Learn about the role and responsibilities, skills and qualifications, education and experience, salary and outlook, and challenges and opportunities of a head of artificial intelligence.

The head of artificial intelligence (AI) typically oversees the strategic direction, research, and implementation of AI technologies within an organization. Responsibilities may include leading AI teams, developing AI initiatives, ensuring ethical AI practices, and aligning AI efforts with business goals. They also stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI to guide the organization in staying competitive.

What does a head of artificial intelligence do?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the field of computer science that deals with creating machines and software that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as vision, speech, reasoning, and decision making. AI is transforming various industries and sectors, such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, finance, and entertainment. But who is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of AI solutions in an organization? What does a head of artificial intelligence do?

1 Role and responsibilities

A head of artificial intelligence is a senior-level position that leads the AI strategy and vision of an organization. They are in charge of managing the AI team, which may include data scientists, engineers, analysts, and researchers. They also collaborate with other departments and stakeholders, such as product managers, marketing, sales, and customers, to understand their needs and expectations and deliver AI solutions that meet their goals and requirements. A head of artificial intelligence is also responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability, and ethical standards of the AI solutions, as well as monitoring their performance and impact.

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Oscar González

Systems Engineer || ● #InternetGovernance ● #Encryption ● #StopTheSplinternet ● #ProtectTheInternet ● #SafeInternet ● #Cybersecurity ● #DigitalRights
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Su rol debería ser el de liderar la carga en la implementación de tecnologías avanzadas dentro de una organización. Desarrollar estrategias que no solo estén alineadas con las necesidades comerciales, sino que también aproveche al máximo el potencial de la IA. Supervisar de cerca proyectos desde su inicio hasta su implementación, trabajando con equipos multidisciplinarios de científicos de datos, ingenieros de machine learning y otros profesionales de la IA. Debe evaluar constantemente los riesgos y beneficios asociados con nuevas soluciones, tomando decisiones informadas para garantizar que se aproveche al máximo la tecnología de manera ética y eficiente.

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Lorenzo Tencati

Entrepreneur & Tech Investor | Artificial Intelligence | YPO | Prof. School of Management Politecnico di Milano | ex Bain
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It is key to appreciate that the Head of Artificial Intelligence will increasingly play a strategic role within organizations with ideally a direct report line to the CEO. His / Her key contributions will entail: 1) identifying the key use cases for AI within the business 2) assessing the business case of make or buy and the possible partner selection 3) tracking the return on investment per use case 4) ensuring the models are kept up to date and increase in accuracy over time 5) setting up an adequate data gathering and data governance strategy and implementation plan in accordance with ethical standards and confidentiality of data

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2 Skills and qualifications

To become a head of artificial intelligence, one needs to have a strong background and expertise in AI, machine learning, data science, and related fields. They should be proficient in various programming languages, frameworks, tools, and platforms that are used for developing and deploying AI solutions, such as Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. They should also have a solid understanding of the business domain and the industry trends and challenges that can be addressed by AI. Additionally, a head of artificial intelligence should have excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management skills. They should be able to inspire, motivate, and mentor their team, as well as communicate effectively with different audiences and stakeholders. They should also be able to identify and solve complex and novel problems, as well as manage multiple projects and deadlines.

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Lorenzo Tencati

Entrepreneur & Tech Investor | Artificial Intelligence | YPO | Prof. School of Management Politecnico di Milano | ex Bain
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In addition to the above-mentioned skills the ideal Head of AI should have a good high-level understanding of the business to be able to identify use cases where the implementation of AI can make a difference and have a high return of investment for the company as a whole. He / She will have to convince the CEO and the heads of divisions / functions that the use cases proposed are worth their attention and resources.

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3 Education and experience

Typically, a head of artificial intelligence requires a master's or doctoral degree in computer science, AI, machine learning, data science, or a related field. They should also have several years of experience in working with AI, machine learning, data science, or similar roles. They should have a proven track record of leading and delivering successful AI projects and solutions that have a positive impact on the organization and the customers. They should also have a portfolio of publications, patents, or awards that demonstrate their knowledge and achievements in the AI field.

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Md Imran A

PW Skills | Data science Instructor | M.Tech@ BITS Pilani | Data & AI Architect | Technology enthusiast | Product Development | Generative AI
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The head of artificial intelligence (AI) typically oversees the strategic direction, research, and implementation of AI technologies within an organization. Responsibilities may include leading AI teams, developing AI initiatives, ensuring ethical AI practices, and aligning AI efforts with business goals. They also stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI to guide the organization in staying competitive.

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4 Salary and outlook

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a head of artificial intelligence in the United States is $164,659 per year, as of June 2021. However, the salary may vary depending on the location, industry, organization size, and level of experience and education. The outlook for a head of artificial intelligence is positive, as the demand for AI professionals is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. According to the World Economic Forum, AI and machine learning are among the top emerging professions that will create 133 million new jobs by 2022.

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5 Challenges and opportunities

A head of artificial intelligence faces various challenges and opportunities in their role. Some of the challenges include finding and retaining talented AI professionals, staying updated with the latest research and innovations in AI, ensuring the security, privacy, and ethics of the AI solutions, and measuring and demonstrating the value and impact of the AI solutions. Some of the opportunities include leading the digital transformation and innovation of the organization, creating and implementing AI solutions that can improve the efficiency, productivity, and quality of the processes and products, and enhancing the customer satisfaction and loyalty with personalized and intelligent services and experiences.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What does a head of artificial intelligence do?

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3

4

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1 Role and responsibilities

2 Skills and qualifications

3 Education and experience

4 Salary and outlook

5 Challenges and opportunities

6 Here’s what else to consider

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What does a head of artificial intelligence do?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Role and responsibilities

2 Skills and qualifications

3 Education and experience

4 Salary and outlook

5 Challenges and opportunities

6 Here’s what else to consider

Information Systems

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