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CIO Times Launches New Edition u2013 Visionary Male Leaders Shaping the Future in 2025<br>We at CIO Times are proud to unveil our latest edition spotlighting trailblazing male leaders redefining industries and inspiring innovation.<br><br>We are especially honored to feature Dr. Mauro Arruda, a visionary leader whose forward-thinking approach is shaping the future.
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2025 E E E MPOWERING NTREPRENEURIAL XCELLENCE VISIONARY MALE LEADERS Shaping the Future in 2025 DIRECTOR OF AI SOLUTIONS & SERVICES FOR EMEA Empowering Enterprises with Transformative AI Solutions & Services DR. MAURO ARRUDA
Visionary Male Leaders Shaping the Future in 2025 rtificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved beyond a mere futuristic idea; it is now a powerful catalyst for innovation A in a range of industries. Visionary business leaders are harnessing AI to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and create data-driven strategies that redefine success. Here's how. The days of relying solely on intuition for making business decisions are over. AI-powered predictive analytics now allow leaders to forecast market trends, analyze consumer behavior, and make informed choices with unmatched precision. Whether it's optimizing inventory management or anticipating economic shifts, AI-driven insights ensure businesses remain agile and competitive. AI is reshaping how companies interact with customers. Chatbots, personalized recommendations, and sentiment analysis enable brands to tailor services like never before. Visionary leaders use AI to deliver hyper-personalized experiences, fostering deeper engagement and brand loyalty. Retail giants, financial institutions, and tech startups are leveraging AI to anticipate customer needs and offer solutions proactively. Efficiency is the backbone of modern enterprises, and AI is the key to achieving it. From automating routine tasks to optimizing supply chains, leaders are integrating AI into workflows to save time and reduce costs. Manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics industries are seeing exponential improvements in productivity through AI-powered automation. As AI continues to evolve, visionary leaders are investing in ethical AI, sustainability, and human-AI collaboration to shape a future that balances technological advancements with societal well-being. In this edition of “Visionary Male Leaders Shaping the Future in 2025,” we list leaders who are embracing AI as an enabler rather than a disruptor to lead the way in transforming industries and redefining leadership. On the Covers, we have Dr. Mauro Arruda. Also featured, are Arvind Kumar Kewalchand, Alper Benli, Ioannis Michos, and Luke Peereboom.
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COVER STORY 10 Dr. Mauro Arruda
ALPER BENLI 22 Arvind Kewalchand 28 Ioannis Michos 34 LUKE PEEREBOOM 42
DR. MAURO ARRUDA Empowering Enterprises with Transformative AI Solutions & Services DIRECTOR OF AI SOLUTIONS & SERVICES FOR EMEA LENOVO MAY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 11
r. Mauro Arruda is a distinguished leader in artificial intelligence and technology innovation, D currently serving as the Director of AI Solutions & Services for EMEA at Lenovo. With over 15 years of experience in technology development, Mauro has collaborated with industry giants such as National Grid, Bloomberg, and Rolls-Royce to drive digital transformation. He holds a PhD in engineering modeling from Cranfield University and a Master's in Aeronautical Engineering from UBI, Portugal. Mauro's expertise spans big data, analytics, and AI, making him a key figure in shaping Lenovo's AI strategies and solutions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His visionary approach continues to empower organizations to harness the potential of AI for impactful innovation. love for computers and coding remained strong, he also wanted to understand how things worked physically. The Charismatic Journey in Technology Aeronautical Engineering turned out to be the perfect mix; it let him convert real-world phenomena into numbers and Dr. Arruda's journey in technology began long before he simulations.After finishing his degree, Dr. Arruda kicked off officially started his career. Since childhood, he had been his career as a graduate engineer working on helicopter really into programming, thanks to his dad, who, even maintenance. His job involved flying helicopters to test new though a doctor, had a huge passion for tech and kicked off installations and make sure everything worked smoothly. a small startup with some university students in Portugal Even though it was hands-on work, his fascination with back in the 1980s. They aimed to create one of the first computational modeling kept pulling him back towards healthcare information systems way ahead of its time! academia he ended up pursuing a PhD in Jet Propulsion at the Defense Academy of the UK where he focused on Growing up in that environment sparked Dr. Arruda's computational modeling related to jet engines. interest in computers and coding. By the time he was Once he completed his PhD, Dr. Arruda joined what is now around 12, he was devouring books on programming known as QinetiQ (the UK's Defense Research Agency). languages and even creating little computer games. What This experience marked an important turning point for him fascinated him most was the idea that he could make because it allowed him to collaborate with some brilliant something out of nothing just by writing code. minds