AI is moving quickly from something organisations are watching to something they need to actively engage with, but adoption without clear intent can create just as many risks as opportunities.

In this session, Siderise’ Chief HR Officer, Mark Hendy and Global Head of IT, Mike O’Callaghan will explore AI adoption through a real‑world lens. Using their business as a case study, they will share how the organisation has implemented AI so far in practice, not as a technology experiment, but as a people, data and governance‑led change.

The session will look at why adoption is now critical for competitiveness and growth, while also addressing the importance of control, ethics and trust. Drawing on their wider experience of AI across HR, technology and leadership, Mark and Mike will discuss how businesses can balance pace with responsibility, support their teams through change, and take practical, proportionate steps without losing sight of culture or compliance.

Speakers

Mike O’Callaghan is the Global Head of IT at Siderise, with responsibility for technology strategy, cyber security and the organisation’s approach to AI.
Mike has significant experience working with AI both operationally and at how it is adopted, governed, and aligned to wider business objectives. His focus is on treating AI as a core capability, not a side initiative, making deliberate decisions about where it fits, how it is used, and what needs to sit around it to manage risk and impact.
He brings a strategic, business‑led perspective to today’s discussion, informed by direct experience of integrating AI into an operating organisation.

Mark Hendy is Chief HR Officer at Siderise and an experienced board‑level HR leader with over 20 years’ experience across global organisations.
Known for his practical, evidence‑led approach to people strategy, Mark regularly speaks at industry events on leadership, culture, technology and the evolving role of HR.
A chartered Fellow of the CIPD, a Fellow of the Center For Evidence-Based Management, Mark was also included in the 2025 CIPD HR30 listing.