Joe Harrod Keynote Speaker

C-Level Adviser on Data & AI Ethics (2014–Present)
Co-Founded Signify Group (2017); AI for Abuse & Disinformation Defence
Applies AI to Research, Product Development & Marketing

Joe Harrod's Biography

Joe Harrod is a keynote speaker and panellist with a strong, positive perspective on the potential of Artificial Intelligence. Having worked in the field for over a decade—and through three “AI booms”—he explains why this wave is fundamentally reshaping research, creativity, media, politics and business.

In 2017, Joe co-founded Signify Group, an ethical data science firm that is now the global market leader in using AI to detect and counter online abuse and disinformation. The company advises at board level across media, financial services and sport—helping leaders see beyond the hype and deploy AI in a cost-effective, ethical way. Joe has advised governments and NGOs on AI’s impact on civil society and the economy, and has written data and AI policy for credit card companies and media giants.

Joe and his team have spent a decade using AI to prevent disinformation, identify shifts in public opinion and grow audiences by predicting what they need. With a front-row seat on the evolving governance of tech platforms now being disrupted by AI, he explains how search, social and ecommerce are preparing for an AI-powered future—and how brands should position for a world where business leaders and everyday consumers routinely seek guidance from AI.

With a background in marketing, Joe began studying and selling AI solutions as the marketing lead for an Agile IBM Laboratory. He brings deep knowledge of digital technology and the realities facing start-ups and established brands as they stay relevant and leverage new tools. An entertaining communicator, he makes complex ideas simple and brings them to life with clear, practical examples.

The impact of AI on society, science and business – and how business leaders can get the best out of the technology

Good governance for AI, search and social media – how to personalise services and cut costs without compromising trust and quality

Brand positioning for an age defined by AI and influencers – how corporate brands and financial institutions remain relevant and grow market share

Visions for the future: how AI and social are creating inequalities and radicalising media and politics, and how technology forms part of the solution

Inside the AI boom – from wild overclaims and fake-it-til-you-make-it, to innovations that are genuinely transforming society and business

He brings more than a decade at the front edge of applied AI, helping leaders understand why this wave is fundamentally reshaping creativity, media, politics and business and what to do about it now.
He co-founded Signify Group and helped build it into the global market leader in using AI to detect and counter online abuse and disinformation, translating technical capability into board-level decisions that protect trust and reputation.
He advises governments, NGOs and major brands on the societal and commercial impact of AI, giving audiences a practical view of how regulation, ethics and competitive advantage intersect.
He explains how search, social and ecommerce are being redesigned for an AI-powered future, equipping organisations to position their brands for a world where customers increasingly ask AI what to buy, trust and believe.
He makes complex technology simple and actionable, drawing on experience across IBM, start-ups and enterprise clients to deliver clear examples that help teams deploy AI cost-effectively and responsibly.