Latest news with #digital transformation
The Australian
2 days ago
- Business
- The Australian
AI elephant in the boardroom: future workforce is here
There's an elephant in the boardroom. It's not politely waiting for your digital transformation strategy. It's already reshaping how work gets done, who does it, and what 'a job' even means. That elephant is artificial intelligence. While most leaders are fixated on generative tools and productivity boosts, few are confronting the deeper workforce transformation under way. AI is not just a technology shift. It's a workforce reckoning and for many leadership teams, it's still sitting in the too-hard basket. But the future has already arrived. The apprentice model is breaking Our traditional model of career development — learning by doing, gradually gaining experience and judgment — is under threat. Junior roles are often the first to be automated. In law, AI now summarises case law and drafts contracts, work previously done by graduates. In accounting and consulting, it automates reconciliations, analysis, and reporting. If AI does the 'doing,' how do emerging professionals learn? We continue to prepare workers for roles that may soon be obsolete, while under-investing in the capabilities humans will need most in an AI-enabled world: judgment, adaptability, ethical reasoning, creativity and critical thinking. These skills are essential to critique, shape and responsibly integrate AI into our world. Dr Kellie Nuttall is AI Institute Leader at Deloitte Australia Without redesign, we risk a generation of leaders who've never developed the judgment to lead. Doctors, for example, may become passive interpreters of AI diagnostics, unable to navigate the complex decisions patient care demands. This shift isn't limited to medicine or law. Even some of the world's leading AI companies are hiring fewer traditional tech grads. Why? Because the skillset that matters most in an agentic AI world isn't just code — it's systems thinking, strategic reasoning, and the ability to work across disciplines. It's many AIs per role — not one per person A single AI agent may not replace a human job, but a team of agents working together can come close. For example, a marketing co-ordinator role could be handled by five AI agents managing copywriting, campaign scheduling, data reporting, customer segmentation, and workflow orchestration. In finance, AI agents could process sales end-to-end — validating transactions, recording them in accounts, reconciling data, monitoring compliance, and generating reports. We might start the journey with one human worker replaced by a digital one, but behind that 'one' will be an ecosystem of agents. Suddenly, the whole notion of traditional organisational structures needs to be rethought entirely. 'New jobs will emerge' is not a strategy We often hear that, like the Industrial Revolution, new roles will appear. That may be true. But what are they? Who will be qualified for them? How will people be trained to do them? And what's our plan to ensure they're accessible beyond the digitally elite? This isn't just a technology conversation — it's a leadership one. The companies gaining ground aren't just investing in tools. They're empowering business leaders to challenge long-held assumptions, redesign jobs, and reimagine how value is created. If you're serious about leading through this transformation, start by scenario planning for radically different futures, including one where digital labour represents potentially more than 30 per cent of your workforce. The best way to assess your level of preparedness is to ask what your plan is if your current organisational design no longer serves you or what leadership and team structure looks like when AI agents are your middle managers. You might also think about how you could protect and enhance human judgment in the areas where it matters most and how your revenue model will adapt in this new landscape. Once that's accomplished you should look to build a human capability roadmap. Shift your focus from training people to compete with AI to helping them augment it. Invest in creativity, emotional intelligence, complex decision-making, systems thinking – the skills machines can't replicate. Simultaneously, to keep up with the pace of change, you need to go beyond using AI in fragmented ways. Don't just pilot tech — prototype the future of work. Embed AI agents into real workflows. Learn where they shine, where they fail, and what it takes to scale. And don't forget to use AI personally so you truly understand what you're dealing with. Learning by doing is the only way to stay ahead. The AI elephant isn't looming in the distance. It's already sitting at the boardroom table, quietly rewriting your workforce strategy. The organisations that thrive next won't be the ones who talk about AI. They'll be the ones who act with urgency, clarity and imagination. Because if you're not actively reshaping your workforce for this new reality, you're not leading into the future. You're watching it unfold without you. Dr Kellie Nuttall is AI Institute Leader at Deloitte Australia. Stephen Gustafson is CFO Program Leader at Deloitte Australia. - Disclaimer This publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this publication. About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ('DTTL'), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. Please see to learn more. Copyright © 2025 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. -
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
stc Bahrain lands first Bahraini submarine cable system
MANAMA - stc Bahrain has announced that the 2Africa cable system - Pearls, the world's longest submarine cable, has successfully landed in Bahrain, marking a significant milestone in global connectivity. With a US$205 million investment in 2Africa Pearls submarine cable system, this massive lift up in international connectivity towards Bahrain will reinforce the Kingdom as a powerful ICT hub, speeding up digital transformation across connected countries, attracting significant international investment opportunities, creating jobs and boosting innovation across sectors. Spanning 45,000 km with a massive 180 terabits per second design capacity, the 2Africa submarine cable will enable faster adoption of new technologies and digital solutions, according to the Bahrain News Agency. With the landing of 2Africa Pearls submarine cable system, the cable's massive capacity and low latency will serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth in emerging technologies like 5G, AI, and IoT, providing the essential infrastructure needed to support data-intensive applications and services.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
HBMSU's Board of Trustees discusses updates to the organizational structure
