Liverpool Appoints IBM Veteran to Lead AI Task Force

The Liverpool City Region has appointed Nicola Hodson, former chief executive of IBM UK & Ireland, as chair of its new AI Task Force. The group will advise on how to use artificial intelligence across the economy and public services in the city region.

The 15-strong task force includes leaders from AI research, healthcare, digital skills, government, business, accessibility, law, digital transformation, and workforce development. They will work alongside Chief AI Officer Tiffany St James, who joined the Combined Authority last year as the UK's first regional Chief AI Officer.

Mayor Steve Rotheram said: 'I am thrilled to have Nicola on board to lead this exceptional group of people.' He added that he wants the Liverpool City Region to be at the forefront of the AI for Good movement, and that Hodson will play a crucial role in helping them navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The task force has been given a broad remit to advise on the development and use of AI to support economic growth, improve public services, and deliver benefits for the city region's 1.6 million residents.