Bethany Alvaro 
The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) has announced the appointment of its first chief AI scientist.
Professor Mary-Anne Williams will hold the inaugural role starting in June to lead CBA’s team of AI scientists, who are specialised in security, responsibility, and learning in emerging AI technology.
“Mary-Anne is one of Australia’s most respected AI leaders and brings a rare combination of academic leadership, commercial insight, and deep technical expertise that will help accelerate our AI strategy,” Ranil Boteju, chief AI officer, said.
“She will help us explore the boundaries of what’s possible with AI while taking a leadership role in the continued application of responsible AI in ways that make a real difference for our customers.”
Bringing strong expertise and background in multiple facets of AI, Williams is currently the deputy director of the UNSW AI Institute, a Fellow at Stanford University, and a Fellow at the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, a global international organisation dedicated to AI research and development.
CBA said the appointment of an AI scientist follows models established in US banking and technology companies, using academics and AI research to develop and aid companies in the transition to the AI era.
Throughout her research and career, Williams has specifically focused on how companies and organisations can use and manage generative AI to grow businesses.
“CommBank has built one of the most advanced AI capabilities of any bank in the world, and I’m excited to be joining at such a pivotal moment,” Williams said.
“The opportunity to work alongside exceptional technologists and researchers and help shape how AI is applied at scale for millions of Australians is a genuine privilege.
“My focus will be on advancing our understanding of the societal implications of AI and supporting continued responsible AI innovation across CommBank.”
CBA and other Australian banks have begun recruiting AI focused roles over the past year in a push to harness the business potentials this technology can offer.
This story was originally published on Cyber Daily’s sister brand, AI Daily.
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