CHIEF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE OFFICER (CAIO)

Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO)Location: Hanoi, Vietnam (Full-time, On-site)Employment Type: Full-time Executive PositionSeniority Level: C-Level / Senior ExecutiveReporting Line: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Industry: Banking, Financial Services & Enterprise TechnologyRecruitment Partner: ESS Executive | John&PartnersSearch Scope: Global | Confidential Executive SearchAbout the OpportunityESS Executive is conducting a confidential global executive search for a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) on behalf of a major organization in Vietnam.This is a senior executive leadership opportunity to shape and execute enterprise-wide AI strategy, accelerate AI-driven business transformation, and establish scalable, responsible AI capabilities.The successful candidate will lead the transition from AI experimentation to enterprise-wide production, ensuring that AI investments deliver measurable improvements in business performance, operational efficiency, customer experience, and risk management.Reporting directly to the CEO, the CAIO will collaborate closely with senior executives, business leaders, technology teams, and governance functions to embed AI into the organization's long-term strategic priorities.Key Responsibilities1. Enterprise AI Strategy & Business TransformationDevelop and execute an enterprise-wide AI strategy and implementation roadmap aligned with corporate objectives.Identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI use cases based on business value, feasibility, cost, and risk.Lead AI-driven transformation initiatives across business operations, customer experience, sales, productivity, and risk management.Establish measurable performance indicators and business cases for AI investments.Ensure AI initiatives progress beyond pilots and proofs of concept to sustainable production deployment.Collaborate with Finance and business stakeholders to validate realized benefits and return on AI investments.2. AI Platforms, Engineering & Enterprise DeploymentProvide strategic leadership for the development and scaling of enterprise AI platforms and shared capabilities.Oversee the AI lifecycle, including Machine Learning, Generative AI, Large Language Models, and Agentic AI.Establish robust MLOps/LLMOps capabilities for model deployment, monitoring, performance optimization, and lifecycle management.Guide enterprise AI architecture, platform standards, model integration, and technology selection.Evaluate build-versus-buy decisions, technology partnerships, vendor risks, and total cost of ownership.Work closely with IT, data, cybersecurity, and business teams to ensure reliable and scalable AI deployment.3. Responsible AI, Governance & Risk ManagementEstablish enterprise AI governance frameworks, policies, standards, and accountability mechanisms.Ensure appropriate controls for model risk, data privacy, cybersecurity, explainability, fairness, and regulatory compliance.Implement AI model inventory, risk classification, validation, monitoring, and incident-management practices.Promote human oversight and responsible deployment of high-impact AI applications.Collaborate with Risk Management, Compliance, Legal, and Information Security teams to maintain independent risk oversight.Ensure AI systems are trustworthy, secure, auditable, and aligned with applicable regulatory requirements.4. Executive Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentBuild, develop, and lead a high-performing enterprise AI organization.Establish effective collaboration across AI strategy, governance, platform engineering, delivery, and AI operations.Drive enterprise-wide AI adoption through executive engagement, change management, and capability development.Partner with the CEO and senior leadership team to prioritize AI investments and resolve cross-functional challenges.Develop internal AI talent, leadership capabilities, and an organization-wide culture of responsible AI innovation.Represent the organization in relevant AI, technology, and industry ecosystems.5. Business Value & Performance AccountabilityEstablish clear baselines and performance measures for AI initiatives.Monitor business adoption, operational effectiveness, financial outcomes, and AI-related risks.Scale successful AI applications while discontinuing initiatives that do not demonstrate sufficient business value.Ensure that AI success is measured by realized enterprise value rather than the number of AI models, chatbots, or pilot projects.Candidate RequirementsEssential QualificationsEducationMaster's degree or higher in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline from a reputable institution.Professional ExperienceMinimum 12 years of professional experience in AI, data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, or related technology disciplines.At least 5 years of direct leadership experience deploying AI/ML/GenAI solutions into production within banking, financial services, fintech, or large-scale technology organizations.Minimum 8 years of senior management experience, including at least 3 years leading an AI, data, or technology function with 30 or more employees, or managing significant technology investment budgets.Proven success delivering measurable business outcomes through enterprise-scale AI transformation.Strong understanding of enterprise AI architecture, Generative AI, LLMs, Agentic AI, and MLOps/LLMOps.Demonstrated knowledge of AI governance, model risk management, data protection, information security, and regulatory compliance.Experience working with CEOs, executive committees, senior business leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders.Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, executive communication, and organizational leadership capabilities.Language & MobilityProfessional English proficiency suitable for executive-level communication and international collaboration.Vietnamese language proficiency is highly relevant to the working environment.Willingness to work full-time on-site in Hanoi, Vietnam, and travel as required.Preferred QualificationsPhD in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or a related discipline.MBA or recognized executive management education.Experience leading enterprise AI transformation in major commercial banks or international financial institutions.Experience in regulated industries, particularly financial services.Proven implementation of enterprise Generative AI, Agentic AI, and AI platform capabilities.Relevant professional certifications, such as ISO/IEC 42001, AIGP, cloud AI/ML, CISA, CISSP, or CISM.International leadership experience and established relationships within the AI, fintech, and enterprise technology ecosystems.Who Should Consider This Opportunity?We welcome applications from qualified executives currently serving as:Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO)Chief Data & AI Officer (CDAO)Chief Data Officer (CDO)Head / Global Head of Artificial IntelligenceDirector / VP of AI & Data ScienceChief Technology Officer (CTO) with substantial enterprise AI leadership experienceSenior Enterprise AI Transformation LeadersA previous CAIO title is not mandatory. Proven enterprise AI leadership, execution capability, and measurable business outcomes are more important than job titles.What We OfferA senior executive leadership position reporting directly to the CEO.The opportunity to shape and lead a major enterprise-wide AI transformation.Significant strategic influence and cross-functional leadership responsibilities.The opportunity to build and scale enterprise AI capabilities.Competitive executive compensation, performance-based incentives, and benefits.Potential relocation and expatriate support for qualified international candidates, subject to individual negotiation and approval.A long-term opportunity to create measurable and sustainable business impact.Application ProcessThis is a confidential executive search managed by ESS Executive.Interested candidates are invited to submit:An updated executive CV or LinkedIn profile.A brief summary of two significant enterprise AI initiatives personally led into production.Measurable business outcomes achieved through those initiatives.Current location, relocation availability, and expected executive compensation.Shortlisted candidates will be contacted confidentially by ESS Executive. Further information about the client organization will be shared at the appropriate stage of the selection process, subject to confidentiality requirements.Apply or inquire confidentially through ESS Executive.Website: https://www.essexecutive.comESS Executive | John&PartnersExecutive Search & Leadership AdvisoryWe are seeking an executive who can transform AI from a technological capability into a measurable and sustainable source of enterprise value.