in aerospace and aeronautics. Later on, he moved This enthusiasm led him to study science, where he focused over to Airbus within the flight physics analytics team on math, physics, and chemistry eventually steering him where they created data models for aircraft design this toward a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. While his meant engineers could virtually test aircraft performance without needing physical wind tunnel tests. Dr. Arruda first dipped into artificial intelligence during his master's thesis back in 1998 when he worked with artificial neural networks aimed at predicting aircraft trajectories—a project that laid down the groundwork for all future AI work he would do later on at Airbus where they set up their first Innovation Centre of Excellence focusing across various sectors like space and robotics. As time went by, curiosity nudged him toward entrepreneurship; so along with a colleague from Airbus Dr. Arruda co-founded a startup focused on renewable energy 12 I MAY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM
using AI for weather predictions related to wind farms it turned out really well! After that success came two more startups all centered around applied mathematics and machine learning solutions. One of those startups became one of Lenovo's early AI innovators through their acceleration program which kickstarted their collaboration together! Eventually joining Lenovo allowed Dr. Arruda to help launch AI solutions across EMEA regions and since May 2024 he has been blending all this experience from aerospace engineering through entrepreneurship into driving innovation forward here at Lenovo! Accelerating the AI Journey Lenovo is a global technology powerhouse, serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Its AI Solutions & Services team is dedicated to helping customers accelerate their journey towards AI adoption by tackling significant challenges such as industry hype, unclear implementation implementations. A crucial part of his Lenovo provides a variety of strategies, and concerns regarding responsibilities is ensuring that consulting and advisory services return on investment. Lenovo's broader teams have access to designed to help customers evaluate As the Director of AI Solutions & the right information needed to their readiness for AI. It addresses gaps Services for EMEA, Dr Arruda's role effectively understand customer related to technology, personnel, involves integrating all components requirements for advanced services security measures, and processes while necessary to support customers in their like AI. Additionally, he focuses on implementing customized AI solutions AI adoption journey. This includes clearly communicating Lenovo's vision tailored specifically to meet business collaborating closely with customers, for AI and its comprehensive portfolio needs. partners, and internal teams to identify of offerings in the market. optimal AI use cases and guide initial MAY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 13
“Through our programs, we offer private AI environments that enable customers to safely test and validate their ideas while building robust business cases for adopting AI technologies. We stay with them throughout their entire journey by assisting in scaling up operations as well as deploying and managing their growing suite of AI solutions effectively,” says Dr. Arruda. Solutions for Varied Industries Dr. Arruda feels AI implementations could and should follow a consistent core framework across industries. However, that is not the case due to competing commercial, technological and regulatory pressures. Whether implementing AI to boost efficiency, strengthen security, or improve decision-making for a manufacturer, a bank or a hospital, any approach needs to be anchored around business value, scalability and security considerations. He believes it is also important to highlight that AI is not a one-size-fits- all solution, and in some cases, the strategy is clear and that investments AI Managed leans on Lenovo AI challenges a company faces may not are aligned with measurable business experts to support and manage these even require AI. Therefore, before outcomes. solutions by continually updating the delivering solutions, his team begins latest tools, applications and best by assessing the strategic objectives of practices of security and ethics. Lenovo offers a comprehensive the organization and determining how portfolio of AI services: AI Discover AI can support those goals. Challenges in the Initiatives helps organizations identify relevant AI use cases aligned with their business Once they define the desired outcomes, Customers frequently ask Dr. Arruda goals and AI readiness. AI Advisory they conduct a comprehensive about the expected return on provides a deep dive into specific use assessment of the company's AI investment (ROI) before committing to cases, developing risk mitigation plans maturity, leveraging Lenovo's battle- AI initiatives... and rightly so, he and implementation roadmaps. AI Fast tested adoption framework that believes! Start offers low-risk, customisable AI considers key factors across four main solutions that enable businesses to test pillars of capability: people, security, Many AI technologies are still in their and validate AI use cases, even if they technology and processes. early stages of maturity across lack the necessary computing industries and there are often limited resources, data infrastructure, or in- This holistic approach helps them proof points available for specific use house expertise. AI Deploy & Scale is identify gaps and determine the most all about taking the previous learnings cases. This creates a common effective path forward. Rather than and implementing and scaling an AI challenge - demonstrating the ROI for jumping straight into AI solution specific to a customer's goals. AI solutions. implementation, they ensure the 14 I MAY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM
