Zebunisa Ahmed
Member of the Board
Zebunisa Ahmed is an independent Data, AI, Strategy and Governance Advisor and Strategic Assessor for Innovate UK, where she evaluates high-value innovation funding proposals. With a career spanning financial services, public programmes and the third sector, she specialises in translating complex strategic and regulatory requirements into practical, accountable governance frameworks that deliver measurable outcomes.
Zebunisa began her career in data and management information analysis with Three and Tesco Bank before joining Virgin Money, where she spent nine years leading major transformation and governance initiatives. Her work included transforming enterprise reporting, developing the organisation's net-zero roadmap, conducting its first double materiality assessment, and chairing a 35-member cross-functional forum focused on modern slavery. She also played a key role in governance arrangements during the Nationwide and Virgin Money merger.
Alongside her professional career, Zebunisa has a strong track record of community and voluntary leadership. She spent nine years with TEDxGlasgow, ultimately serving as Head of Strategy, and four years as a trustee of PAMIS, a national charity supporting people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Her interests include social impact, inclusion, equality and sustainable development, areas she is passionate about bringing to Board decision-making and governance.
Outside work, Zebunisa enjoys travelling, dancing, cooking, yoga and pilates, creating art prints, and is an enthusiastic Lego collector.