2026 Walter S. Sutton Lecture: Brian Yamada

Join the KU School of Business to learn more about business ethics at the speed of AI.

Join Brian Yamada, a Global Chief Innovation Officer, who leads the Innovation and Emerging Tech teams enabling the application of AI/ML, Spatial technologies, AR/VR/XR and IoT/Connected Tech. The teams provide a range of solutions, including AI Transformation, CoLabs Consulting, Product & Service Design and Development, Creative Technology, and VML’s Proprietary Tech/Product development. The team also drives the AI strategy for VML and aligns with WPP on the development of WPP Open and its AI applications and tools and forges external partnerships with big tech, VCs, and emerging technology companies and startups.

Today, generative AI represents the fastest and most profound transformation yet. In just a few years, AI has shifted from novelty to necessity, reshaping how organizations create, operate, and connect with customers. As machine learning systems increasingly influence what we see, hear, and believe, the ethical stakes escalate — from data control and workforce impact to sustainability and societal trust. This talk explores the challenges and opportunities posed by AI’s exponential growth, and how leaders can navigate a future where human judgment and machine intelligence must work side by side.

A reception will follow the lecture.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact Kissan Joseph, at kjoseph@ku.edu by April 1, 2026.