alongside Lenovo's AI experts and nervous system disease that can lead to leveraging its end-to-end technology total loss of motor abilities. This stack, from AI-enabled devices and initiative is called AI Lullaby. The solution combines eye-tracking infrastructure to the data layer, model technology, artificial intelligence voice and software solutions. technology, and hyper-realistic AI avatars. With a circular keyboard “By sharing Lenovo's internal AI designed to reduce eye strain and speed adoption experiences, we help up typing, AI Lullaby provides businesses confidently adopt AI with a individuals who have lost their voice clearer understanding of its impact and due to ALS with the opportunity to value,” says Dr. Arruda. communicate once again. One can find Leading Innovative Solution out more about this inspirational Initiatives project on Lenovo's YouTube page. Lenovo is investing significant “I am very enthusiastic about the future resources and capital into artificial of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and look intelligence solutions, ranging from forward to further developing this computer vision for quality control and technology. My goal is to discover customer insights to advanced cost-effective, secure, and ethical analytics for predictive maintenance solutions that can help address some of and cybersecurity. It is also exploring the most urgent challenges facing newer technologies like generative AI humanity,” shares Dr. Arruda. and Large Language Models. A Diverse Portfolio The latter has shown an incredibly fast adoption curve, opening exciting All organisations are at different stages opportunities to enhance how we work of AI adoption, and this has been and live. In this rapidly evolving field, central to Lenovo's solutions portfolio Lenovo is integrating generative AI strategy. Lenovo's AI solutions Here is where Lenovo's extensive solutions across most business portfolio effectively addresses the experience in building, deploying and functions, assisting its customers in specific needs of various industries operating AI solutions internally at harnessing its power for applications through a tailored approach! scale comes into play. Over the past 15 such as private knowledge assistants, years, Lenovo has implemented AI hyper-customized content creation, and Here are the key aspects of its solutions across multiple business enterprise automation. offerings' portfolio: functions, improving productivity and Dr. Arruda has had the privilege of Ÿ Diverse Offerings: With over 100 efficiency. This experience allows Dr. collaborating with some of the AI solutions developed alongside Arruda and his team to provide brightest minds in AI worldwide, its curated network of innovation valuable insights into the potential ROI contributing to several industry- partners, Lenovo provides options of AI adoption for customers. shaping solutions that range from that cater to multiple sectors. super-fast video enhancement Ÿ Comprehensive Services: The They understand the need for aligning technology for broadcasting to the portfolio encompasses end-to-end technology solutions with business world's first intelligent sports assistant. services from planning to value as early as possible in the implementation, ensuring adoption process and their AI Fast Start One of the most inspirational projects organisations receive support accelerators are specifically designed Lenovo has been involved in is a throughout their AI integration for this, allowing their customers to collaboration with the Scott-Morgan journey. rapidly assess business value whilst Foundation and D-ID to create human Ÿ Optimised Infrastructure: Lenovo getting first-hand experience using AI avatars for patients suffering from offers AI-ready devices and solutions within their business amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a infrastructure designed for both MAY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 15
individual usage patterns while maintaining privacy Ÿ training and inferencing tasks, enhancing model protections. accuracy and efficiency while meeting specific industry performance demands. But focusing on data security is key! Ÿ Consultative Support: Through services like “AI Discover”, Lenovo helps businesses develop customized As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decisions AI solutions that align with their unique challenges and powered by AI, ensuring data security becomes paramount. objectives. Lenovo emphasizes building infrastructure that supports Ÿ Outcome Focused: By emphasizing tangible outcomes, secure operations either locally or through private servers Lenovo enables companies to leverage existing without compromising performance or accessibility. resources effectively while minimizing risks associated with rapid adoption. “Lenovo's proactive strategies focus on hybrid frameworks, personalization capabilities, industry partnerships, data Lenovo's strategic alignment in its AI offerings allows security measures, sustainability initiatives, and continuous organisations across different industries to harness artificial learning features—all aimed at leading advancements in the intelligence efficiently and effectively. AI