John K Thompson, Global Head, AI, EY

Describe your career to date

My professional career started as an assembler programmer. I built systems for enterprise class companies in transportation and banking. Near the end of my MBA program, I found a job in data and analytics at a start-up called Metaphor and I have been in data, artificial intelligence (AI), and analytics for 37 years. 

What challenges do you see for data in the year ahead that will have an impact on your clients and on the industry as a whole?  

The most significant challenge in data at this point is to communicate that the new tools available make all data available for active use; we no longer have to restrict ourselves to structured data. That message needs to be understood more broadly in both technology and management communities. 

How are you developing the data literacy of a) your own organization and b) your clients? 

We are developing tools, technologies, and environments that enable all our associates to be actively involved in using all types of AI – traditional, generative, and causal. 

How are you preparing your organization and your clients for AI adoption and change management?  

Change management is a challenge in all organizations and the rate of change and innovation that we are experiencing makes that task even more difficult. Communication is our greatest tool. Connecting with our team members and our clients to discuss the value we can deliver via these new tools, techniques and technologies is one of my primary duties. 

John K Thompson
has been included in:
  • 100 Enablers 2023 (USA)
  • 100 Enablers 2024 (USA)

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