Designing the AI-First Operating Models: Generac, CBRE, and Rockwell Share Their Blueprint

Technovation with Peter High (CIO, CTO, CDO, CXO Interviews)

In today’s episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our Metis Strategy Summit held on May 13, 2025 moderated by Peter High. The topic was Designing an AI-First Operating Model, and the executives who joined the discussion were Talal Butt, Chief Information Officer of Generac Power Systems; Ampily Vijay, Chief Digital & Technology Officer of CBRE Investment Management; and Chris Nardecchia, Chief Digital Officer of Rockwell Automation. Each shares frontline perspectives on embedding AI at scale from energy tech and industrial automation to real estate investment and operations.

Together, they explore how enterprise leaders are shifting from isolated AI pilots to fully integrated operating models that prioritize data, talent, and measurable impact. From reshaping customer experiences and product ecosystems to building architecture for sustainable scale, this conversation delivers a playbook for moving beyond experimentation and into durable transformation.

Topics include:

• Building connected digital platforms to unify products and services
• Restructuring decision-making through data-driven executive dashboards
• Establishing AI innovation funnels and prioritization frameworks
• Redesigning talent strategy to make AI part of everyone’s job