Future leadership: Navigating the AI era and beyond

Neil’s executive career has taken him across multiple industries and sectors, including media, retail, and utilities as well as the public sector. Throughout this time there has been a common thread, helping organisations, and their people, to successfully navigate change.

From his early career supporting the delivery of one of the first private finance partnerships in the NHS, through the introduction of pioneering ecommerce in retail and responding to the changing retail landscape. He was one of the leads in the global merger between Penguin and Random House, the largest merger in publishing history and helped successfully navigate the rise of digital publishing and media. He is currently the Director of HR and Communications for FTSE100 water company, Severn Trent – recognised as a trailblazer company for social purpose.

Neil sits on the board of Youth Futures Foundation and was previously a board member for the CIPD and IFATE. He writes regularly about organisations, leadership and change, is a frequent media commentator and has spoken at events around the world.

Julia joined Anchor in May 2024 from Raven Housing Trust. As Director of Transformation at Raven, she led an award-winning multi-year business transformation programme to improve services to customers, drive value for money and reduce operational risk and waste. With more than 20 years of experience in senior Human Resources roles, she was previously the Director of Human Resources at the Royal Automobile Club.

Julia has also served as the Director of People and Operations at The Children’s Trust, a medical charity, and as a Senior HRBP at Transport for London and also was a former a Trustee for the Royal School of Church Music (a voluntary role).
She holds a degree in Psychology and a Postgraduate diploma in Strategic Human Resources Management, and is FCIPD qualified.

A seasoned food industry leader, Ian Toal brings over 38 years of global experience spanning food manufacturing, supply chain, restaurants, and home delivery across 12 countries, including the USA, Europe, and the Middle East.

Formerly Global President of Alshaya Group (Kuwait), Ian oversaw the international growth of brands such as The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, Texas Roadhouse, Shake Shack, and IHOP, earning the title of “World’s Best Restaurant Partner” at the Global Restaurant Leadership Conference (2017–18).

Since 2019, he has led Alfa Co. (Riyadh), part of the Al Faisaliah Group, managing nearly 100 outlets across award-winning concepts like Steak House, Piatto, and FireGrill.

Ian also serves as Group CEO and Board Director of Oscar Mayer Group (UK), leading a £350 million chilled-meals business, and advises F&B companies across the USA, UK, Italy, and the Middle East on brand expansion and strategy.

Niresh Rajah is a globally recognised executive leader in Financial Services and Professional Services with over 20+ years of experience at the forefront of Data & Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Regulation, Automation, Innovation and Digital Transformation. With a distinguished track record, he has held senior leadership roles at Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, Danske Bank, DLA Piper, and Grant Thornton, often reporting directly to Group CEO or Group COO.

As a seasoned Group Chief Data & AI Officer, Niresh has led complex and high-impact AI and data transformations, balancing innovation with regulatory rigor. He has led complex regulatory, AI and Data transformations at Board level including Brexit changes and GDPR working with regulators across Europe.

He also holds Non-Executive Director and Board Advisory roles and is the Innovation Expert at Oxford University and Honorary Practice Fellow for AI, Data & Digital at Imperial College. Niresh has been appointed as Chair of the UK AI Financial Services Working Group, where he champions the balance between innovation and practical, pragmatic regulations for consumer protection.

Purminder is a recognised thought leader in broadcast and media technology, known for turning emerging innovation into practical, shareable insight. After an accomplished operational career at the BBC, she joined BBC R&D in 2020 and quickly became a catalyst for cross-organisational collaboration.

Her strategic leadership has shaped multiple IBC Accelerator projects, contributed to award-winning innovation in connectivity, immersive audio, and next-generation production workflows. Purminder is widely sought after for her clear, future-focused perspective, most recently as host and moderator at the DTG Futuretech 2026 at the iconic BBC Radio Theatre.

Her passion for the future of the industry is cemented via her mentoring and as a trustee for the BakerDearing educational trust supporting the University Technical Colleges network.

With a career trajectory described as ‘Bridget Jones to W1A,’ Sarah is a cultural strategy, leadership, content and engagement expert.

A former TV, radio reporter and newsreader, turned live events producer, turned Head of Change with a passion for people, digital transformation and cultural change, she is fuelled by a restless passion for purpose, storytelling and joy.

Working as a Change Consultant, Creative Producer, Host and Coach, Sarah has many and varied clients including the European Broadcast Union, The Metropolitan Police Service, NOKIA, The International Broadcast Convention, London Borough of Culture, Trainline, Soho Media Club and the Extraordinary Adventure Club.

Currently part of the award-winning Leadership Academy team currently delivering on culture change and engagement for the Metropolitan Police Service, Sarah leads a programme of masterclasses and commissions and delivers films and content to influence culture.

Leading on the Future of Work for the BBC, Sarah has always been keen to bridge and navigate the work/life collide with real conversations and meaningful community. She has led a roundtable on flexible working at the House of Commons and founded webinar and podcast series A Life More Extraordinary.

Cise is a Director of Leadership Consulting at NSCG. She earned her BSc in Psychology from the University of Westminster and pursued further studies, attaining an MSc in Mental Health Studies from King’s College, University of London. Additionally, she achieved an MSc in Occupational Psychology from Birkbeck College, University of London. Cise is also fully qualified in the use of psychometrics and a certified Executive Coach with the Academy of Executive Coaching (AoEC)

Cise facilitates individuals in realising their full potential by employing a tailored approach that integrates psychological principles with organisational goals.

Additionally, she advocates for organisational awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, promoting a culture of acceptance and appreciation for neurodivergent talent.