Professor Alan Brown

Director, Innovider A professor at the University of Exeter and expert in digital disruption and AI. A former IBM Distinguished Engineer, he helps organizations lead digital and agile transformations, and co-founded the Surrey Centre for the Digital Economy (CoDE). He is also Digital Leaders' AI Director.

About This Expert

πŸ”ΉAlan Brown

Strategy Advisor, Entrepreneur, and Professor in Digital Economy

πŸ“ London, UK

🧠 Areas of Expertise

  • Digital Transformation
  • AI Strategy
  • Data-Driven
  • Decision Making
  • Software Engineering
  • Business Innovation
  • Technology Leadership


πŸ“š Bio

Alan W. Brown is a professor of Digital Economy at the University of Exeter and an internationally recognized expert in digital disruption, AI, and data-driven decision making. With a unique ability to demystify complex technologies for business leaders, he supports organizations in developing digital strategies and leading agile transformations. Previously a Distinguished Engineer at IBM with nearly 20 years of experience in the US, Alan has led large-scale software programs and developed enterprise strategies for global clients. He co-founded the Surrey Centre for the Digital Economy (CoDE) and directed major national research initiatives on digital transformation.


πŸ› οΈ Skills & Tools

  • AI and Data Strategy
  • Digital Innovation Leadership
  • Agile Transformation
  • Public Sector and Defence Applications
  • Executive Education and Coaching


πŸ›οΈ Sector Experience

  •  Public Sector (e.g. UK Government)
  • Private Sector (e.g. IBM, Thales, Mars, Zoetis)
  • Defence (e.g. Defence Data Research Centre)
  • Academia (University of Exeter, Trinity College Dublin)


πŸ’Ό Notable Projects

  • Director, Defence Data Research Centre (Β£4M initiative on AI in defence)
  • Director, National Research Centre for Digital Transformation (Β£11M project)
  • Co-founder, Surrey Centre for the Digital Economy (CoDE)
  • Led executive programs for Cambridge Judge Business School and Trinity College Dublin 


🎀 Speaking & Workshops

  • Delivering Digital Transformation: A Leader’s Guide Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI
  • The 5 Dilemmas of Digital Leadership in an Age of AI Delivering AI-at-Scale


πŸ—“οΈ Sessions offered

  • Full-day workshops, half-day intensives, and 2-hour executive briefings


πŸ“– Publications & Media

  • Author of Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI (Summer 2024)
  • 5 additional books on digital business transformation and software engineering Numerous academic papers and industry articles 


πŸ… Recognition

  • Fellow of the British Computer Society
  • Former Fellowship at the Alan Turing Institute


πŸ“¬ Availability

βœ… Available for:

  • Strategic Advisory
  • Executive Workshops
  • Public Speaking
  • Panel Moderation

Flexible for engagements globally and virtually

πŸ—£οΈ Testimonials & References


"Alan has an extraordinary ability to translate complex AI and digital transformation concepts into actionable strategies. His insights have been instrumental in shaping our thinking at Digital Leaders, and his sessions consistently leave our audiences inspired and better equipped to lead in the digital age."

β€” Robin Knowles, CEO, Digital Leaders