How Roche drives AI outcomes in a changing world
Executive Take
Roche split AI and data leadership into two distinct roles because messy data kills AI projects before they start. The CAIO profile she describes, a process re-engineer first and technologist second, is the real hiring lesson here.
Executive Summary
Roche CDTO Wafaa Mamilli describes Roche's AI strategy: trusted data, governance built for speed, and employee upskilling. Tools include Kidney Klinrisk for disease prediction, digital pathology image analysis, manufacturing digital twins cutting development cycles two to four times, and new chief AI officer and chief data officer roles within renamed Roche Digital Technology.
Why It Matters
Technology leaders get a concrete model for structuring AI governance and leadership roles in a regulated industry. HR leaders should note the emphasis on upskilling and change management over technical skill alone.
Bizquad Perspective
Most leaders chase AI use cases first, but Roche's real bet is that separating data ownership from AI ownership, not the models themselves, is what determines whether AI scales.