health strategy review
management, engineering and
technology review
Joaquim Cardoso MSc.
Senior Research and Strategy Officer (CRSO),
Chief Editor and Senior Advisor
January 21, 2023
This is an Executive Summary of the article “The hottest new job is “head of AI” and nobody knows what they do”, published by Vox.
The role of “Head of AI” is quickly becoming one of the hottest job titles in the corporate world, as companies seek to prepare for the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various industries.
While the position was rare a few years ago, it has now grown exponentially, with the number of individuals holding AI leadership roles in the US tripling over the past five years.
This surge in demand reflects the growing recognition of AI’s transformative potential and its significance in maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
The responsibilities and scope of the Head of AI position vary significantly from company to company.
In tech-based companies, the focus is often on integrating AI into products and services to enhance functionality and user experience.
In contrast, non-tech companies are exploring ways to incorporate existing AI technology to improve their business models and processes.
The qualifications and backgrounds of individuals occupying the Head of AI role are diverse.
Traditionally, tech leaders, such as Chief Data Officers or Chief Information Officers, have taken up this position, leveraging their technical expertise in AI.
However, the increasing accessibility of generative AI tools has allowed professionals from nontech roles like business and marketing to assume these leadership positions.
Despite the growing interest and investment in AI, there remains uncertainty about the full extent of its disruptive impact and the timeline for its widespread adoption.
As a result, the role of the Head of AI may evolve over time to accommodate new developments and challenges related to the technology.
Overall, AI is poised to bring about significant changes across industries, making the Head of AI role an essential component in navigating this transformative landscape.
Organizations are eager to appoint leaders who possess a deep understanding of AI’s capabilities, excellent communication skills, and a broad perspective to drive innovation and maximize its benefits throughout the company.
While the future of AI remains uncertain, the surge in demand for Head of AI positions indicates the importance of staying ahead of the AI revolution.
To read the full version, of the original publication:
Originally published at https://www.vox.com on July 19, 2023.
Names mentioned
- Peter Krensky, a director and analyst at Gartner who specializes in AI talent management.
- Beena Ammanath, executive director of the Deloitte AI Institute.
- Mike Haley, SVP of research at Autodesk
- Bali D.R., head of AI and automation at IT services consulting firm Infosys
- FICO chief analytics officer Scott Zoldi
- Coca-Cola’s global head of generative AI, Pratik Thakar
- Conor Grennan, a dean at NYU’s Stern business school,
