VP of AI

VP of AILocation: DubaiOur client is a leading diversified enterprise looking to appoint a VP of AI to lead the Group’s AI transformation and establish AI as a core capability across the organisation.This is a senior, highly visible leadership role responsible for defining the Group AI strategy, building the AI organisation, and delivering Generative AI and Agentic AI capabilities at enterprise scale.The ideal candidate will combine strong Product leadership, technical AI depth and proven organisational leadership. They should have evolved from an engineering/development background into Product and ultimately AI leadership, with a track record of turning emerging AI technologies into commercially valuable products and enterprise solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesOwn and execute the Group-wide AI strategy and roadmap in partnership with the Group CIO and executive leadership.Identify and prioritise high-value opportunities for Generative AI, Agentic AI and AI-powered products across the Group.Lead AI initiatives from strategy and ideation through product development, production deployment and scale.Build and lead a high-performing AI organisation, initially managing approximately 10–15+ direct reports across AI leadership, engineering and technical functions.Recruit, develop and retain exceptional AI talent and build the organisation required to scale AI capabilities.Establish the operating model, governance and delivery frameworks required for enterprise AI adoption.Partner with Product, Technology, Data, Digital and business leadership to embed AI into products, processes and customer experiences.Manage external consultancies, technology partners and outsourced engineering resources alongside the internal AI organisation.Ensure AI investments are commercially focused, measurable and aligned to business outcomes.Act as the Group's senior AI thought leader, advising executive leadership on emerging AI technologies and their business implications.Drive a culture of high performance, ownership, innovation and execution across the AI function.Ideal CandidateSignificant leadership experience across AI, Generative AI and/or Agentic AI.Strong Product background, ideally with career progression from Engineering/Development → Product → AI Leadership.Proven experience taking AI products/use cases into production at enterprise scale.Experience working within a large enterprise, multinational or diversified conglomerate.Demonstrable experience building and scaling teams, including senior technical leadership.Experience managing 10–15+ direct reports and larger extended teams.Strong vendor and consultancy management experience.Excellent understanding of the commercial application of AI and how to translate AI capability into business value and ROI.Strong executive presence and ability to influence C-suite stakeholders.Decisive, assertive leadership style with the confidence to challenge senior stakeholders and drive transformation.Experience within a technology-led, AI-native or sophisticated digital organisation is highly desirable.*** Only successful candidates will be contacted ***