Deloitte UK has created the role of chief AI officer and appointed Hayley McKelvey to the post, bringing AI strategy directly into its senior leadership.
McKelvey assumed the new role on 1 June 2026.
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She will oversee the company’s AI agenda across both client-facing work and internal operations, with a brief to coordinate AI initiatives and embed the technology more deeply across the business.
She stepped into the new position from her current role as chief AI officer for Deloitte’s UK Tax and Legal practices.
McKelvey has more than two decades of experience in technology and transformation, including leading large-scale digital change programmes for clients and within the company.
McKelvey said: “I am honoured to step into this role at a time when AI is fundamentally reshaping professional services. Data, AI and technology are changing how business is done, with profound implications for economies, organisations and the future of work.
“Harnessing the power of AI responsibly and strategically, both for our clients and in our own operations, is my priority. I look forward to working with our partners to build on our momentum and continue to deliver real, measurable outcomes with AI.”
Her appointment is part of a wider reorganisation of Deloitte UK’s executive team, led by the company’s new UK CEO Darren Graves.
Alongside McKelvey, Deloitte UK has named Hammad Rafique as managing partner for Technology & Transformation, Dave Sharman as managing partner for Strategy, Risk & Transactions Advisory and Alan Chaudhuri as chief risk officer in the UK.
Graves said: “I am excited to be welcoming Hayley, Hammad, Dave and Alan to our Executive.
“By appointing a chief AI officer to the UK Executive in particular, we are sharpening our focus on the future and positioning our firm for continued growth as the next-generation professional services firm.”
In a separate regional development, Deloitte Asia-Pacific (APAC) has appointed Robert Hillard as APAC CEO for a four-year term, following partner endorsement across the region. He succeeded David Hill, whose term concluded on 31 May 2026.