Dubai, UAE: The Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University held its fourth meeting for the 2024/2025 academic year, chaired by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board, and attended by esteemed board members. During the meeting, the Board reviewed the progress of previous decisions and discussed the development of the tasks of its subcommittees to enhance the effectiveness of the Board's work. The proposed organizational structure was also reviewed, aiming to improve operational efficiency and align the administrative framework with the University's new strategic vision—reflecting its growth as a leading destination in smart learning and digital transformation. The Board also approved the final plan regarding the date and venue of the upcoming graduation ceremony. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer emphasized the importance of keeping pace with rapid developments in smart education and reinforcing the University's position as a global leader in smart learning and innovation. He highlighted the need to adopt artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies within a fully integrated digital learning environment, and to strengthen international partnerships with leading universities and research institutions—enhancing the quality of academic programs and enabling learners to excel globally. He noted that the accelerated global transformations, particularly in the field of technology, require universities to adopt flexible operational models and structures that facilitate faster, data-driven decision-making. His Excellency added: 'This meeting marks an important milestone to assess progress, enhance academic excellence initiatives, and drive digital transformation in alignment with our wise leadership's aspirations for the future of education.' He also reaffirmed the Board's commitment to developing a flexible educational ecosystem powered by AI and advanced technologies, ensuring the sustainability of excellence and strengthening the University's reputation locally and internationally. For his part, His Excellency Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of the University, stressed the importance of continuing to build effective strategic partnerships and adopting global best practices in higher education. He reaffirmed that innovation and quality remain the two main pillars driving the University's journey toward realizing its future vision.
Emirates 24/7
6 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Tahnoon bin Zayed chairs ADQ Board of Directors meeting
H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Member of the Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs (SCFEA), has chaired the board meeting of ADQ. Sheikh Tahnoon commended ADQ's continued efforts to strengthen the foundations of economic resilience and sustainable development, in line with the wise vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, while also recognising ADQ's role in supporting the country's digital transformation and economic diversification through investments and strategic partnerships across global markets. During the meeting, the board reviewed ADQ's financial performance for Q1 2025, which remains on a strong growth trajectory. The board was also presented with a comprehensive summary of key transactions from the last quarter, including ADQ's acquisition of Aramex through a successful voluntary tender offer, subject to successful completion of the transaction. Aramex will form an integral part of ADQ's Transport and Logistics cluster, offering end-to-end supply chain integration and management while complementing existing investments within the cluster. The board was also briefed on the strategic significance of the US$25 billion investment partnership with Energy Capital Partners, the largest private owner of power generation and renewables in the US, which aims to develop new power generation infrastructure across the US. These projects are intended to meet the growing power demands of data centres driven by the proliferation of AI, while supporting the expansion of the country's broader energy infrastructure. Other notable milestones included the launch of Gridora, a joint venture established in April by ADQ, IHC, and Modon Holding to drive infrastructure development through private and public-private partnerships. Operating under Modon Holding, Gridora will collaborate with specialist partners and capital providers to deliver large-scale, high-impact infrastructure projects. During the same month, ADQ, IHC, and First Abu Dhabi Bank announced plans to launch a dirham-backed stablecoin, fully regulated by the UAE Central Bank. The stablecoin aims to simplify payments and business transactions locally and globally, reinforcing the UAE's position as a fintech leader and enhancing its digital infrastructure. In May, ADQ successfully completed its third debt capital markets issuance, launching a US$2 billion dual-tranche bond to diversify its funding sources and enhance its financial resilience. The proceeds provide growth capital for projects aligned with ADQ's long-term strategy. The issuance accomplished broad institutional distribution from major investors across Asia, the US, the Middle East, UK and Europe and was oversubscribed by more than 3.5 times, reflecting strong investor confidence in ADQ's credit fundamentals and long-term value proposition. The board was also updated on the progress of ADQ's contribution to the UAE's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 as well as Abu Dhabi's agenda in these areas. In addition to other relevant initiatives, ADQ has launched the Sprint AI programme which is aimed at driving innovation, digital transformation and AI adoption. The programme encompasses three key pillars: pillar 1 will support the development of advanced data infrastructure, governance, and analytics capabilities; pillar 2 will facilitate artificial intelligence research, adoption, and commercialisation across key sectors; pillar 3 will mobilise the development of innovative proof-of-concept solutions and pilot projects. By strategically deploying this funding, Sprint AI will enable ADQ's portfolio companies to bring groundbreaking technologies and practices to their operations, strengthening the future-readiness and resilience of ADQ's portfolio. First adopters include Silal, AD Ports Group and Agthia Group. The board was also updated on key achievements across ADQ's portfolio. In Energy and Utilities, TAQA and EWEC agreed to develop new energy infrastructure aligned with the UAE's National Strategy for AI 2031 and Net Zero 2050 goals. As part of this, TAQA signed a 24-year power purchase agreement with EWEC to develop the one-gigawatt Al Dhafra open-cycle gas turbine project. In Food and Agriculture, Silal signed a strategic partnership with Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group to build a 100,000 sqm agritech hub in Al Ain Region. The facility will leverage AI and robotics to boost efficiency and drive sustainable innovation in agriculture. In ADQ's Sustainable Manufacturing cluster, EMSTEEL, one of the largest steel manufacturers in the UAE, partnered with MediSun Energy, a brine management company, to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative in the UAE that will transform desalination brine into renewable blue energy and magnesium carbonate. The project aligns with the UAE's goals for innovation, decarbonisation, and resource efficiency. During the meeting, the board members leveraged the latest version of ADQ's AI Board advisor that integrates multiple AI tools to support decision-making. Built on ADQ's extensive knowledge base, the AI Board advisor provides expert insights and strategic recommendations to guide board discussions. