About Erika
AI Strategy Executive and Business Advisor

Erika Legara is a business advisor and board director who helps organizations harness data science and AI to drive growth, manage risk, and create competitive advantage. As MD and Chief AI and Data Officer at ECAIR, she transforms strategic vision into operational excellence.

Her advisory portfolio includes organizations collectively earning over 4.5 billion USD across banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors. She offers strategic guidance at all stages of digital maturity, from initial assessment to advanced implementation.

Board & Governance Experience

As a Fellow at the Institute of Corporate Directors (Philippines) and the first Filipino awarded the Cyber Risk Governance credential from the DCRO Risk Governance Institute, she helps boards navigate technology risks and opportunities with confidence.

Strategic Leadership

Erika was a co-author of the Philippine National AI Strategy Roadmap (DTI), positioning the country as a competitive player in the global technology landscape. Her approach balances technological advancement with ethical considerations and business practicality.

At the Asian Institute of Management, she spearheaded the MSc. in Data Science program, which has produced over 250 data science leaders and generated 70+ data science and AI R&D projects for stakeholders across industries.

Thought Leadership

Erika speaks regularly on AI governance, AI leadership, digital transformation, and the business impact of emerging technologies. Her insights have shaped boardroom discussions on technology risk, competitive strategy, and organizational change management across the ASEAN region.

Experience

  1. Managing Director and Chief AI & Data Officer

    Education Center for AI Resarch (DepEd)
    As Managing Director and Chief AI & Data Officer, Erika led the Center for AI Research from July to December 2024 under DTI, then oversaw its transition to the Education Center for AI Research under DepEd in January 2025. She directs strategic vision, oversees high-impact AI and data science R&D projects, and fosters partnerships with industry and academic stakeholders. The center now focuses on three key pillars: R&D for Innovation and Adoption, Capacity Building for educators and learners, and AI Policy Research, with a renewed emphasis on advancing AI in education while maintaining alignment with the original mission of driving innovation and national competitiveness.

  2. Associate Professor and Aboitiz Chair in Data Science

    Asian Institute of Management
    As Associate Professor and Aboitiz Chair in Data Science at AIM (2017-present), Erika founded the Philippines’ first MSc in Data Science program, guiding 300+ graduates and overseeing 70+ DSAI projects. She’s currently on work leave (2024-2027), but remains active in business education leadership forums and as a thought leader on AI in education.

  3. Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor

    CorteX Innovations, Corporation
    Serves as a key advisor ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of data and AI solutions while addressing practical business needs. She guides organizations through digital transformation with expertise in data governance, AI maturity assessments, and strategic roadmapping. Her advisory role helps both public and private sector clients bridge AI adoption gaps and develop sustainable transformation programs that balance innovation with operational realities.

  4. Board Advisor

    Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)
    From Independent Director, transitioned to Board Advisor with the RCBC Board, providing more “hands-on collaboration” as RCBC ramps up its initiatives in artificial intelligence and data analytics.

Education

  1. PhD Physics

    University of the Philippines Diliman
    GWA: 1.0/1.0 Dissertation is titled Implications of the Topological Properties of Networks in the Dynamics of Marketing, Competition and Framing Analysis. Supervised by Academician Chris Monterola. Published 7 articles in ISI-indexed journals and presented over 20 times in local conference proceedings.

  2. MS Physics

    University of the Philippines Diliman

  3. BSc Physics (cum laude)

    University of the Philippines Diliman