Case Study 1

Title of search

Recruitment of Executive Director, Machine Learning & AI

Client

Fortune 500, Global Biopharmaceutical Leader

Assignment Profile

Identify and recruit a visionary AI executive to lead the development, scale, and responsible deployment of enterprise-wide machine learning solutions. This included defining and executing the company’s AI/ML strategy, building a scalable infrastructure, and aligning initiatives with key business objectives across the global organization.

Search Strategy

Targeted Talent Pools:

  • Developed a targeted list of healthcare, biopharma, and enterprise software companies with centralized and mature AI/ML capabilities.
  • Focused on organizations known for deploying machine learning at scale, fostering ethical AI practices, and building high-performing data science teams.
  • Included leaders from both large corporate and high-growth environments with a proven ability to drive innovation and impact.

Candidate Profile Focus:

  • Targeted senior-level AI and ML leaders with experience developing and deploying enterprise-grade solutions across complex, regulated organizations.
  • Prioritized candidates who had built machine learning infrastructure from the ground up, led cross-functional teams of 30+ professionals, and scaled AI initiatives globally.
  • Sought leaders with the ability to attract top talent, define governance frameworks, and champion the use of AI in business-critical decision-making.

Key Competency Areas:

  • Enterprise AI/ML strategy and roadmap development aligned with business goals
  • Scalable infrastructure and foundational technology stack for AI enablement
  • AI ethics, compliance, and governance frameworks
  • Cross-functional collaboration with technology, product, and business stakeholders
  • Vendor selection and management across the AI ecosystem

Experience Requirements:

  • 15–20+ years of experience in data science, machine learning, or related technical leadership roles
  • Experience in regulated industries (e.g., healthcare, life sciences, financial services)
  • Proven success building and scaling AI functions, including Centers of Excellence and new capability areas
  • Budget and resource management experience; ability to assess in-house vs. outsourced solution models

Evaluation Criteria:

Assessed candidates for AI leadership depth, technology acumen, ethics and governance orientation, strategic communication skills, and the ability to drive measurable business value through advanced analytics.

Results

  • Given the strong interest in a role like this one, curated a very targeted list of 50 of the strongest senior AI and data executives from healthcare, biopharma, and enterprise software sectors across North America.
  • Conducted direct outreach and in-depth evaluations with more than 30 candidates, aligning each profile to leadership, technical, and organizational fit criteria.
  • Presented a ranked shortlist of 7 highly qualified finalists, each with a track record of enterprise AI delivery, ethics-driven leadership, and high-scale team management.


Outcome:

Successfully placed an Executive Director with deep experience leading AI transformation at scale within Fortune 100 and “Big Tech” environments. The selected candidate had built a global AI/ML function from the ground up and was known for balancing strategic vision with operational execution.

Since appointment, the Executive Director has:

  • Defined and launched the company’s enterprise AI/ML strategy and roadmap
  • Scaled a centralized team of 30+ data scientists, engineers, and AI specialists (with a plan to double in the coming year)
  • Established an AI ethics and governance framework aligned with organizational compliance standards
  • Enabled enterprise-wide AI adoption through a modern, modular technology stack and reusable solution models