Head of Artificial Intelligence

Role: Head of AI Strategy and Transformation

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Job Purpose:

The Head of AI Strategy and Transformation will lead the development and execution of the organization’s AI agenda, driving innovation to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and competitive advantage. The role will build and lead a world-class AI team, ensuring alignment with emerging technologies, regulatory compliance, and enterprise objectives.

Key responsibilities include setting the AI strategic roadmap, leading talent acquisition and development, managing AI technology and architecture, and promoting the adoption of AI across the organization. The role will drive AI initiatives across customer-facing channels, fraud prevention, operational automation, and data-driven decision-making, positioning the organization as a market leader in financial services innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

1. AI Strategy and Vision

• Define and execute a future-proof AI strategy aligned with business priorities.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive AI roadmap, ensuring scalability, security, and regulatory compliance.

2. Innovation and Use Case Development

• Identify and prioritize AI opportunities across customer engagement, fraud prevention, operational automation, and regulatory reporting.
• Champion the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as Generative AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics into business processes.

3. AI Governance and Risk Management

• Establish standards for ethical AI use, data privacy, model risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee AI governance frameworks to ensure responsible development and deployment.

4. AI Delivery and Technology Enablement

• Build robust AI platforms and architecture in collaboration with cloud providers and technology partners.
• Lead the full delivery lifecycle, from concept to deployment, across AI solutions and digital services.

5. Talent Leadership and Organizational Capability

• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing AI team across disciplines such as engineering, data science, product management, and risk.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and cross-functional collaboration.

6. Partnership and Ecosystem Management

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with leading AI vendors, startups, research institutions, and cloud providers.
• Represent the organization externally in forums related to AI and emerging technologies.

7. Change Management and Adoption

• Drive enterprise-wide AI adoption, working closely with business and technology leaders to embed AI into operations and culture.
• Design and implement change management programs to accelerate AI literacy and user adoption across functions.

8. Performance Measurement and Value Realization

• Define success metrics and KPIs to track the impact of AI initiatives.
• Continuously monitor, evaluate, and optimize AI programs to maximize business value.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in AI, technology management, or digital transformation, ideally within financial services.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale AI initiatives or enterprise-wide digital transformations.
• Expertise in AI innovation, digital platforms, cloud solutions, data management, and automation.
• Strong knowledge of AI governance, data privacy, and regulatory requirements in the financial sector.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change, inspire cross-functional teams, and lead multi-regional operations.
• Strategic thinker with a strong ability to translate business needs into impactful AI-driven solutions.
• Financial acumen with experience managing technology budgets, investments, and vendor relationships.
• Resilient and pragmatic problem-solver with strong data-driven decision-making skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining a focus on strategic outcomes.