Dr. Lisa Bechtold
GLOBAL EXECUTIVE AND STRATEGIC LEADER IN
TECHNOLOGY & LAW | AI | DATA | GOVERNANCE | DIGITAL RISK MANAGEMENT | REGULATORY AFFAIRS
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
As a strategic leader in Data | AI | Governance with a strong business acumen as well as broad expertise in law and digital technologies, I serve as a catalyst for AI innovation and digital transformation with an integrated perspective on business needs, growth opportunities and data, AI and privacy regulations.
In my current role as Head of AI Governance at Zurich Insurance Group (N-2), I have pioneered and led the implementation and operationalization of a framework for Responsible AI, Data Quality & Privacy through which I oversee the development, integration and deployment of all AI solutions globally. With my multifaceted background in law, technology and risk management, I provide strategic advice to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee on customer, investor, market expectations and regulatory requirements globally to generate business value and digital trust as a competitive edge.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Conceived, shaped, and led the implementation of a Board-approved strategy for AI governance, promoting digital innovation and optimizing value-adding AI adoption
• Developed and implemented multiple Group-wide frameworks (AI, Claims Data Management, Operational Risk); Group Steering Committee Lead (EU AI Act); launch of first Group AI Policy to promote digital trust (Lead)
• Established corporate approach to Group-wide subsidiary governance (interplay Group | Business Units), endorsed by Group CEO and Board
CAREER SUMMARY
Current Responsibilities:
• Head of AI Governance, Zurich Insurance Group
July 2023 – present
• World Economic Forum AI Governance Alliance
November 2023 – present (Working Group Member)
• Swiss InsurTech Hub Lead AI | Data | Privacy
November 2022 – present (Strategic Advisor)
Professional Experience (Zurich Insurance Group, since 2009):
• Global Lead AI Assurance & Data Governance
• Head Data Risk & Digital Policy
• Senior Legal Counsel (Corporate Finance | Governance)
Professional Experience (International Law Firms, 2006-2009):
• Attorney at Law (M&A, Securities Law, Litigation)
(Shearman & Sterling, New York City; PPR & Partner, Düsseldorf, Germany)
EDUCATION
• Stanford Business Graduate School
– Executive Education (Leadership), 2024
• MIT Sloan School of Management
– Executive Education (AI Strategy), 2021
• University of California, Berkeley
– LL.M. (U.S. Business Law), 2014
• University of Cologne
– Ph.D. and State Exams in Law, 2006
AFFILIATIONS
• Stanford University Alumna | Graduate School of Business | Women on Boards
• UC Berkeley Alumna | School of Law
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Music, Outdoors, Traveling
Special Achievements:
• Junior tennis champion (top 5 in Germany); Bundesliga player as student
