is primarily by invitation to ensure trusted peer engagement.