Head of Artificial Intelligence

Job Purpose

The role is responsible to spearhead the strategic development and implementation of AI initiatives across the organization, driving innovation and leveraging AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and competitive advantage. Build and lead a world-class, cohesive gen AI team that fosters camaraderie and attracts top talent. In a rapidly evolving environment with new large language models and gen AI features, a central team will stay ahead of the landscape, making crucial decisions on funding, tech architecture, cloud providers, and partnerships. This approach simplifies risk management and regulatory compliance.

Strategically steer gen AI use cases to align with enterprise objectives, set common standards for efficiency, and execute technical solutions that meet performance and safety criteria. Leveraging AI, the role will enhance customer-facing chatbots, prevent fraud, and streamline tasks like code development, pitch book preparation, and regulatory report summarization.

The role encompasses seven dimensions: strategic road map, talent, operating model, technology, data, risk and controls, and adoption and change management. Effectively promote a data-driven culture within the organization, encouraging the use of data and analytics in decision-making while ensuring the ethical use of AI and data. Engaging with key stakeholders, identify opportunities for AI-driven improvements and communicate the value and impact of AI initiatives across all levels of the organization. By establishing metrics and KPIs, measure the success and impact of AI initiatives, continuously monitoring and evaluating projects to achieve desired outcomes. This is a leadership role that will help drive the bank's competitive advantage, positioning it as a leader in the financial services industry.

Key Result Areas

• Strategic Leadership and AI Transformation: Lead the bank's AI transformation agenda, aligning AI strategy with business objectives to ensure competitiveness and profitability. Oversee the AI roadmap, ensuring clear goals, timelines, and accountability across all departments. Foster a culture of innovation and change management to support continuous improvement and adoption of best practices.
• AI Leadership and Innovation: Develop and execute a comprehensive AI strategy, including the adoption of advanced AI technologies to enhance operational capabilities. Ensure the bank remains at the forefront of AI innovation, overseeing the development of new AI-driven services and customer-facing technologies. Build robust AI architecture and infrastructure capable of supporting the bank's digital initiatives.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Oversee relationships with key AI vendors and service providers, ensuring optimal performance and alignment with the bank's strategic objectives. Act as the primary point of contact for external stakeholders concerning the bank's AI agenda.
• Information and Data Governance: Implement and maintain industry-leading standards in AI data management, privacy, and security. Oversee the bank's AI data governance framework, ensuring data quality, compliance with regulations, and effective utilization of AI analytics to drive decision-making.
• Delivery: Responsible for end-to-end AI service delivery, encompassing solution delivery, infrastructure, and application maintenance. Provide technical leadership, encouraging accountability and innovation. Establish governance over AI assets and investments to manage risk levels.
• People Management: Lead through example and build the appropriate culture and values. Employ, engage, and retain high-quality AI talent. Ensure the provision of ongoing training and development. Create a motivational and challenging environment for staff conducive to creativity and performance.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of leadership experience, with a strong track record in AI and technology management, ideally in the financial services or banking sector.
• Proven experience as a CIO or in similar senior executive roles, with demonstrated success in leading large-scale AI transformations.
• Experience in AI innovation, digital banking platforms, and disruptive technologies such as AI, Cloud Solutions, Data Management, and Automation.
• Deep understanding of AI governance, data privacy, and regulatory compliance within the financial industry.
• Strong experience in change management, with the ability to lead and inspire large teams across multiple regions and functions.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and ability to translate business needs into innovative AI solutions.
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage budgets, investments, and vendor contracts effectively.
• A natural problem-solver who can make recommendations at pace, using data and metrics to make informed business decisions.
• Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments while maintaining a focus on long-term objectives.