Customer Story · AI Governance · Lithuania

Ignitis Group

Vilnius, Lithuania

About the Client

Lithuania's national energy utility

Ignitis Group is the largest energy company in the Baltic region, employing over 4,000 people across Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and Finland. As a vertically integrated utility, Ignitis plays a critical role in the region's energy transition, operating renewable energy generation assets, electricity and gas distribution networks and serving over one million customers.

With AI increasingly central to both operational efficiency and strategic transformation, the organisation recognised the need for robust board-level oversight. Critical infrastructure management brings additional regulatory significance — the EU AI Act classifies such operations as high-risk, making structured AI governance a board-level imperative.

Engagement Type

Board AI Governance Education

Key Deliverables

  • Bespoke half-day interactive programme for ~35 board members
  • Board AI Governance Framework (6 dimensions)
  • Company AI Management Framework
  • "AI Canvas" project assessment tool
  • EU AI Act overview and implications
The Brief

The Brief for Aitheria Partners

We were engaged to design and deliver a comprehensive AI governance education session for Ignitis' Supervisory Board and Management Board members. The half-day interactive programme needed to address an international board audience across multiple dimensions.

Build AI Governance Literacy. Cover fundamental AI concepts, capabilities and governance frameworks necessary for effective oversight at supervisory board level.

Define the Board's AI Oversight Role. Clarify a board's typical responsibilities in overseeing AI direction and implementation, and equip members with the right questions to ask on AI initiatives.

Develop Risk Awareness. Provide a comprehensive understanding of AI-related risks across strategic, operational and compliance dimensions — particularly those relevant to critical infrastructure management.

Recommended Governance Structure. Outline a best-in-class governance framework to support effective AI oversight, aligned with Ignitis Group's existing corporate governance structure.

Navigate the Regulatory Landscape. Deliver practical insights on current and emerging AI regulatory requirements, including the EU AI Act and Lithuania's national AI strategy.

Our Engagement

A bespoke programme designed for board-level oversight

Combining strategic education with practical frameworks, the programme was built around Ignitis' specific governance structure and energy sector context.

01

Strategy Alignment

Comprehensive preparation phase including stakeholder interviews with Ignitis executives to understand organisational strategy, governance structure, current AI maturity and sector-specific challenges in the energy industry.

Deliverables

  • Alignment with Head of Organisational Development and Board leadership
  • Detailed training materials aligned to board-level requirements
  • Customised content reflecting energy sector context and Lithuania's AI strategy
02

Board Education Session

Interactive education session delivered in Vilnius for approximately 35 Supervisory Board members, Management Board members and Executive Leaders. The programme combined presentation with practical scenario exercises.

Deliverables

  • AI Fundamentals: evolution of AI capabilities, business value, critical importance of data
  • Board-Level AI Oversight Framework based on Deloitte's governance model (6 dimensions)
  • EU AI Act overview, timeline and implications
  • Practical scenarios and exercises for board-level oversight
03

Strategic Framework Development

A comprehensive AI framework proposal designed for both supervisory oversight and operational governance, providing clear structure for the organisation's ongoing AI journey.

Deliverables

  • Board AI Governance Framework across six oversight dimensions
  • Company AI Management Framework including governance committee, policies and risk management
  • "AI Canvas" tool for project assessment and approval
  • Recommendations on immediate priorities and next steps
Outcomes

Engagement outcomes

Board Literacy & Alignment

Established foundational AI literacy across the Supervisory Board and Management Board, creating shared understanding of AI capabilities, limitations and governance principles. Survey feedback highlighted particular value in understanding the distinctions between traditional software and AI, and the board's specific role in AI governance.

Board Governance Framework Clarity

Delivered a clear, actionable governance framework based on industry best practice, specifically tailored to Ignitis' existing corporate structure. The framework encompasses six critical dimensions — Strategy, Risk, Governance, Performance, Talent, and Culture & Integrity — with practical guidance on committee allocation and reporting rhythms.

Risk and Regulatory Awareness

Equipped board members with comprehensive understanding of AI-specific risks and regulatory requirements, particularly significant given that the EU AI Act classifies "Management of Critical Infrastructure" as high-risk. This positions the board to provide effective oversight as Ignitis navigates complex compliance requirements.

Roadmap & Management Framework

Recommendations on immediate priorities and next steps for the Supervisory Board's oversight of AI initiatives, together with an AI Management Framework for oversight and collaboration on AI initiatives across the Group.

Client Feedback

What the board said

Wolf Willems

A great session with clarity on the differences in AI categories, current developments and the potential for Ignitis Group development.

Wolf Willems

Independent Member, Supervisory Board Committee

Lorraine Wrafter

The session gave the Supervisory Board a clear understanding of our governance responsibilities and helped us to translate that into practical next steps.

Lorraine Wrafter

Independent Member, Group Supervisory Board

Eligijus Kajieta

Patrick was a very competent speaker with content that was tailored really well to Ignitis' context and participants.

Eligijus Kajieta

Independent Board Member, ESO (Ignitis Networks)

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