landscape,” shares Dr. Arruda. Assessing and Adapting to the Trends The Evolving Role of AI in the Corporate Landscape The future of the AI industry is being shaped by several key The corporate landscape, predicts Dr Arruda, will see an trends, and Lenovo is actively preparing to adapt and lead increasing reliance on artificial intelligence not only as a in this evolving landscape. tool for efficiency but also as a strategic partner capable of transforming business practices across various domains One significant trend is the shift towards hybrid AI, where while addressing critical concerns around security and models and solutions operate wherever the data is across compliance. personal and private environments, from pocket to cloud as they say at Lenovo, whilst also leveraging the latest AI AI will increasingly become an essential partner across advancements in the public domain. This approach allows various business functions, and it is anticipated that it will for more personalized services while ensuring data privacy be ubiquitous in enhancing company productivity and and security. Lenovo's vision includes leveraging these collaboration within three years. This integration will hybrid AI systems to create tailored solutions for both facilitate more efficient workflows and decision-making individuals and enterprises, enabling them to harness AI processes across organizations. effectively while protecting sensitive information. A substantial portion of future investments in AI will focus Also, there is a growing demand for hyper-personalized on generative AI technologies. It is projected that 44% of experiences across devices. Lenovo has introduced all AI investments in 2025 will be directed towards innovations such as the “Lenovo AI Now,” which generative implementations, particularly in areas such as IT transforms PCs into personalised assistants capable of operations, marketing, and supply chain management. This adapting to user preferences. This focus on personalization shift indicates a growing recognition of the potential for aims to enhance productivity and user experience in various generative AI to automate tasks and personalize customer environments work, learning, or home. interactions. The integration of AI into diverse sectors is another trend With the rapid evolution of AI technologies comes that Lenovo recognizes as crucial for future growth. By increased concern regarding data security risks and collaborating with industry leaders like NVIDIA, Intel and compliance complexities. Organizations are expected to AMD, Lenovo aims to develop powerful AI-optimised prioritize security measures that encompass the responsible solutions that can be deployed across different industries. use of AI to build trust among users. The emphasis on secure architectures will be crucial as companies navigate a Finally, future devices are expected not only to perform landscape filled with new ecosystem players. tasks but also to continuously learn from user interactions over time - enhancing their functionality based on 16 I MAY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM
The preference for hybrid multi-cloud This diversity reflects how tailored Ÿ Human Touch - It ensures that architectures is likely to dominate solutions can address unique humans review any content strategies related to generative AI challenges faced by different sectors,” generated by AI to avoid mistakes sums up Dr Arruda. deployment. This approach allows or inappropriate outputs. businesses to balance innovation with Ÿ Vetted Data - Only trusted internal regulatory compliance while Ethical Use of AI data is used for training Lenovo's optimizing their operational AI models to keep things aligned capabilities. Lenovo is all about using AI with company values. There is a strong belief that AI- responsibly, assures Dr Arruda. It has a As for misconceptions, many people powered devices can significantly dedicated Responsible AI Committee think AI will take over jobs enhance employee productivity and that focuses on key areas like diversity, completely, but Lenovo believes that experience within intelligent digital privacy, accountability, and AI, when deployed with the right workplaces. As organizations pilot or environmental impact to make sure its safeguards in place, is meant to help plan rollouts for these devices, they are AI solutions are ethical. with repetitive tasks so humans can set to become integral tools for focus on higher-value, more creative employees. Here are some of Lenovo's guiding work. principles: “Different industries are expected to “There are also worries about data adopt varying approaches toward Ÿ Security First - Lenovo uses strong privacy; whilst a pertinent concern, at implementing AI based on their security measures to protect Lenovo we promote and enforce strong specific needs such as improving IT customer data, including security practices and clear policies on operations in BFSI or enhancing anonymising personal info before it how to handle sensitive data. By inventory management in retail sectors. goes into its AI systems. educating users and promoting MAY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 17
