Governance / Portfolio: Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence in the portfolio
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly important topic across the portfolio. For some companies, AI reflects a structural shift in their sector that they need to understand and adapt to. For others, it represents an opportunity to modernise operations, improve productivity and achieve better commercial outcomes. Oakley’s focus is on helping portfolio companies align the potential of AI with their current capabilities and circumstances, whether that means adopting the right tools, strengthening the integration and quality of data across systems, or prioritising the use cases most likely to deliver value.
Supporting AI adoption in the portfolio
To support this work consistently, Oakley has developed a framework to assess AI-related risks and opportunities across the portfolio. This helps us prioritise where to focus our support and identify the initiatives most likely to deliver value for each business.
Oakley works closely with management teams to identify suitable opportunities for AI and support implementation in a practical, outcomes-focused way. This includes hands-on support in developing solutions for specific use cases, such as market intelligence tools for in-house M&A teams or lead generation tools for sales teams, as well as helping companies select and engage the right third-party vendors for larger-scale projects. Where appropriate, Oakley also supports portfolio companies in building internal AI capability, including establishing or strengthening in-house teams to drive and sustain AI initiatives.
In parallel, Oakley is developing partnerships with large technology providers to help consolidate efforts across the portfolio and improve access to expertise and resources. We also convene portfolio leaders to share insights and learn from emerging developments, including through regular events that facilitate peer exchange, such as the Oakley AI Forum, which took place in May 2026.
In 2025, Oakley began monitoring responsible AI practices across the portfolio as part of its annual sustainability survey, covering adoption, use cases, and the governance practices companies have in place. This marks the first year of structured data collection in this area, and the findings will inform how Oakley prioritises support and engagement on responsible AI going forward.