Paul O'Brien MITP

Board of Directors / Director, AI, Security & Operations Research, BT

Paul leads an award winning team applying smart technologies to transforming the way we manage telecommunications networks and digital services.

Their activities include exploiting AI and machine learning to automate operations, developing advanced data analytics capabilities for cybersecurity and customer insight, and exploiting optimisation technologies for driving business agility and efficiency. His team also includes overseas labs in China, UAE and the US. Paul is also responsible for BT’s patent portfolio and patenting team.

Paul has a passion for technology research and innovation. He has worked in AI and telecommunications for over 25 years in a number of roles including, technology venturing and start-ups, managing large research programmes, leading international collaborative projects, and chairing standards committees.

Paul is a keen advocate for careers in engineering. He is a mentor for the Tamar Engineering Project at Plymouth University, a judge for the annual Tech4Good awards, and oversees BT’s sponsorship of the IET Diamond Scholarship programme.

He holds business and technical degrees from the London School of Economics, University College London, Essex University and University of Hertfordshire.