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 compliance with regulatory expectations and internal risk standards.

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
• Responsible for Enterprise AI Governance Framework, AI Risk Scoring Matrix & Intake Process and the Central AI Use Case Registry
• Demonstrate The Ascot Way by collaborating across teams, embracing inclusivity, and demonstrating accountability while helping build an engaged, high-performing culture

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
• Proven 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)