FIRST · 1 day ago
Head of Data & AI
FIRST - New York
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$295K/yr - $340K/yr
15+ years expFIRST is a leading global brand experience agency that is seeking a Head of Data & AI to transform its operating model through AI and data capabilities. This strategic leadership role will drive enterprise-wide AI adoption, manage a new business unit with P&L responsibility, and serve as an advisor to the CEO on AI, data, and innovation strategy.
Events
Responsibilities
Lead delivery of the AI roadmap and achievement of Vision 2028 targets
Oversee strategic prioritisation of AI investments and resource allocation
Executive Consult on strategic direction for the AI Taskforce, a cross-functional group focused on cultivating an AI- Native workforce
Own P&L, strategy, client relationships, and Board reporting
Position FIRST as a market leader in AI-powered brand experiences and data-driven client partnerships
Create defensible advantages through data and AI capabilities
Work closely with the Learning and Development team to embed AI throughout the organisation
Build and manage the new business unit’s team and lead the two core function areas: AI Solutions and Innovation, and Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
Lead the integrated AI, data, and BI strategy in alignment with business priorities; identify and prioritize AI and BI use cases based on ROI and strategic impact
Drive cross-functional stakeholder management and change leadership
Foster an innovative, collaborative culture that attracts and retains top talent in AI, data science and analytics
Lead the commercialisation of new AI-powered products and services to achieve target client adoption rates
Lead transformation to deliver event delivery productivity improvements
Drive the transformation of FIRST's Shared Services operations to deliver productivity improvements
Generate new revenue via intelligence-based products and AI-powered innovation in brand experiences
Work closely with Communications and Learning and Development to drive change, communications and AI literacy programs across the organisation
Collaborate with Marketing on the strategy for go-to-market product opportunities
Act as an internal evangelist at FIRST for AI-enabled creativity and efficiency
Lead the integrated AI, data, and BI strategy in alignment with business priorities
Identify and prioritize AI and BI use cases based on ROI and strategic impact
Ensure AI ethics, data governance, and regulatory compliance, and work with the appropriate body governing ethics
Oversee compliance, data quality standards, and security protocols
Develop incident response approaches with defined escalation protocols
Own the Risk Register; ensure mitigation and report to the Steering Committee quarterly
Qualification
Required
Master's Degree or Doctorate/ PHD preferred
At least 15 years of experience
Proven track record of senior leadership in a data/AI-driven business transformation role
Experience building and scaling a data and AI function
Experience in commercialising AI-powered services and embedding them into client delivery models
Strong commercial acumen with P&L management experience
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex stakeholder relationships
Experience in implementing AI solutions that deliver measurable business impact
Strategic vision combined with practical implementation skills
Strong understanding of data governance, AI ethics, and regulatory compliance
Preferred
Experience with AI-powered products and services in client-facing environments
Background in establishing AI governance structures and managing associated risks
Experience designing multi-vendor ecosystems and managing vendor risk and interoperability
Benefits
Medical, Dental & Vision, which includes the option of a high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA)
401 (k)
Five Flexible Spending Accounts Options
Generous Paid Time Off Allowance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Life, Disability & Pet Coverages
Wellness Stipend
Mobile Phone Allowance
Complimentary access to Headspace, Teladoc, Maven, Rocket Lawyer, Mobilo & more
Aura Identity Theft Protection
Discretionary Bonus Structure
Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.
Company
FIRST
FIRST provides world-class event delivery, creative development and technical production for a wide range of clients.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
FIRST has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (1)
2021 (1)
2020 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2025-12-02Acquired
Leadership Team
Maureen Ryan Fable
Group CEO / CEO - Americas
Crista Butler
Senior Talent Acquisition Partner
Recent News
2025-12-02
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