Funke Abimbola MBE 

I am a senior General Counsel and AI governance specialist, working at the intersection of law, technology and ethics to help highly regulated organisations innovate responsibly in an AI-driven world. I currently operate as a fractional General Counsel through The Legal Director, supporting boards, founders and executive teams across life sciences, healthtech and technology.

I have over 25 years’ experience across global pharma, biotech, med-tech and technology, and have held senior leadership roles including General Counsel and Data Protection Officer at organisations such as Roche, Cycle Pharmaceuticals, Open Medical and Everway. In each role, I built legal and governance functions from the ground up and worked closely with clinical, scientific and commercial teams to navigate complex regulatory environments, from early-stage research and data through to patient engagement, marketing approvals and post-market compliance.

Alongside my legal leadership, I have consistently championed diversity, social mobility and inclusive leadership within the profession. I co-authored the report Opening up or shutting out? Social mobility in the legal profession and have led and sponsored corporate diversity initiatives, supported early-career and under-represented talent through mentoring and speaking, and co-host The Power of Privilege and Allyship podcast, exploring how leaders can use their influence to create fairer systems.

More recently, my work has focused on responsible AI adoption, helping organisations design practical governance frameworks that balance innovation, trust and accountability.

I was awarded an MBE by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to diversity and inclusion, and I am honoured to be included on the O List 2026.