CIO Peer Forum® 2025

In this talk, Dr. Joseph Geraci—scientist, entrepreneur, and architect of enterprise AI systems—explores the emerging frontier of Agentic AI and its transformative potential in corporate environments. Going beyond traditional machine learning and large language models (LLMs), Agentic AI refers to systems that can autonomously execute tasks, adapt dynamically to context, and orchestrate complex workflows across platforms.
We will explore locally deployed, agent-enabled middleware that allows enterprises to securely harness the power of AI without sending sensitive data to external servers while reducing costs. This talk also demonstrates how agentic systems can be designed to organize, contextualize, and structure internal data assets—making them not only intelligent assistants, but also scalable knowledge managers. Whether used for legal workflows, IT operations, or marketing automation, these agents reduce cognitive overhead while improving consistency, transparency, and decision support.

For most organizations, the key challenges in AI are around understanding and matching where and how AI can help the business and how to get started. The speed of the AI “Big Bang” has made it very challenging to use traditional enterprise project approaches. This session will focus on how to balance time to deliver value for the best use cases of AI against risk, cost and user adoption.

The presentation will feature a dynamic panel discussion showcasing examples from industry and government, on how data serves as the driving force behind AI’s ability to solve complex challenges and achieve unprecedented productivity. Highlights will include projects where AI has or will drive innovation and operational excellence advancing Canada’s infrastructures management and industries productivity. This session will also explore how these emerging technology projects are challenging traditional CIO functions, as data analytics are driven by Chief Data Officers. Where should AI leadership by driven from? This session will foster knowledge sharing to inspire progress and elevate national competitiveness.

Moderated by Lucie Loignon.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the integration of Generative AI (GenAI) is revolutionizing leadership paradigms, particularly for Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Senior Technology Leaders tasked with driving business transformation.

This panel brings together senior technology leaders, and recent graduates of the Rotman CIOCAN CIO Executive Leadership Program & CIO.D alumni, to explore how GenAI is reshaping the role of CIOs. Attendees will gain insights into how GenAI enhances strategic decision-making, streamlines operations, and fosters innovation within their organizations. The discussion will delve into recent Gen-AI successes, overcoming challenges in change management, and navigating the ethical and regulatory landscapes associated with AI initiatives.

This session is an essential event for technology leaders aiming to leverage advanced AI solutions to transform their businesses.