collaboration between humans and AI, we build trust while community engagement and alignment with customer keeping ethics at the forefront of our technology,” shares Dr needs, I aim to ensure that Lenovo remains a leader in AI Arruda. innovation while delivering meaningful outcomes for our clients,” he says. Staying Updated and Competitive A Balanced Approach for the Future Continuous learning is an integral part of Dr Arruda's nature, and he thrives in fast-paced environments. However, Lenovo's vision is encapsulated in the motto “Smarter the rapid evolution of AI in various directions can Technology for All,” which reflects its commitment to sometimes make him feel as though he might be left behind developing human-centered innovations that improve at any moment. human and enterprise outcomes and create a more inclusive digital society. Through his experiences during several pivotal moments in Delivering this vision in an era of rapid technological technological advancements, Dr. Arruda has learned that grounding his knowledge on solid foundations allows for advancements is not straightforward and requires a smoother navigation through periods of rapid change. balanced approach to technology integration and human While technologies may evolve quickly, the principles and empowerment. Also known as Enterprise Agility, it gives fundamentals that underpin them tend to follow much Lenovo the speed of execution, better response and longer evolutionary cycles. By establishing a strong adaptability to customer needs and increased productivity. foundational knowledge and staying updated with the latest developments, he can effectively ride the upcoming wave of Here are some key strategies Dr. Arruda uses at work to enterprise AI. achieve this: He focuses on three key areas: Ÿ Focus on human-centered design - It's crucial to design technologies that enhance human strength rather than Ÿ Ongoing Learning – Dr. Arruda regularly engages with replace them. For instance, he would emphasize the AI topics by reading extensively and taking online importance of AI as an augmentation tool rather than a courses that cover everything from fundamental replacement for human roles. By automating repetitive concepts to cutting-edge technologies and business tasks, AI allows employees to concentrate on more models. Additionally, he participates in discussion complex and emotionally intelligent work, thereby forums where professionals share insights about new enhancing creativity and problem-solving capabilities. models, business applications, and the creative Ÿ Promote digital literacy and lifelong learning - processes behind AI technologies. This engagement Continuous learning in both technical skills and keeps him informed about current trends. emotional intelligence is vital. He advocates for Ÿ Understanding Industry Technologies - He prioritizes comprehensive training programs that include emotional understanding the technologies utilized by peers across intelligence, ethical decision-making, leadership various industries by exploring new innovations while development, empathy training, and conflict resolution. assessing adoption barriers and opportunities. This This ensures the teams remain adaptable while approach provides valuable insights into how these leveraging advanced technologies. technologies are being implemented elsewhere and how Ÿ Leverage technology for empowerment - Utilizing they could potentially be applied at Lenovo to assist its digital platforms can significantly improve access to customers. information and knowledge. For example, Lenovo is Ÿ Customer Engagement - Maintaining close connections rolling out AI knowledge assistants across the whole with the customers is essential for success. Through company to empower colleagues with tools that get regular interactions with them, Dr Arruda is able to them accurate and timely answers whenever they need grasp their evolving business challenges and priorities. help, thus allowing them to make the best decisions This understanding ensures that his team at Lenovo possible. develops appropriate technologies and services tailored Ÿ Foster community-led initiatives - Supporting initiatives to meet those needs. that arise from within the teams often leads to tailored solutions addressing specific needs. Examples include “By concentrating on these three areas: continuous learning, helping the legal team develop an AI solution that helps 18 I MAY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM
Ÿ them review legal contracts in a fraction of the time and Into the Leader's Mind highlight any risk and compliance issues in a matter of seconds. Ÿ Align AI goals with human values - When Ÿ What book are you reading implementing AI systems at Lenovo, the team has a currently? strong focus on ensuring these systems complement human workers instead of replacing them. This involves clearly defining how AI will augment human "The Coming Wave" by Mustafa capabilities while involving employees in the Suleyman integration process through training programs designed "The Infinite Game" by Simon Sinek to facilitate effective collaboration between humans and AI. Ÿ One word that best describes “I truly believe that enterprise agility will keep Lenovo at your personality: the forefront of technology and further strengthen our position as the preferred partner for intelligent solutions and Dependable services,” concludes Dr Arruda. Ÿ What's the most important lesson you've learned? (Personal or professional) "Celebrate the small wins!" - Incremental growth and achievements are the building blocks of success and happiness. Enjoy them all! Ÿ What's the best professional advice you've received? Stay curious and keep learning, work smarter not harder, surround yourself with people you can learn from and work for someone you admire! Ÿ A quote to live by? “It always seems impossible until it's done!" By Nelson Mandela - It helps me stay positive and focused on my goals in the face of adversity. MAY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 19
