Tech Policy Expertise: AI-driven growth & innovation

  • Kathleen McGrath

    Kathleen McGrath holds the position of Privacy and Data Policy Manager for the Centre for Information Policy Leadership in London. Her work focuses on a range of privacy and data related issues such as in Artificial Intelligence, protecting minors online and data governance. Before joining CIPL, Kathleen worked in Knowledge Management at a silver circle law firm in their data protection and cyber security team where Lovells where she was responsible for conducting long term research, in-depth global horizon scanning and discrete research tasks for lawyers across the world. She produced numerous articles for publications such as the Institute of Privacy Professionals, Privacy Laws and Business and others in global data policy, including UK data protection laws, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and international digital cooperation. She has also previously worked in-house in data protection compliance for large organizations in the auditing industry as well as in the financial industry, where she was responsible for creating accountability processes to ensure the business complied with data protection laws.

  • Kate Hayward

    As the UK Managing Director of Xero, Kate Hayward is at the forefront of a technology-driven revolution in small business finance. Her leadership is dedicated to harnessing the power of Xero’s cloud finance platform to redefine how small firms operate, spearheading an AI-powered shift designed to eliminate hours of administrative burden.

    Kate consistently champions the critical role of digital transformation in empowering businesses to thrive. She has been instrumental in enabling compliance with HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative, leveraging Xero’s robust, cloud-based architecture to simplify what could have been a complex transition. This technological foundation provides real-time financial visibility, seamless bank reconciliation, and automated invoicing, ensuring businesses can manage payments with unprecedented ease and speed.

    Her deep understanding of technology’s practical impact fuels her advocacy. Kate actively addresses the “SME fallacy,” recognising that technology adoption and support must be tailored to the diverse needs of small businesses. She is deeply invested in tackling critical issues such as the digital divide and the need for enhanced financial literacy, extending her efforts to give these vital groups a stronger voice in government and industry discussions, notably through her involvement with initiatives like the Maple Review with Small Business Britain.

    Kate’s worldview is uniquely shaped by her personal and professional journey. Having grown up with a father who ran his own small business, she possesses an innate understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit and its inherent challenges. This lived experience, combined with her rigorous accounting qualifications and strategic roles prior to Xero, provides a robust foundation for her tech-driven, empathetic approach. She sees technology, particularly AI-powered innovations, as the key to freeing entrepreneurs to focus on their core passions, fostering growth and resilience. Through initiatives like the “Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme,” Kate is driving tangible support, demonstrating Xero’s commitment to building a more vibrant and financially robust small business ecosystem across the UK.

  • Justyna Lisinska

    I am a tech policy consultant with experience at the intersection of emerging technologies, innovation, and government. Over the years, I have led on high-level policy events, eg roundtables with MPs, and House of Commons receptions, policy labs helping to shape conversations on critical technology issues.
    My career spans academia, government, and think tanks. I earned a PhD in Web Science from the University of Southampton, during which I worked as a Policy Associate, contributing to evidence-based policy development. I also completed a secondment at the Cabinet Office, gaining firsthand experience in government policy-making. Previously, I served as a Policy Analyst at a leading technology think tank in Washington, D.C., and as a Policy Research Fellow at King’s College London, where I developed the UK’s largest academic programme on autonomous systems.
    I have specialised expertise across both hardware and software, focusing on emerging technology challenges, for example, including AI, autonomous vehicles, semiconductors, and issues around fake news and misinformation.

  • Jessica Zucker

    Jessica Zucker is a senior technology policy leader currently serving as Director of Online Safety Policy at Ofcom, where she co-leads a 120-person team implementing the UK’s groundbreaking Online Safety Act. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology, policy, and safety, she has shaped global approaches to safety governance, content moderation, and platform accountability.

    At Ofcom, Jessica manages regulatory frameworks for major tech platforms, pioneered transparency reporting standards, and led crisis response during critical public safety events. Previously, as Head of Misinformation Policy for EMEA at Meta and the global Head of Health Misinformation Policy, she created global policies affecting 2+ billion users and managed high-stakes decisions during COVID-19, elections, and international conflicts.

