Didem Un Ates

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. Currently the Vice President of AI Strategy and Innovation at Schneider Electric, Didem is spearheading responsible AI operationalisation across the 130,000-employee organisation. 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 included in the Trailblazer50 list. These achievements are 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. 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.