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.