Former government AI leader Alex Jones joins Public Digital as senior director
Former government AI leader Alex Jones has joined Public Digital as a senior director. Jones joins the firm’s global impact team, bringing extensive experience leading digital, data and technology work across the UK government and internationally.
Lauren Kahn, head of global impact at Public Digital, said, “Alex has worked at the heart of government during a pivotal period for the adoption of emerging technologies, while also supporting organisations internationally to deliver meaningful change. His appointment brings us even greater capacity to help leaders navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, while reflecting our continued investment in the Global Impact team and the expertise needed to support clients around the world.”
Founded in 2015, Public Digital is a London headquartered consulting firm with around 100 permanent employees and a network of over 300 experts. The award-winning firm works across several sectors, including retail, telecoms, media, financial services, government, the NHS, education, and charities.
Jones joins the firm after more than 20 years leading digital, data and technology work across the UK government and internationally through roles in global development. Most recently, he served as interim director of the UK government’s AI incubator, i.AI, leading the development of AI applications for public services and building partnerships with Google DeepMind, OpenAI and Anthropic.
Looking ahead, Jones will draw on this experience to lead major transformation programmes with governments, foundations and international organisations, while enhancing the firm’s capabilities in AI strategy and adoption. Public Digital’s global impact team supports governments and organisations including the Gates Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the World Bank on digital transformation, AI adoption and sustainable development.
Jones said of his new challenge, “Having worked across the UK public sector and on the ground in developing countries, I’ve seen firsthand how the right digital foundations, combined with responsible use of AI, can transform public services. It’s a great time to be joining the PD team. The firm has an outstanding track record of helping organisations navigate complex transformation, and I’m looking forward to supporting clients globally to turn the potential of AI into real-world impact.”
Elsewhere in the public sector, as scrutiny on AI in civic life grows, concerns are being raised over links between senior UK politicians and the artificial intelligence industry as the government pushes to make the UK an “AI superpower.” A number of current and former politicians have taken donations, hospitality, advisory roles, or jobs with companies involved in AI and wider technology, according to a report by Scottish daily The National.
The House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee is examining the issue, while Labour MP Alex Sobel has raised concerns about the influence of major technology companies. Examplex include former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Institute for Global Change, which is funded primarily by US tech billionaire Larry Ellison as well as companies including Amazon and Microsoft, has also advised the Treasury on the use of AI across government. Meanwhile, former Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken advisory roles with AI firm Anthropic and Microsoft.
