Adviser shortage: the generation of 2040 is already born
29.7% fewer passed Wft exams in five years, a rapidly ageing advisory profession and smaller birth cohorts. What that means for capacity in 2040.
AI in practice · Financial sector · Boardroom
Applying AI inside a real organisation.
I'm Marc Diks — Managing Director at Alpina Group and member of the Management Board. Every day I work with AI, not as theory but as part of how we design processes, marketing and customer service. Here I share what I learn: what works, what doesn't, and what that means for your organisation.
AI in practice · Financial sector · Boardroom
Applying AI inside a real organisation.
I'm Marc Diks — Managing Director at Alpina Group and member of the Management Board. Every day I work with AI, not as theory but as part of how we design processes, marketing and customer service. Here I share what I learn: what works, what doesn't, and what that means for your organisation.
- 25+
- years of digital experience
- 2,200+
- employees at Alpina Group
- 3,100+
- followers on LinkedIn
- Daily
- AI in production
Blog
Insights and perspective
I write weekly about AI strategy, digital transformation and leadership — from the boardroom, not the consultancy. Based on my own experiments, real cases and honest conclusions. Also available via my Substack newsletter.
Expertise
Focus Areas & Expertise
I combine strategic thinking with day-to-day execution. The topics below aren't theoretical disciplines — I work with them every day.
AI Strategy & Governance
I build and guide AI roadmaps inside an active organisation, including governance, AI Act compliance and translating policy into concrete adoption on the work floor.
- AI roadmaps & policy frameworks
- AI Act compliance
- Governance and adoption
- Opportunity and risk analysis
- Responsible AI implementation
Digital Transformation & M&A
Extensive experience in building and scaling digital platforms, guiding complex mergers and realising operational synergy.
- Digital platform strategy
- M&A trajectories and integration
- Operational synergy
- Scalability and growth
- Value creation through acquisitions
Executive Leadership
Leading multidisciplinary teams (100+ FTEs) in a sector being fundamentally reshaped by AI. Focus on guiding people through technological transition without losing sight of commercial goals.
- Management Board experience
- Multidisciplinary team leadership
- Commercial growth and innovation
- Strategic direction setting
- Organisational development
About Marc Diks
I don't talk about AI. I apply it.
I'm Managing Director Online and a member of the Management Board at Alpina Group — one of the largest financial services providers in the Netherlands with more than 2,200 employees. In that role I'm responsible day to day for the online cluster of labels and co-responsible for the organisation's AI strategy. Not as a project, but as part of how we work.
What I notice: there's a big difference between talking about AI and actually rolling it out inside an existing organisation with people, processes and legacy. I try to bridge that gap — for myself, and by sharing what I learn. On this website and on LinkedIn I write about what works, what disappoints, and which choices I would make if I could start over.
Behind that sits 25+ years of building and scaling digital businesses in the financial sector, including Diks Verzekeringen, 112schade and the merger with Voogd & Heilbron. That entrepreneurial background gives me a different perspective on AI than someone who only knows the technology: I always think from the business model, the revenue model, and the people who have to execute it.
Core values in my work:
Practice over theory
AI only works when it lands in the organisation, not in a PowerPoint.
Honesty about technology
I also write about what doesn't work and what surprised me.
A boardroom perspective
I think from the business model, not from the technology.
Sharing what I learn
On LinkedIn, Substack and this website, every week.
Current Impact
Alpina Group · Managing Director Online & Head of AI Strategy · Management Board
In my current role as a member of the Management Board I am responsible for the online cluster and co-responsible for the organisation's overarching AI strategy. I lead multidisciplinary teams focused on digital transformation and AI adoption across the various business units. The focus lies on realising operational synergy and strengthening customer engagement through innovative technology.
Concretely that means: I steer an AI roadmap, select tooling, guide adoption with hundreds of employees, and make sure AI initiatives don't get stuck in pilots but actually reach production. That generates insights you won't get from reports or conferences.
About Alpina Group
Alpina Group is a leading national player in financial services with more than 2,200 employees. The group has grown through powerful mergers and offers an integrated range of services in insurance, mortgages, pensions and financial planning for both the corporate and private market.
Currently working on
- Rolling out AI literacy across 2,200+ employees at Alpina Group
- Writing about practical AI for executives on Substack
- Speaking about the AI Act and what it really means for your boardroom
Last updated: July 2026
Speaker & Thought Leadership
Complex technology, clearly explained
I speak from the daily practice of a managing director who applies AI inside a large organisation. No consultant story, no sales pitch — just honest insights about what works, what disappoints, and which choices you as a leader need to make now.
Topics I speak about:
- The AI Revolution — What does generative AI mean concretely for your sector and business model? Including real examples from financial services.
- Entrepreneurship in the AI Era — How do you as a leader stay relevant when technology moves faster than your organisation? Based on first-hand experience as MD at a company of 2,200+ employees.
- AI Governance & the AI Act — Responsible innovation within European legislation. Practical interpretation of Article 4, deadlines and what this means for your boardroom.
Invite me to speak?
I speak at conferences, boardroom sessions and corporate events about AI strategy and digital transformation. Available for keynotes and panel discussions.
Previously spoken at
- Keynote — How to apply AI in daily practiceDe Voogd Business Days · 2025 · Alpina Group
Supervisory Board & Advisory
Oversight with digital acuity
Alongside my integral role at Alpina Group, I selectively apply my experience as an entrepreneur and digital executive to supervisory positions. I bring a critical, forward-looking perspective on AI‑governance, online marketing and digital business models.
My focus areas for oversight:
AI Governance
Oversight of responsible technology adoption.
Commercial Strategy
Safeguarding digital growth and brand reputation.
M&A & Scaling
Expertise in integration and value creation.
I am open to a limited number of non-executive positions in a Supervisory Board or Advisory Board, provided there is a strong alignment with the organisation's ambition and mission.
Free tool
Does the AI Act apply to your organisation?
In three steps, find out whether the EU AI Act applies to your organisation — and what that means in practice. No jargon, no sales pitch. Just an honest answer.
Start the AI impact scannerFree · No registration required
Gratis tool
What others say
Marc is a true entrepreneur, actively expanding his online position as an intermediary.
Marc Diks
AI in practice | Managing Director Alpina Group | Supervisory Director & Speaker
Follow me on LinkedIn
Get a weekly email with my AI insights from the field
A practical AI insight every week. Free, no spam.
Prefer to sign up on Substack itself? Subscribe there →
Contact
Speaking enquiry, board role or just want to share an idea?
Send me a direct email or find me on LinkedIn or Substack. I read everything and reply personally — usually within a few days.