This Week's Top Five Stories in Technology

Deloitte Names Robert Cullen as its New Tech Lead for EMEA

Deloitte has announced that Robert Cullen will step into the role of EMEA Lead for Technology & Transformation from 1 June 2026. 

Transitioning from his current position as UK Managing Partner, Robert will now oversee a broader strategic remit, focusing on regional integration and the acceleration of digital capabilities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The move comes at a pivotal moment for the professional services firm as it seeks to harmonise its technological offerings across diverse markets. 

Reflecting on the scale of the new role, Robert notes: “The opportunity across EMEA feels both exciting and essential. Client needs are evolving fast, competition is truly global, and we have an opportunity to scale our investment in technology, including AI, deepen cross-border collaborations, and work even more closely with our global colleagues.”

Meta: AI at Heart of Tech Giant's Bold Restructure

Meta employees are bracing for drastic organisational changes, with the company planning for another round of massive layoffs. 

The tech giant is slashing human labour in its thousands, with Reuters reporting a 10% workforce reduction effective Wednesday (20 May). This number is approximated at around 8,000. 

Following the global layoffs, Meta is expected to bring sweeping changes to improve its AI workflows, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

“As org leaders worked on the changes, many of them incorporated AI native ​design principles into ​their new ⁠org structures,” says Janelle Gale, Chief People Officer at Meta, in the memo. 

“We're now at the stage where many orgs can operate with ​a flatter structure with smaller teams of ​pods/cohorts ⁠that can move faster and with more ownership. We believe this will make us more productive and make ⁠the ​work more rewarding.”

Explained: The Legal Fight Elon Musk Lost to OpenAI

Concluding the landmark AI trial, a jury in Oakland, California has ruled against Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceXAI, in his lawsuit against OpenAI. 

The nine-member panel concluded unanimously that Elon filed his claim beyond the statute of limitations.

The high profile case ended on lacklustre procedural grounds, giving way for Elon to claim that the substance of the allegations are still unfounded.

The SpaceXAI CEO initiated legal action back in 2024 alleging that OpenAI and its leadership breached the organisation's founding non-profit mission.

He had co-founded OpenAI in 2015 alongside Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Greg Brockman and others.

Inside McCain Foods’ Plan for 100% Regenerative Potatoes

Modern farmers are navigating unprecedented market volatility, driven by erratic climate patterns, escalating input costs and global geopolitical tensions. To safeguard the global food supply, agricultural systems must evolve from surviving to thriving. 

Regenerative agriculture offers a robust pathway toward long-term resilience and profitability, yet achieving widespread adoption requires scalable, data-backed solutions built for the dirt, not just the laboratory. 

As an enterprise deeply rooted in agricultural heritage, McCain Foods has committed to implementing regenerative practices across 100% of its global potato acreage by 2030. 

In the world of precision agriculture, decision-support tools are frequently celebrated for their eco-efficiency. 

NatWest: Backing Tech-Led Growth with £20bn Investment

NatWest is pledging £20bn (US$26.8bn) over the next decade to drive economic growth.

Focused on the north of England, the commitment positions NatWest as more than a traditional lender – underscoring its role as a strategic catalyst for capital deployment, partnerships and regional infrastructure development.

The £20bn commitment sits at the heart of NatWest Group’s Growing Together plan, aimed at unlocking economic potential across the UK’s regions.

Focused on housing, transport, energy and infrastructure, the bank intends to direct investment towards sectors that strengthen long-term productivity and resilience.

Paul Thwaite, CEO of NatWest Group, has positioned the initiative as both a strategic priority and a commercial opportunity.