Zero100 appoints Jim Rowan to accelerate AI advisory growth

Zero100 has appointed Jim Rowan, former Chief Executive Officer of Volvo Cars and Dyson, as its Executive in Residence. Rowan brings experience from various global technology-driven businesses, including a previous role as Chief Operating Officer at BlackBerry.

Leadership background

Rowan's career spans more than thirty years with extensive experience overseeing companies through technological transformation. During his tenure at Volvo Cars, he advanced the company's digital capabilities. Prior to that, as CEO at Dyson, and COO at BlackBerry, he was closely involved with developments in robotics, automation, and manufacturing technologies, particularly in Asia.

Boardroom priorities

In his new position, Rowan will work alongside Zero100's leadership to develop intellectual property and guidance for senior executives. The focus will be on artificial intelligence, automation-led productivity, and how emerging technologies affect decision-making at CEO and board level. His expertise is expected to benefit Zero100's network, which includes leaders from organisations such as Meta, McDonald's, Unilever, John Deere, Walmart, Google, Toyota, General Motors, Pfizer, and Nike.

Expanding advisory capabilities

Zero100 has highlighted Rowan's appointment as part of its efforts to expand its support for global organisations. The company, headquartered in London, advises on the strategic use of technology within supply chains and operations, with particular attention to the growing role of AI and automation in driving organisational change.

"Jim brings a rare combination of CEO experience, technological fluency, and a global perspective on the intersection of supply chain and a new wave of AI and automation. We're super excited to work with him to continue to disrupt the archaic world of traditional research and advisory businesses as we shape the next phase of Zero100's growth, strengthening the portfolio of insights and commercially grounded guidance we offer to global operations executives and their teams." said Olly Sloboda, Chief Executive Officer, Zero100.

Industry trends

AI and automation continue to alter the structure and focus of operations in multinational organisations. Rowan said his experience as a customer of Zero100 while at Volvo Cars provided insight into new advisory business models emerging in this space.

"AI and automation are creating a fundamental shift in how global companies operate and have already created winners and losers across industries. Zero100's growth has been incredibly impressive, and its business model - which I experienced as a customer as CEO of Volvo Cars - is making waves as an alternative to traditional advisory and consulting businesses. It's a disruptive and refreshing way to help executives understand what these technologies mean for their businesses, and I'm excited to support that work," said Rowan.