Aura Technology, a Southampton-based IT managed services provider, has appointed its first head of AI to lead a pragmatic and people-centred artificial intelligence programme.
Adam Galfskiy, who joined Aura in 2019, will spearhead the initiative with a focus on measurable outcomes and security by design. Acting as “customer zero,” the company plans to test AI implementations in-house before rolling them out to clients, validating governance, usability, and effectiveness along the way.
Initial projects will centre on Microsoft Copilot within Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Galfskiy emphasised that simply switching on AI tools is not a strategy. “We’ll map real tasks to Copilot, measure results and build confidence through training and practice,” he said. Early efforts will include readiness checks, defined use-case design, and hands-on staff training to ensure practical benefits are realised.
Security is a core focus. Aura’s approach will embed data compliance, usage monitoring, and user training from day one to protect sensitive information. Public-facing bots will be segmented and sandboxed to mitigate risks such as prompt injection, while the company will help clients gain visibility over informal AI use, often referred to as shadow AI, which can unintentionally expose sensitive data.
“It’s like BYOD on steroids,” Galfskiy said. “We are used to controlling devices coming into the network; now we also need to control how data can flow out to third-party AI tools. With the right policies and training, you can unlock the productivity without the risk.”
Tim Walker, Aura’s managing director, praised Galfskiy’s appointment, noting his technical expertise, people-focused approach, and practical mindset. “He’ll develop and lead an AI offering that delivers real outcomes for our customers,” Walker said.
Galfskiy, who has been working with AI since the early GPT days, added: “I’ve been fascinated by the science behind AI for two decades. I can’t wait to turn that curiosity into safe, everyday results for our team and our customers.”
