Hays Travel has recruited a "visionary" AI guru to its board to sharpen its use of data, technology and AI in its operations.

Dr Mohsen Ghasempour, who is chief AI officer at B&Q and Screwfix parent Kingfisher Group, will join Hays as a non-executive director next month.

In his current role, Ghasempour leads on how Kingfisher uses AI and machine learning to drive its brands' customer experience functions.

Ghasempour has a background in academia, as well as public speaking, addressing London's AI Summit in June on AI: The Secret Weapon in your Customer Recipe.

Hays owner and chair Dame Irene Hays described Ghasempour as "a distinguished expert" in the field and hailed his particular focus on retail and customer experience.

"We look forward to collaborating with him as we further develop the use of data, technology and AI across our group," said Dame Irene. "Mohsen is our third non-executive director, and we welcome the contribution and challenge he will bring to our board as we navigate our future."

He will sit on the board alongside Hays Travel's other non-execs Jo Rzymowska and Helen Milford.

Ghasempour added: "I have great admiration for Dame Irene and the team at Hays Travel and look forward to offering my experience and ideas to support and guide the Hays Travel board as it navigates the possibilities and opportunities that AI presents.

"I respect Hays Travel’s family values and its commitment to its people, customers and communities and I’m sure we have lots to learn from each other."
Ghasempour will take up his role on 1 October.