Didem Un Ates is a pioneer when it comes to AI/Gen AI strategy, having mastered how to combine strategic, operational and business development skills that facilitate innovation and transformation. Formerly the Vice President of AI Strategy and Innovation at Schneider Electric, Didem is now spearheading responsible AI operationalisation as a Value Accelerator Senior Operating Advisor of Asset Management and Member of the AI/Generative AI Council for Goldman Sachs. She is now available to speak at a wide range of events on diversity, inclusion, responsible AI and human-centric AI.
A global data, AI and metaverse leader today, Didem’s educational qualifications include an MBA from Columbia Business School. After working with a myriad of leading organisations such as CapGemini and Motorola, Didem joined as Microsoft’s Business Development Lead in 2012. After working across numerous factions of Microsoft, she assumed the position of Head of Applied Strategy for Data & AI at Microsoft. In this role she co-created and oversaw the organisation’s Metaverse for Education Co-Innovation Program, handling the operationalisation of responsible AI across 120,000 employees. Her supreme efforts resulted in Microsoft’s growth in every aspect, including £3.5 billion in revenue.
Didem is particularly driven to make the field of technology and AI as inclusive as can be, and there founded the Microsoft ‘Girls in AI’ Hackathon and Bootcamp, which she continues to spearhead. She has a variety of accolades to her name, including the 2022 Microsoft Rise Award and the Dublin Tech Summit Diversity Role Model award. She was also a finalist for the 2022 WomenTech Network Global AI Inclusion Award and was included in the Trailblazer50 list. These achievements are a testament to her prowess in the field.
Other key roles Didem has held include serving as the Managing Director of Data and AI at Accenture. She is an esteemed member of the WEF AI Governance Alliance and the Forbes Technology Council and uses her platform to enable a future with responsible AI. Most recently, Didem joined Goldman Sachs as a Value Accelerator, partnering with 300+ Goldman Sachs portfolio companies to build enduring businesses. She has also become the Founder and Chief Executive of LOTUSAI, an AI and GenAI consulting firm to advise Goldman Sachs. Didem has also recently become a Board Member of the tinyML Foundation.
With over 25 years of experience as an innovation strategist, business developer, project manager and consultant, there are few as accomplished as Didem. You are sure to leave your audience better informed and inspired when you book Didem Un Ates for your next technology and AI related event.
In December 2023 we sat down virtually with Didem Un Ates and discussed her favourite future technologies and how companies can introduce AI into everyday practices. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Didem Un Ates.
How to hire Didem Un Ates
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Didem Un Ates for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"The event went very well thanks. Didem was a tremendously engaging speaker, incredibly knowledgeable and credible in her areas of expertise and has a great way to simplify and give context to very complex topics. She shared some great examples of her work which resonated well with the audience, and took time to answer questions at the end. It was an excellent experience for our guests. She was everything we hoped for as a first-class speaker." - OVH Cloud
- 2024 - Board Member of the tinyML Foundation
- 2023 - Founder & Chief Executive of LOTUSAI Ltd
- 2023 - Value Accelerator Senior Operating Advisor of Asset Management & AI/Generative AI Council Member for Goldman Sachs
- 2023 - Vice President, AI Strategy & Innovation, Schneider Electric
- 2022 - WomenTech Network Global AI Inclusion Award Finalist
- 2021 - Head of Applied Strategy, Data & AI, Chief Data Office, Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions
- 2021 - Included in Trailblazer50
- 2020 - Member of the Forbes Technology Council
- 2020 - Managing Director of Data & AI, Accenture
- 2019 - Senior Director of AI Customer and Partner Engagement, Microsoft Cloud & AI
- 2019 - Named Dublin Tech Summit ‘Diversity Role Model’
- 2019 - Recognised as a WomeninTech100 Champion
- 2018 - Founder of Microsoft's 'Girls in AI' Hackathon & Bootcamps
- 2017 - Senior Director, Customer Care Intelligence, Microsoft AI & Research
- 2014 - Director of Partnerships & Startup Success, Microsoft Ventures and Accelerators
- Member of the WEF AI Governance Alliance, TechWomen100 Champion, and Trailblazer 50