Marco Ryan | Non-Executive Director, Digital Intelligence Expert

Marco Ryan is a Non-Executive Director, digital transformation expert and author. A former Chief Digital Officer at BP, he advises boards and senior leaders on AI strategy, ethical technology governance and digital intelligence. He is the co-author of Rewire or Retire: AI for Leaders, and Cyber Leader in Residence at Lancaster University Management School.

Enquiries

* Media Comment, Expert Opinion & Interviews

Marco is available as a contributor for interviews, op-eds, and expert commentary across digital, print and broadcast media. He offers insight into AI leadership, digital ethics, transformation strategy and cybersecurity, with particular focus on the role of board members and executives in overseeing complex technological systems.

* Public Speaking Engagements

Marco is available for keynote speeches, panels, and guest lectures. He delivers thought-provoking talks on AI’s impact on leadership, digital intelligence as a critical executive skill, and the future of organisational design in an automated world. He is open to both in-person and virtual events across industry, academia and government.

About

Marco Ryan is a board-level advisor, author and former FTSE 100 executive specialising in digital transformation, leadership strategy, and ethical oversight in the age of AI. With over 30 years of experience across B2C, B2B and B2G sectors in the UK, USA, Nordics, ASEAN and Northern Europe, he has held global digital leadership roles including Chief Digital Officer at BP, Wärtsilä and Thomas Cook.

Marco is currently Cyber Leader in Residence at Lancaster University Management School and teaches on its Cyber Executive MBA. He is also an angel investor, startup mentor and a regular conference speaker on the challenges facing leadership in an AI-driven world.

He is the co-author, with Alastair Lechler, of Rewire or Retire: AI for Leaders – a practical, candid and timely book written for senior executives navigating the rapid transformation of work, leadership and ethics in the face of artificial intelligence. The book introduces the concept of ‘digital intelligence’ (dQ) as a core capability for modern leaders and offers a framework for self-assessment, organisational readiness and ethical AI decision-making.

Drawing on insights from over 100 senior figures in business, government and the military, Rewire or Retire makes the case that experience and human judgement remain vital, but must be supported by a mindset of continual learning, digital curiosity and the ability to challenge assumptions. Marco argues that leaders who fail to adapt risk becoming disconnected from the systems and decisions they oversee—and may need to ask whether they are still the right person for the role.

In addition to Rewire or Retire, Marco has written extensively on cybersecurity and AI literacy for leadership audiences. Previous titles include The Cyber Security Blueprint for Executives, 101 Cyber Answers for Leaders, 51 Essential Cyber Terms Explained for Leaders, and 51 Essential AI Terms Explained for Leaders. He is also the author of the Insider Travel series.

Marco remains an active voice in the discussion around AI readiness, governance and digital leadership, and is available for speaking engagements, board advisory work, media comment, and collaborations with organisations aligned with his areas of focus.

Further Information:

Personal website: MarcoRyan.com