Endava names Felipe Flores to accelerate AI maturity and move organisations beyond pilot purgatory

Endava Names Felipe Flores to Lead Regional AI Growth

Endava has appointed Felipe Flores as regional senior vice president of data and AI. His mission is clear: help organisations move beyond endless AI pilots and scale solutions that deliver real business value. Flores brings two decades of experience in AI, data science, and digital strategy, most recently serving as chief data, analytics and technology officer at Honeysuckle Health.

Many organisations find themselves stuck in a cycle of experimentation without progressing to impactful AI projects. Flores calls this “pilot purgatory.” He highlights common hurdles such as data readiness, talent shortages, regulatory uncertainty, and change management. Overcoming these requires a strong foundation and a clear AI vision aligned with business goals.

Moving from Experimentation to Scaled AI Adoption

Flores stresses the need for a strategic approach that connects isolated AI wins into a cohesive roadmap. Each success should build momentum and create lasting impact. “AI is a team sport,” he says, emphasizing collaboration across internal teams and external partners. The focus must remain on clear strategies that tie directly to business value, whether boosting productivity, improving customer experience, or exploring new business models.

As organisations mature in their AI journey, the goal is to integrate AI seamlessly into broader digital transformation programs. This requires combining local expertise with AI partners to ensure sustainable and scalable solutions, rather than short-term experiments.

Building a Network of Local AI Experts

Part of Flores’ role is to establish a network of data and AI specialists who bring domain knowledge and cultural insight. Endava aims to leverage its global reach while addressing the unique challenges, regulations, and customer expectations of each market. “AI isn’t a one-size-fits-all game,” Flores notes.

Endava recently joined OpenAI’s Beta Services Partner Program, enhancing its collaboration on enterprise AI adoption. To support clients further, Endava launched:

• Morpheus: An AI accelerator aimed at automating complex workflows.
• Compass: A discovery tool that maps legacy systems and uncovers AI-driven transformation opportunities.

These tools are designed to help organisations progress from pilots to scalable AI solutions.

Why This Matters for Executives

For leaders steering AI initiatives, the message is clear: avoid getting trapped in endless experimentation. Focus on building strong AI foundations, develop a clear, business-aligned strategy, and work with partners who understand local market nuances. Scalable AI adoption can unlock productivity gains, enhance customer experiences, and open new business avenues.

Executives interested in practical AI skills and training can explore resources at Complete AI Training to better equip their teams for these challenges.