AI Governance Lead
Position Overview
The AI Governance Lead reports to the Senior Vice President, Predictive Modeling & AI Strategy. This role is responsible for operationalizing and improving Ascot's enterprise AI governance framework, ensuring all AI solutions are developed and deployed safely, compliantly, ethically, and value-driven.
Responsibilities
Own and evolve the enterprise AI governance framework, including policies, standards, and controls.
Define and maintain AI risk classification models (e.g., high vs. low risk based on impact, autonomy, data sensitivity).
Ensure alignment with regulatory expectations (e.g., NAIC AI Principles, UK/EU guidance, model risk management).
Continue to improve and define governance standards for: Generative AI (e.g., Copilot, external models), Predictive models (pricing, underwriting, claims), Third-party/vendor AI solutions.
Lead the AI intake and assessment process using risk scoring frameworks (e.g., fairness, explainability, reversibility, exposure).
Chair or support governance forums reviewing AI use cases prior to approval.
Establish clear escalation pathways for high-risk use cases.
Maintain a central inventory of AI use cases, models, and tools.
Define lifecycle controls across: Development, Validation, Deployment, Monitoring.
Ensure appropriate controls for: Model explainability, Bias/fairness testing, Human-in-the-loop decisions.
Oversee governance for enterprise platforms (e.g., Copilot, Palantir, underwriting workbenches).
Serve as the primary liaison with Legal, Compliance, and Risk on AI matters.
Interpret emerging regulations and translate into practical governance controls.
Support internal and external audits (regulators, board reviews).
Maintain documentation and evidence for regulatory readiness and ensure model documentation standards (model cards, audit trails).
Develop and track AI governance KPIs, including: Adoption vs. risk exposure, Number of high-risk use cases, Model performance degradation, policy compliance.
Deliver board-level reporting and dashboards.
Design and deliver AI governance training programs for business and technical teams.
Promote responsible AI practices and awareness across the organization.
Build playbooks, templates, and self-service guidance.
Evaluate governance maturity of AI vendors and partners.
Define due diligence standards for tools (e.g., Copilot extensions, external LLMs).
Ensure contracts reflect data security, model usage, and accountability requirements.
Requirements
A minimum of 10 years of experience in AI, data science, risk, or governance.
Strong understanding of: AI/ML lifecycle and model risk and Generative AI (LLMs) and emerging risks.
Experience in financial services or insurance is preferred.
Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI, Palantir, or Guidewire is preferred.
Background in model validation, audit, or regulatory engagement is preferred.
Proven experience working with legal, compliance, and risk functions.
Strong Project Management skills.
Ability to translate technical concepts into business and board-level insights.
Strong strategic thinking and governance design.
Risk assessment and decision frameworks.
Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management.
Executive communication and board reporting.
Practical, outcome-oriented mindset (balance of control vs. enablement).