EIP launches Tech & AI function to drive innovation and client excellence!
We’re excited to announce the evolution of our IT department to the new Tech & AI function, a strategic move designed to position EIP as a true “frontier firm” in our sector! Tech & AI is accelerating, and we are embracing the opportunity to lead rather than follow. Here is what Chris Fournier, Head of Tech & AI shared with us.
Why are we introducing a new Technology & AI function now?
When it comes to technology, EIP has always been ahead of the curve and true to form, we have been experimenting with various AI initiatives over the past few years. But AI is evolving at such an unprecedented pace, a widening gap started to appear between business expectations and the capacity to implement change.
We needed to map out a clear strategy on how to move forward. There are four key pillars to a successful AI implementation: AI data, AI engineering, AI Security and AI Adoption and we needed to adapt our IT function accordingly because those four areas need to progress concurrently to deliver a meaningful transformation:
AI Data - Foundation for AI Success: High-quality, well-governed data is the lifeblood of AI. Poor data quality leads to bias, hallucinations, and unreliable outputs.
AI Engineering: Building the Infrastructure Engineering underpins the delivery of AI agentic solutions and skilling our App Dev Team is critical.
AI Security: Guardrails for Trust AI introduces new security risks, including data leakage, adversarial attacks, and compliance breaches. Cybersecurity and governance must be embedded into every stage of our AI journey.
AI Adoption: Driving Cultural Change Technology alone doesn’t deliver value—people do. Adoption ensures AI tools are embraced and used effectively to improve productivity while delivering measurable ROI and Client excellence.
When it comes to technology, EIP has always been ahead of the curve and true to form.
What does it mean for EIP to be a "frontier firm"?
Being a frontier firm means going beyond adopting new tools. It’s about embedding AI into every part of our operations, creating hybrid teams where people and AI agents work together seamlessly. This approach moves past basic automation to “intelligence on tap”, enabling smarter decision-making and freeing our people to focus on high-value work and client relationships.
What will change with the new Tech & AI function?
Hybrid human–AI teams: Combining human expertise with agentic AI for more flexible, efficient working.
Intelligence as a Service: AI agents will automate routine tasks and provide actionable insights.
AI culture and skills: We’re investing in training and skilling initiatives for tools like Copilot and agentic workflows.
Security and governance: Our commitment to robust security and ethical AI use remains stronger than ever.
Being a frontier firm means going beyond adopting new tools. It's about embedding AI into every part of our operations.
Who is leading this transformation?
Our newly appointed Tech & AI leadership team brings decades of combined experience at the Firm and deep knowledge of EIP’s systems. Over the years Paul, Mark, Rob and Olu have acquired the very expertise needed with Data, App Development, Security and Adoption to transition EIP into a Frontier firm:
- Chris Fournier – Head of Tech & AI
- Paul Evans – Head of Tech & AI Delivery
- Mark Challis – Head of Cyber & AI Security
- Rob Lewis – Applications, AI & Data Manager
- Olu Aseru – Tech & AI Adoption Manager
What's next for EIP?
We’re launching innovative AI skilling and training programmes, piloting real-world scenarios where teams work alongside AI agents, and sharing practical guides and drop-in clinics. This is more than a departmental change—it’s a commitment to delivering better, different™ outcomes for our clients and colleagues.
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