Maria Luciana Axente is a leading authority on ethical AI, renowned for her expertise in AI policy, governance, and responsible innovation. With a career dedicated to ensuring AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, she has played a crucial role in shaping policies that promote fairness, transparency, and security. Having completed an Artificial Intelligence Programme at Oxford University, her work spans across industry, academia, and government, influencing key decision-makers on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. As a pioneer of Responsible AI at PwC, Maria has been instrumental in developing frameworks that help organisations integrate ethical considerations into their AI strategies, ensuring technology serves both businesses and society responsibly.
Her career in digital transformation and AI strategy began over a decade ago, working with Cognizant, Euromoney Institutional Investor, and PwC. She swiftly established herself as a key figure in the field, blending business acumen with a strong ethical foundation. In 2017, she became Responsible AI and AI for Good Lead at PwC, where she pioneered the development of PwC’s award-winning Responsible AI toolkit, a framework that has influenced AI governance. Her expertise led to her appointment as PwC’s first-ever Head of AI Public Policy and Ethics, where she played a pivotal role in integrating ethical principles into AI strategies.
In recent years, Maria has solidified her reputation as a thought leader in AI policy and governance. In 2022, she contributed significantly to AI research with the publication of "Human-Centred AI: A Multidisciplinary Perspective for Policy-Makers, Auditors, and Users", bridging the gap between academic research and industry practice. She served as an Advisory Board Member for the UK Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI and continues to influence policy as Chair of the Data Analytics and AI Leadership Committee for techUK. In 2024, she was appointed to the Board of Advisors at Digital Leaders, reinforcing her role in shaping the future of responsible AI.
Maria is hired for her ability to translate AI ethics into real-world strategies that businesses and policymakers can implement. Her extensive experience across industry and academia makes her an authoritative voice on responsible AI, helping organisations navigate the ethical challenges of an AI-driven world. Whether advising policymakers, corporate leaders, or technology innovators, she delivers high-impact insights that shape AI’s role in society.
