Madhu Bhabuta is a board-level CIO and technology leader with over 25 years of experience working across manufacturing and green tech, arts and cultural organisations, telecoms, and defence and aerospace. Her work includes leadership roles and strategic contributions with organisations such as Brnovate, Ecosurety, Freeman Clarke, Bailey of Bristol, and the English National Opera — environments where the impact of technology extends far beyond business metrics to regulation, operations, public trust, and at times, human safety.

Across these sectors, she observed a consistent gap: while governance frameworks clearly define what organisations should do, they often fall short in guiding leaders on how to do it in practice.

This insight led her to create HEAF — a practical framework built on Human oversight, Explainability, Auditability, and Fail-safe defaults — helping CXOs navigate AI regulation while continuing to innovate at speed.

Through her advisory practice, Brnovate, Madhu works closely with boards and leadership teams to align technology with business strategy, strengthen cyber resilience, and build operating models that support sustainable growth and transformation.

Recognised by CIO-100 UK and an active jury member, she is also a regular speaker at global forums. At the core of her work is a simple belief: that trustworthy AI is not just about compliance — it is a foundation for better, more effective technology.