AI Officer

The AI Officer is the role that "sees the whole picture" of AI in the company. They maintain the system inventory, coordinate risk classification, approve new tools, drive training, handle incidents and are the point of contact for audits and authorities.

Unlike the GDPR Data Protection Officer, the AI Act does not require appointing an AI Officer. But the obligations it does impose (literacy, human oversight, documentation, incident reporting) need someone to coordinate them, and appointing one is the simplest way to show control.

In a small business it is usually a part-time role, taken on by someone from management, IT or compliance, supported by a small committee.