    Her career spans leadership roles at Microsoft, where she developed cybersecurity strategies and trained over 1,000 election officials across the EU, and the U.S. State Department’s Cyber Policy Office. A Fulbright Scholar and Harvard Kennedy School graduate (M.A. Public Policy), Jessica began her career founding an education nonprofit in South Korea.

    Known for driving organizational transformation and building strategic partnerships, Jessica regularly testifies before Parliament, speaks at major conferences, and serves as a media spokesperson on safety and online harms.

  • Jenny Thornton

    Jenny Thornton is a seasoned professional in strategic partnerships and international development. With a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Cambridge and a deep commitment to human rights, Jenny brings over 15 years of experience bridging technology, policy, and global collaboration.

  • Imogen Parker

    Imogen Parker is Associate Director of Social and Economic Policy at the Ada Lovelace Institute, an independent research and ethics body with a mission to ensure data and AI work for people and society. She led the scoping and development for the Institute, creating the founding partnership of the Nuffield Foundation, the Alan Turing Institute, the British Academy, Luminate, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, the Royal Society, the Royal Statistical Society, techUK and Wellcome.

    She was a Policy Fellow at Cambridge University’s Centre for Science and Policy and has first-class degrees from both the University of Oxford (BA, MAOxon) and the London Consortium (MRes).

    She has over 15 years experience working on the intersections of social justice, policy research and technology. She worked with Baroness Kidron to create 5Rights, the children’s digital rights charity. Other roles include Head of the Nuffield Foundation’s programmes on Justice, Rights and Digital Society, acting Head of Policy Research for Citizens and Democracy at Citizens Advice head office, and Research Fellow at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

  • Iliana Pearce

    Iliana Pearce is a Policy Advisor at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) leading on innovation and technology policy. Her work focuses on how small businesses can be equipped to adopt new technologies well, to enhance their productivity and help them do more of what they love. Previously, she has undertaken legal research on accountability for AI-assisted decision-making and on how small businesses can be supported to adopt AI responsibly.

  • Hyeona Kim

    I’m a mission-driven Policy & Program Manager with a global track record across tech, public affairs, and regulatory compliance. At TikTok, I’ve led governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) efforts in monetization, streamlining policy operations while navigating complex global regulations.

  • Helen Sithole

    Helen Sithole, the Legal and ICT Policy Officer for MISA Zimbabwe, is a dedicated legal professional with extensive experience in policy research, tech law, and information rights. Having recently completed a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property & Technology Law, she brings solidified expertise in emerging areas such as AI governance, data privacy, and digital ethics. Her background positions her as a crucial voice in shaping the future of responsible technological advancement, particularly concerning digital human rights and the intersection of technology with societal well-being. She is particularly passionate about translating complex legal concepts into accessible policy recommendations that foster innovation while safeguarding individual liberties in the digital realm.

  • Ella Harvey

    Ella Harvey is an Associate Director for Public Affairs at Bradshaw Advisory, where they advise clients across the public, private, and third sectors on political engagement, policy development, and strategic communications. With deep expertise in navigating Westminster and Whitehall, they help organisations influence legislation and shape public debate on complex and high-profile issues.

    Alongside this, Ella serves as Director of Operations for the Women in Tech Policy Network—a professional network of over 1,000 women working across the tech sector. The network champions greater representation of women in tech policymaking and works to ensure their voices are at the forefront of political and regulatory conversations. In this role, and as a member of the senior leadership team, Ella leads on events, stakeholder engagement, and cross-party collaboration, connecting experts with policymakers to drive more inclusive and forward-thinking tech policy. She is also a board member for the CIPR Public Affairs Committee where she has hosted a range of networking events and advised on the Committee’s direction.

    Previously, Ella was a Policy Advisor at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), where they advised on adult online safety during the development of the Online Safety Bill. Their role included supporting ministers, engaging with industry stakeholders, and helping shape one of the UK’s most significant pieces of digital legislation.

    With a career spanning government, consultancy, and advocacy, Ella brings a sharp understanding of the policy landscape, a strong commitment to equity in tech, and a track record of delivering impact through collaboration and thoughtful strategy.