Marking the next stage of its growth, UKAI is proud to announce the appointment of three founding members to its Advisory Board; former Shadow Secretary of State, Thangam Debbonaire, former Minister of State for AI, Matt Warman and digital expert Amir Malik. These well known figures from across the political spectrum, bring significant expertise and extensive networks in the AI sector and across government, ensuring that UKAI’s work is guided by strategic insight and informed by deep connections across policy and industry. The Advisory Board will play a crucial role in shaping UKAI’s vision, advising its executive team and amplifying its impact as it champions the UK’s AI sector. The current executive team comprises co-founders, Tim Flagg, Ben Howlett and Dominic Endicott who bring together the business, government and investor communities, respectively. 

Thangam Debbonaire was Labour Member of Parliament for Bristol West and Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Commenting on her appointment to the Advisory Board, Thangam said,  

“AI is a big part of our present and an even bigger part of our future, as individuals, as a country and as a world. I’m delighted to have been invited to join UKAI as an advisor, and help to make AI a force for good in our lives and the world.“

Matt Warman was the Conservative Member of Parliament for Boston and Skegness and was Minister of State at the Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport between 2022 and 2024. Highlighting the timeliness of UKAI’s launch, Matt said, 

“Britain’s on the cusp of an AI revolution – UKAI serves as a powerful voice for the industry to speak to government, investors and the public.” 

Amir Malik is Global Managing Director of Digital Transformation & AI at Alvarez and Marsal, specialising in the targeted application of AI and emerging technologies. Prior to A&M, Amir led Accenture’s Digital Transformation and Data-Driven Marketing practice and was formerly at Google and Microsoft. Speaking about the unique opportunity for the UK to lead in AI, Amir added, 

“By leveraging its heritage as a world leader in technology innovation, capitalising on its booming AI start up industry and underlining its reputation for pioneering regulatory fairness, the UK has the trifecta of capabilities required to lead the charge on AI.” 

Speaking at the UKAI event at the House of Lords earlier this week, Tim Flagg, COO of UKAI said, 

“I’m excited to welcome Thangam, Matt and Amir to the advisory board, bringing substantial expertise, insights and contacts to help us achieve those objectives.”