The AI Act is here: AI, cyber threats and ISO 42001 for wholesalers

With the EU AI Act coming into force on 1st August 2025, and wholesale retailers facing increasing cyber risks whilst balancing the efficiency of AI adoption, this LinkedIn Live panel will unpack how businesses in the sector can act now to protect themselves before AI regulation and compliance challenges accelerate.

Join us to explore:

• What the EU AI Act really means for wholesale retailers
• Why strong cybersecurity and governance frameworks are critical now
• The emerging risks and responsibilities that come with AI adoption
• How to prepare for ISO/IEC 42001, the new AI management system standard

Meet the panellists

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Matt Biltaji – VP of Product, Hicomply‍

Matt leads product strategy and development at Hicomply, a SaaS platform helping businesses achieve and maintain security certifications like ISO 27001, SOC2 and DORA. With a background in building scalable, compliance-led solutions, Matt is also focused on helping businesses prepare for secure AI implementation through early alignment with ISO/IEC 42001.

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Katie Simmonds – Legal Director, Womble Bond Dickinson‍

Katie is a highly experience data and technology lawyer, specialising in data privacy, cybersecurity, digital regulation and technology transactions. She advises on complex compliance challenges across data protection, international data transfers and tech contracts. With a focus on the intersection between privacy law and emerging technologies, Katie leads Womble Bond Dickinson’s emerging tech group and chairs the SCL IT Disputes Committee.

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Rob Mannion – CEO, B2B.store‍

Rob is founder and CEO of b2b.store, a leading AI-first digital solutions provider that has worked in the food and drink wholesale sector for nearly 15 years. He brings practical insights into the digital transformation of B2B retail, including the tech, compliance and customer experience challenges facing wholesalers as AI and cybersecurity become boardroom priorities.

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Lucy Batley – Founder, Traction Industries

‍Lucy is an AI strategist and founder of Traction Industries, a consultancy that helps organisations adopt AI responsibly. With nearly 30 years of experience in digital innovation, Lucy supports clients in embedding cross-functional AI governance and design principles. She also champions ethical tech use across retail and regulated industries.

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Who should attend?

This session is ideal for wholesale and retail leaders, digital transformation managers, compliance officers, CTOs, and anyone responsible for data, technology or operational risk.