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said, 'Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ADQ continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi's economic resilience through targeted investments in high-impact infrastructure and strategic supply chains. The milestones achieved over the past quarter reflect our commitment to reinforcing the very foundations on which our emirate is built, while driving the continued growth of key economic sectors and creating commercial value for our shareholder.' The board reaffirmed its commitment to advancing ADQ's role as a strategic enabler of Abu Dhabi's economic diversification and global competitiveness. The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Mohamed Mubarak Fadel Al Mazrouei, Dr Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed Al Hamed and Kaj-Erik Relander. 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Globe and Mail
06-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Apexon Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Executive Appointments
SANTA CLARA, Calif. and SUNDERLAND, England and AHMEDABAD, India , May 6, 2025 /CNW/ -- Apexon, a technology services firm specializing in engineering intelligent enterprises, today announced the appointment of Justin Marcucci as President and Bhavesh Mehta as Chief Delivery Officer (CDO). , as President, will lead Apexon's commercial organization, driving the company's revenue strategy and global sales while strengthening client relationships, alliances, and marketing initiatives. Justin brings over 25 years of international experience in driving transformational growth across digital products, services, and strategy consulting. Prior to joining Apexon, he served as Chief Digital Officer and Managing Director at Endava, where he played a key role in shaping global digital growth. He led North American and global industry P&Ls, established a close-to-client strategy and consulting organization, and transformed customer experiences for Fortune 500 clients. Justin was also instrumental in guiding Endava through its successful IPO on the New York Stock Exchange in 2018. Earlier in his career, Justin founded and led Nickelfish, a US-based digital agency delivering transformative solutions to global enterprises, which Endava later acquired. Bhavesh Mehta joins Apexon as Chief Delivery Officer. In this role, he will lead Apexon's global delivery organization, advancing our AI-led engineering excellence, driving transformational initiatives, and fostering a culture of technology innovation to ensure client success. A distinguished leader, Bhavesh brings a wealth of experience in strategy, innovation, and large-scale digital transformation. He has held senior leadership roles at Eviden (part of Atos Group) and Capgemini earlier, including Deputy Chief Customer Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Head of Delivery and Business Unit Head. With extensive global experience of leading teams across the US, UK, Europe , and APAC, he has a strong track record of driving efficiency and innovation at scale. His expertise spans strengthening client partnerships and leading strategic programs across BFSI, Healthcare, and other industries. Throughout his career, Bhavesh has focused on delivering value by advancing delivery models and enhancing productivity through automation, process improvements, and right-shoring strategies. "We are delighted to welcome Justin and Bhavesh to Apexon as we strengthen our leadership team for the next phase of growth," said Sriniketh Chakravarthi, Chief Executive Officer, Apexon. "As we enter a pivotal stage in our growth journey, their expertise in business expansion, digital transformation, and operational excellence will be instrumental in driving our next phase of innovation and success. Justin's proven ability to build trusted client partnerships and Bhavesh's track record in operational rigor and AI-led delivery will accelerate our ability to engineer intelligent enterprises at scale, unlock new growth opportunities, and deliver greater value to our clients worldwide." "I am excited to join Apexon at this pivotal juncture," said Justin Marcucci . "Apexon's focus on engineering intelligent enterprises through advanced digital capabilities aligns with my passion for leveraging technology to drive meaningful and positive outcomes for our clients, their customers, and their businesses overall. I look forward to working with our teams to seize growth opportunities and help clients stay ahead in an era defined by rapid technological evolution." "Apexon's focus on client success and engineering brilliance is truly inspiring," said Bhavesh Mehta . "I look forward to leading our global delivery strategy, accelerate transformational initiatives, and embedding technology-driven efficiencies that deliver real value to our customers. Together, we'll raise the bar on delivery excellence and ensure our customers are ready for whatever the future holds." About Apexon Apexon is a technology services firm specializing in accelerating business transformation and engineering intelligent enterprises. For over two decades, the company has been meeting clients wherever they are in the digital lifecycle and helping them outperform their competition through speed and innovation. Its reputation is built on a comprehensive suite of engineering services, a dedication to solving clients' toughest technology problems, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The company focuses on three broad solution areas of digital services: Digital Experience, Data Services, and Digital Engineering and has deep expertise in BFSI, healthcare, and life sciences. Apexon is backed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Everstone Capital. Learn more at
