Francine Bennett to step in as Interim Director, covering Carly Kind’s maternity leave
Ada Board member Francine Bennett will step in as Interim Director of the Ada Lovelace Institute, covering Director Carly Kind’s maternity leave.
8 March 2023
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Ada Board member Francine Bennett will step in as Interim Director of the Ada Lovelace Institute, covering Director Carly Kind’s maternity leave in 2023.
As a data and AI expert and founder member of the Institute’s Board since 2019, Francine brings considerable relevant, real-world expertise in data science and a strong commitment to socially responsible practices to the role.
As Interim Director, Francine will be responsible for progressing the delivery of the Institute’s research agenda and will lead the Institute through its next phase of growth and development, and to ensure the organisation continues to fulfil its mission to make data and AI work for people and society.
Prior to joining Ada, Francine was VP of Data at Healx, a biotech company which uses AI to find treatments for rare diseases; cofounder of Mastodon C, a data science consultancy that supports local and central government to realise the social and business potential of their data; and was a founding trustee of DataKind UK, which provides data science support to UK charities. She is currently a member of the Gambling Commission’s Digital Advisory Board and the Advisory Council of the British Library.
Francine will step into the role from May to December 2023, working closely with Carly Kind over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.
Francine Bennett, incoming Interim Director, said: ‘I’m delighted to be joining the Ada Lovelace Institute at this important time in its development. Carly has established the Institute’s reputation for rigorous and impactful research, and I look forward to building on her leadership during my time as Interim Director.’
Tim Gardam, CEO at the Nuffield Foundation, said: ‘As a longstanding member of the Institute’s Board, Francine has a deep understanding of the organisation and its strategy. She brings a steady pair of hands to guiding the Institute to continue to grow and respond to the emerging societal challenges presented by data and AI.’