IMAG Advisory adds Cherie Axelrod to industry advisory team

IMAG Advisory has named risk and compliance veteran Cherie Axelrod to its independent Industry Advisory Team. The addition strengthens the firm’s AI-focused strategic guidance with senior expertise in anti-money laundering, internal audit and enterprise risk.

Why it matters: - Cherie Axelrod brings deep risk and compliance experience to IMAG Advisory’s independent Industry Advisory Team. - The appointment adds senior expertise in anti-money laundering, internal audit and enterprise risk as IMAG expands its AI-related advisory work. - The move broadens the team’s cross-industry perspective for strategic guidance on AI challenges and opportunities.

What happened: - IMAG Advisory announced that Cherie Axelrod has joined its Industry Advisor Team. - The announcement was made Oct. 6, 2026, in New York. - IMAG described the team as an independent group of experienced business professionals who provide strategic industry knowledge and direction. - Gary Peterson, president of IMAG Advisory, said Axelrod will bring “a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight” to the advisory team.

The details: - Axelrod is best known as the former chief enterprise risk and compliance officer of Western Union. - At Western Union, Axelrod held senior executive roles in risk, compliance, anti-money laundering, project management and internal audit. - Axelrod currently serves as vice-chairperson and non-executive director of Western Union International Bank GmbH in Austria. - Before Western Union, Axelrod held senior positions at Qwest Communications International. - Axelrod earned a BA from Purdue University and an MBA from Chaminade University of Hawaii. - Axelrod is an NACD certified director and holds a Certificate in Cyber Risk Oversight.

Between the lines: - IMAG Advisory is signaling that its advisory team is meant to cover both business strategy and the governance issues tied to AI. - Bringing in a leader with regulated-industry experience suggests IMAG wants more weight on compliance, controls and risk management. - The appointment also gives IMAG added credibility with organizations that need outside guidance on AI oversight.

What's next: - IMAG said it looks forward to Axelrod’s insights and contributions to the team. - Axelrod’s role will likely support IMAG’s ongoing advisory work around AI-related challenges and opportunities.

The bottom line: - IMAG Advisory is deepening its bench with a seasoned risk and compliance executive as AI governance becomes a bigger business priority. - More information: Gary Peterson’s LinkedIn profile