One New Zealand (One NZ) has unveiled its new executive team, announcing the appointment of Summer Collins as Chief AI & Data Director. This addition to the executive team marks the burgeoning recognition of data analytics and the application of artificial intelligence within all aspects of One NZ's operations.

Jason Paris, CEO of One NZ, expresses his enthusiasm for this appointment, seeing it as an opportunity for the company to stay ahead of the ever-evolving technological landscape. He comments, “I’m hugely excited about Summer’s appointment and the opportunity it presents to ensure One NZ is best placed to take advantage of the incredible technological changes that are revolutionising the world.”

He further conveyed how the company is already harnessing the power of AI across various segments including service, network, support office, and marketing. “This role demonstrates our commitment to data analytics and using artificial intelligence within all levels of our operation. It also reflects the significant investment we make in developing our people at One NZ and I’m delighted that this has resulted in Summer joining the executive team,” he articulated.

As Chief AI & Data Director, Collins would spearhead One NZ's transformation into an AI-led telecommunications company, employing AI-driven technologies and solutions to enhance customer experiences, product development and operational methodologies.

Collins underscores the significance of enriching One NZ's AI capabilities. “Developing our AI capabilities is critical to unlocking service performance and efficiencies beyond what we can today,” she stated. “The world is changing rapidly. Twelve months ago, no one had heard of ChatGPT, now the technology is becoming ubiquitous and One NZ needs to ensure it’s well placed to thrive in the AI-era.”

Her statement goes beyond mere customer satisfaction and product refinement; it encompasses a thorough reorganisation of the company’s modus operandi, wherein human discernment is seamlessly integrated with machine accuracy. Collins' agenda includes three primary objectives: establishing data foundations to offer secure and insightful data platforms, cultivating AI execution to identify and scale opportunities, and employing AI-driven insights to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. “A key area for us is ensuring data is governed properly and used in a way that benefits our customers. Being successful in the AI-era is about the seamless integration across human and machine capabilities, and using it to provide market-leading customer experiences at maximum efficiency,” she said.

Prior to her new role, Collins served as Head of Data & Growth Capability at One NZ. Her vocational experience also includes her time at BNZ, Spark, Air NZ, and Vodafone Group. Collins is currently pursuing an Executive Diploma in Artificial Intelligence for Business from the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.