Kate Hughes
Head of Data and AI Advisory
Kate Hughes leads the AI Advisory practice at bigspark, where she spearheads the company’s Responsible AI strategy. With over 25 years of global experience in digital product development, innovation, and technology leadership, Kate is a recognised expert in building scalable, future-focused solutions across sectors. Before joining bigspark in 2024, she held influential roles at Microsoft, contributing to some of the tech giant’s most iconic platforms – including Windows, Skype, Visual Studio, and Azure – delivering enterprise-scale services to millions of users worldwide.
A lifelong technologist and innovator
Kate’s journey into AI is a natural extension of her career in emerging technologies. She began her career programming in assembler, and her deep technical roots fuel her visionary approach to AI. Most recently she developed bigspark’s proprietary 2+10 Methodology
which enables multidiscipline stakeholders to adopt and govern AI systems with clarity and confidence. No technical background is required. Designed to empower all teams, the 2 +10 framework
fosters inclusive collaboration and responsible deployment from day one.
Kate’s multidisciplinary expertise spans technical product and architecture, law, and strategic transformation. She is a qualified TOGAF enterprise architect, holds a master’s degree in computer science, and holds a graduate diploma in law. Kate also brings project management expertise and a commercial mindset to help clients align AI initiatives with measurable ROI and long-term growth.
Speaker and thought leader
In addition to holding multiple patents, Kate is a sought-after speaker and thought leader. She has presented at industry roundtables and diversity-focused events – including at the University of Birmingham – on topics ranging from AI ethics to inclusion in tech. She frequently contributes to conversations around governance, trust, and the critical role of human oversight in AI-led transformation.
Kate is passionate about using AI for good.
As part of her work at bigspark, she is actively involved in initiatives exploring how AI can support mental health, strengthen environmental protections, and assist charities and advocacy groups. As an example she is an advocate of the use of AI in improving water quality. Kate combines visionary thinking with practical execution, helping organisations navigate the complexities of AI with a steady, ethical, and forward-thinking approach. Her work continues to shape the responsible use of AI in business and society.