Liverpool City Region has taken a bold step toward becoming a global leader in ethical artificial intelligence with the appointment of Tiffany St James as its Chief AI Officer — the first such role in UK regional government.
A renowned digital strategist and award-winning leader, Tiffany brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. She serves on the Global AI Council and has collaborated with tech pioneers, including Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web.
Her appointment marks a key milestone in Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram’s ambitious vision to position the Liverpool City Region at the forefront of the UK’s AI transformation. This year alone, the region welcomed US tech giant Kyndryl, which is establishing an AI hub expected to create up to 1,000 jobs.
Tiffany will lead a newly formed task force focused on harnessing AI for social good, ensuring its development and deployment across the region is ethical, inclusive, and impactful.
She will unveil her strategic roadmap at the upcoming Liverpool City Region AI Summit, where global industry leaders, academic experts, and innovative local businesses will gather to shape the future of AI.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:
“With the recent announcement of billions of pounds of investment into AI in the UK, this is a massive opportunity for the Liverpool City Region to cement our place at the forefront of the country’s AI revolution.
“Artificial Intelligence has the potential to be one of the defining technologies of our age – but only if it’s harnessed in the right way.”
“That’s why we’re putting a clear focus on using it as a force for good – to improve public services, support our communities, and grow our economy.
“Tiffany brings a wealth of experience, from working with global tech leaders to shaping national digital strategies, and she’s exactly the kind of trailblazer we need to lead this work. Her appointment as our first Chief AI Officer shows the scale of our ambition – and I’m confident she’ll help us set the standard for how regions across the world can put AI to work for the benefit of their people.”
This position will drive transformative initiatives across sectors such as health, transport, and education, with a strong focus on ethical, inclusive, and innovative uses of AI.
Tiffany was selected for this role after a highly competitive national search. Previously, as the government’s first Head of Public Participation, she led strategic efforts across departments from the Cabinet Office. She later co-founded Transmute, a digital transformation consultancy, where she worked with major organisations including the BBC, Channel 4, and Google.
A recognised leader in the tech sector, Tiffany was among the inaugural Tech City100 and has delivered a TED talk. She currently advises the Greater London Authority and helps shape AI and digital strategies for various government bodies.
Her achievements have been widely recognised: The Drum named her one of the 25 women who have shaped the UK’s digital industry over the past 25 years, and Business Cloud listed her among the top 100 female role models in tech. Earlier in her career, she played a key role in launching DATA.GOV.UK
Tiffany said:
"I’m thrilled to join the Liverpool City Region - a place with bold ambition and heart. This role offers a unique opportunity in public sector innovation to shape how ethical AI transforms lives, from education to healthcare. I’m excited to collaborate with local councils and the wider public sector, regional talent, and innovative partners at home and abroad to co-create impactful AI solutions that improve lives and help set a global blueprint for regional AI delivery."
Image credit: Liverpool City Region
