For Marc, AI is not just an abstract talking point on a PowerPoint slide; it is a technology with real societal impact. “Some people thought it was strange at the time that I gave up a successful technical role as a data scientist for ethics and compliance,” Marc says, looking back on his career shift. “But early on, I noticed that certain algorithms were showing discriminatory patterns. For me, the transition to AI risk management felt like a natural next step. We need to reflect on the societal impact, especially now that AI is embedding itself deeper into our daily lives.”

Congratulations on being named AI Person of the Year. What does this award mean to you, both personally and professionally?

“Thank you! Secretly, it really means a lot to me. This is the third edition, and it’s a true public award—kind of modeled after Time’s Person of the Year. The fact that the general public voted in such large numbers makes it extra special. For me, it’s a huge recognition of the work I do in the Responsible AI field, both within KPMG and beyond through workshops, guest lectures, and on LinkedIn. It shows that the conversation is thankfully shifting: we are no longer just looking at what is technically possible or legally permitted, but at what we, as a society, ought to want.”

How do you translate that philosophy into practice? What is Responsible AI all about?

“To me, Responsible AI rests on three pillars: technical soundness, compliance with laws and regulations, and ethical accountability. The very first question should always be: do we even want to use AI here? If human contact is a core value within your organization, maybe you shouldn’t automate those processes at all. Additionally, we must constantly guard against bias—prejudice in data. For example, if a municipality analyzes neighborhood data and focuses too heavily on one specific area, it creates a distorted picture. Someone who lives in a disadvantaged neighborhood and drives a nice car is not by definition a criminal. We need to use both technical tools and human common sense to minimize that bias.”

Are these hidden biases also the biggest risks at the moment?

“Yes, because they are often invisible. Unfortunately, the Netherlands has already seen painful examples of algorithmic misuse, such as the childcare benefits scandal (Toeslagenaffaire). Generative AI introduces entirely new risks: systems making unexpected, subtle mistakes. Organizations therefore shouldn’t try to predict every single conceivable scenario, but instead invest heavily in minimizing the ‘splash damage’ when things do go sideways.
Honestly, I feel there is too much talk about AI right now. It’s a complex subject, and everyone—even those without any expertise—feels the pressure to have an opinion on it. The central question needs to be much more fundamental: what does this technology mean in the long run for humanity, our jobs, and our sense of purpose in society?”

Do you also see opportunities?

“Absolutely. In education, AI can enable fantastic, personalized learning programs. Just as the calculator once changed education and the labor market, AI will transform our skills. Jobs that consist purely of tasks that are easy to automate will change or disappear. More complex, holistic roles will actually be supported by AI, while humans continue to make the final decisions. By the way, current language models are still nowhere near possessing the foundations required for genuine human-level intelligence. That will require a completely new technological breakthrough first.”

What is your main mission now that you hold this title?

“Above all, I want to take the polarization out of the public debate. The discussion shouldn’t be reduced to being ‘for’ or ‘against’ AI, or about apocalyptic doomsday scenarios. Leaders need a clear understanding of what is technically feasible, what the actual risks are, and where AI genuinely adds value, rather than relying on sensationalized headlines. My advice is simple: you don’t need to have an immediate opinion on everything. Consult experts, build knowledge before you judge, and connect with people who deeply understand the technology. That is how we strengthen the Amsterdam AI ecosystem together and ensure that AI adds value in a responsible way.”