Economist Impact Announces the 5th annual Business Innovation Summit along with AI for CFOs in London

London, February 18th 2025 — Economist Impact is pleased to announce the 5th edition of the Business Innovation Summit along with AI for CFOs summit, returning to Convene, 155 Bishopsgate, London, on March 25th-26th 2025. 

The Business Innovation Summit will examine getting the balance right on automation versus human labour, the role of agents and how to ensure companies are “AI-ready” to harness their internal data to improve workflows, and how to avoid corporate disasters from AI run amok.

This year, the Business Innovation Summit will be a two-day event, co-located with the AI for CFOs summit. Together, these events will bring business leaders and innovators together to explore how to innovate and seize growth opportunities with AI and other emerging technologies.

Five years of innovation and insight
The Business Innovation Summit has established itself as a premier forum for executives, technology leaders, and policymakers to explore the convergence of AI, technology, and business strategy. Each year, the summit has grown, attracting an expanding community of industry leaders eager to shape the future of innovation. This year’s 5th edition promises to be the most impactful yet, with a focus on how frontier technologies enhance corporate performance and improve business strategies.

Introducing AI for CFOs Summit

Due to significant interest, this event will incorporate the inaugural AI for CFOs summit on March 25th. The programme will explore how AI can improve corporate performance with real-time insights and anomaly detection. More than 50 expert speakers will explore how the technology enhances forecasting and how it may automate compliance and auditing to reduce errors. As cybersecurity risks intensify, learn how to avoid corporate disasters caused by AI.

Attendees can connect with CFOs and finance leaders from major companies to discover how AI is shaping the CFO’s role and creating business value.

From AI to ROI
Day two on March 26th will focus on the full lifecycle of AI deployment—from early-stage adoption to scaling for real-world impact. Attendees will gain insight into the strategies that drive AI success, focusing on quantifying AI’s financial and operational impact while avoiding common pitfalls.

The theme for day two is “From AI to ROI,” with a programme which will dive deep into how organisations can maximise their AI investments and build a solid roadmap for long-term growth. Sessions will cover key topics including workforce transformation, AI-driven productivity, and balancing automation with human ingenuity.

Key highlights from past editions
The Business Innovation Summit has consistently delivered outstanding value in previous years, attracting hundreds of cross-industry leaders from Fortune 500 companies, global startups, and tech giants. Past events have featured transformative discussions with top-tier speakers, and this year’s summit is no exception. With more than 600 senior decision-makers expected in attendance, the event will continue to be a pivotal gathering for professionals looking to innovate and lead with AI and other emerging technologies.

Distinguished speakers and thought leaders
Business Innovation Summit will feature over 80 technology, data and operations leaders, including:

    • Angela Byrne, interim chief executive, Retail Banking, NatWest
    • Brian Higgins, chief customer experience officer, Verizon Consumer
    • Loretta Franks, chief data and analytics officer, Kellanova
    • Aneesh Raman, chief economic opportunity officer, LinkedIn
    • Jessica Hall, chief product officer, Just Eat Takeaway.com
    • Tor Boe-Lillegraven, chief data officer and global head of data management, ING
  • Alicia Criner, vice-president, global head of marketing and digital transformation, Galderma

AI for CFOs summit will feature over 50 finance and technology leaders, including:

  • Taner Akcok, chief technology officer, corporate bank Germany and global head of API banking, Deutsche Bank
  • Eléonore Crespo, co-chief executive, Pigment
  • Morne Rossouw, chief AI officer, Kyriba
  • Barbara Karuth-Zelle, member of the board of management and chief operating officer, Allianz SE
  • Renaud Heyd, chief financial officer, SAP
  • Akinchan Jain, head of asset and liability operations, World Bank Treasury
  • Winny Li, group treasurer, PPD

In addition to hearing from these industry giants, attendees will participate in thought-provoking discussions about AI’s impact on business, leadership in the digital age, and the potential for generative AI to revolutionise productivity.

Networking and collaboration opportunities
As in previous years, the summit will provide ample opportunities to network with fellow professionals, forge partnerships, and discuss challenges and opportunities across industries. With a global representation of over 600 leaders and senior decision-makers, attendees will engage with cross-industry experts and potential collaborators in dynamic, structured networking sessions.

Event details and registration
The Business Innovation Summit is a must-attend event for any business leader looking to leverage AI for growth. Register now to secure your spot and become part of this transformative experience.

Sponsors
This year’s Business Innovation Summit is sponsored by:

  • Diamond sponsors: Lenovo & NVIDIA, Deloitte, Softwire, CI&T, Multiverse
  • Platinum sponsor: Google
  • Silver sponsor: QA
  • Exhibitor: Grayce

This year’s AI for CFOs summit is sponsored by:

  • Lead Sponsor: SAP
  • Silver Sponsors: Wolters Kluwer, Kyriba, Statement, Pigment

About Economist Impact 

Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage a globally influential audience. We believe that evidence-based insights can open debate, broaden perspectives and catalyse progress. The services offered by Economist Impact previously existed within The Economist Group as separate entities, including EIU Thought Leadership, EIU Public Policy, Economist Events, El Studios and SignalNoise. 

Our track record spans 75 years across 205 countries. Along with creative storytelling, events expertise, design-thinking solutions and market-leading media products, we produce framework design, benchmarking, economic and social impact analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling, making Economist Impact’s offering unique in the marketplace. Visit www.economistimpact.com for more information. 

About The Economist (www.economist.com) 

With a growing global circulation and a reputation for insightful analysis and perspective on every aspect of world events, The Economist is one of the most widely recognised and well-read current affairs publications. The paper covers politics, business, science and technology, and books and arts, concluding each week with the obituary. In addition to the web-only content such as blogs, debates and audio/video programmes available on the website, The Economist is available to download for reading on Android, Blackberry PlayBook, iPhone or iPad devices. The Economist Espresso, our daily briefing smartphone app, is also available for download via iTunes App Store or Google Play. 

For information on sponsorship, speaking slots, or attendance, contact: 

Laura Chandler

Head of Sales

laurachandler@economist.com

For media enquiries, contact: 

Farhana Chowdhury

Marketing Lead

The Economist 

farhanachowdhury@economist.com