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Greg Ombach, Head of Disruptive Research & Technology, Senior Vice President at Airbus.
Corporate boards face increasingly complex challenges that traditional governance models often struggle to address. Having worked across the automotive, consumer electronics and aerospace industries, I have seen how board demands have expanded beyond traditional responsibilities.
As a chairman, board member and advisor to organizations ranging from startups to publicly listed corporations, I have experienced firsthand the importance of balancing agility with long-term strategy, particularly in managing the disruptive forces of AI and technology. These insights highlight the need to embed adaptability and innovation into governance frameworks to drive sustained success.
GenAI has emerged as a solution capable of equipping boards with tools to process vast data, uncover actionable insights and support forward-looking decision-making. By integrating AI into governance, boards can transition from reactive governance—responding to crises as they arise—to proactive leadership that anticipates challenges and identifies opportunities with greater precision.
AI’s advanced data processing capabilities can also reveal complex dependencies and provide a more comprehensive understanding of interconnected factors, surpassing the limitations of traditional decision-making approaches. However, making sure these benefits are achieved requires a strategic framework.
Harnessing AI For Decision-Making And Risk Management
Traditional decision-making methods rely on experience, intuition and limited information. AI, on the other hand, can simulate multiple scenarios, allowing boards to evaluate potential outcomes and make more data-driven decisions.
Risk management is another area where AI is reshaping governance. AI can enhance resilience by detecting cybersecurity threats and monitoring compliance risks in real time. Integrating AI into risk frameworks enables boards to identify emerging threats early and respond proactively, safeguarding organizations from reputational and financial harm. AI also allows for continuous oversight, helping boards adapt to changing regulatory and market requirements, particularly in highly regulated industries.
Real-world applications further illustrate AI’s role in governance. Deep Knowledge Ventures appointed Vital, an AI-driven agent, to support investment decisions in life sciences. Similarly, Tieto introduced Alicia T., an AI-powered “member” of its leadership team, contributing strategic recommendations based on data analysis.
Beyond agents, AI tools can automate key board processes such as agenda preparation and document summarization, allowing leadership to focus on high-value strategic discussions.
Building An AI-Ready Governance Framework
To harness AI’s potential, boards must modernize governance structures to address AI’s unique risks and opportunities.
Create an AI oversight committee.
In the early stage of technology implementation, establishing a central AI oversight committee ensures that AI initiatives align with organizational goals, regulatory requirements and ethical considerations. A multifunctional AI oversight team composed of strategy, business and IT experts reporting to the board provides visibility across AI projects and ensures alignment across the company. This centralized approach helps prevent fragmentation, support collaboration and integrate AI applications into broader corporate objectives.
Recognizing the risks associated with generative AI, governance structures have evolved by creating additional trustworthy AI steering committees. These committees play a central role in AI strategy, risk assessment and compliance, evaluating AI portfolios to ensure they meet ethical guidelines and industry regulations. Such frameworks allow organizations to anticipate AI risks and integrate innovations responsibly.
Ensure the ethical use of AI.
Ethical AI adoption is a critical area of oversight. AI systems must be developed and implemented with a strong focus on fairness and transparency. Governance frameworks should ensure bias-free data use, assess deployment environments carefully and verify that AI applications do not infringe upon humanitarian laws. Boards should establish AI ethics review processes and mandate impact assessments to safeguard against unintended consequences.
Foster education and upskilling.
AI literacy is essential for directors to oversee AI integration effectively. Continuous education ensures that board members stay informed of AI’s capabilities, risks and evolving regulatory landscapes. Many organizations, including mine, have integrated AI learning into corporate training strategies, rolling out AI literacy courses recommended for employees at all levels. Such initiatives foster a deeper understanding of AI, ensuring that leadership is equipped to engage strategically and responsibly with AI.
An effective AI governance framework enables boards to navigate AI’s complexities while leveraging its strategic advantages. By implementing strong oversight, adopting responsible AI guidelines, ensuring ethical AI deployment and fostering continuous education, boards can position their organizations for sustainable, high-impact AI adoption. AI is not just an operational tool but a transformative force in corporate governance. Organizations that master AI governance today will lead the future of business innovation and accountability.
The Future Of AI In Governance
AI will continue reshaping governance, transforming how boards operate and make decisions. While AI tools will not replace human directors, they will become indispensable as collaborative advisors—AI agents.
The early experiences of Vital and Alicia T. demonstrate how AI can provide data-driven insights, enhance discussions and optimize governance. Board management software such as OnBoard highlights AI’s operational benefits, streamlining administrative processes so directors can focus on strategy and innovation.
This transformation allows boards to move beyond compliance-driven governance and embrace a model centered on creativity, adaptability and foresight. AI integration can help foster a culture of experimentation, innovation and collaboration, driving long-term value creation. It can also strengthen partnerships with external ecosystems, such as startups and research institutions, bringing fresh perspectives and technological advancements that support governance transformation.
Redefining Governance With AI
With its capacity to enhance decision-making, optimize processes and bolster risk management, AI has become an asset for many boards navigating a landscape of rapid transformation and constant evolution. However, leveraging AI effectively requires more than integrating new technologies; it calls for fundamentally rethinking governance structures, board dynamics and organizational mindset.
As boards integrate AI into their strategies and frameworks, considering the key steps above can help ensure their organizations remain resilient, accountable and future-ready. AI is not a replacement for human judgment but an amplifier of it, empowering boards to make better decisions and lead with confidence.
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