Our Strategic Advisors

Maria Luciana Axente is a Senior Advisor at Pilus Capital, advising on artificial intelligence strategy, governance, and policy across defense, government, and enterprise environments. She is an internationally recognized authority on responsible AI, with more than 15 years of experience shaping ethical, regulatory, and operational frameworks for emerging technologies.

Maria currently serves as Responsible AI and AI for Good Lead at PwC, where she plays a central role in defining the firm’s AI strategy and was instrumental in the establishment of PwC’s UK AI Centre of Excellence. She led the development of PwC’s Responsible AI toolkit and methodology, supporting organizations in embedding ethical principles, governance structures, and regulatory readiness into AI deployment at scale. In this capacity, she advises boards, senior executives, governments, and regulators on aligning AI innovation with trust, compliance, and long-term value creation.

She is a trusted advisor to NATO and co-architect of its Responsible AI Framework, supporting defense and dual-use technology initiatives at the intersection of innovation, risk, and ethics. Maria has also held advisory roles with the European Commission and the UK Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI, contributing to national and international AI policy, governance standards, and responsible adoption frameworks. In addition, she serves on multiple standards and leadership bodies, including BSI, ISO, IEEE, and the TechUK Data and AI Leadership Committee, and advises initiatives focused on AI safety, inclusion, and societal impact.

Earlier in her career, Maria held senior roles in digital transformation and strategy across consulting, media, and technology-driven organizations, including leadership positions at Cognizant and Euromoney Institutional Investor. She has served on advisory boards for research institutes and AI-focused organizations and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Maria has been widely recognized for her contributions to ethical AI and public policy, including being named among the most influential women in technology and AI ethics and as a LinkedIn Top Voice in AI. She is also actively involved in initiatives promoting responsible AI adoption, child safety, and diversity in technology.

Maria holds an MBA in Strategy, Corporate Governance, and Ethics from the University of Westminster. She has completed advanced programs in artificial intelligence at the University of Oxford and holds earlier academic qualifications in business and management.