VP, AI Strategy & Innovation

Position Overview 

We are seeking a visionary Vice President to join the Office of the CTO and drive enterprise-wide AI strategy and innovation. Reporting directly to the SVP of AI Solutions, you will serve as the primary AI strategist for our most strategic client engagements, architecting comprehensive AI roadmaps that transform business operations and create competitive advantage. 

You will lead the development of client-facing AI solutions, creating working prototypes that demonstrate transformative potential while also driving internal enablement for Merkle's AI platforms and go-to-market offerings. This role combines strategic vision with hands-on innovation, requiring both thought leadership and measurable business impact through intelligent technology deployment. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic AI Leadership & Vision 

• Define and deliver comprehensive AI strategies for Fortune 500 clients across diverse industries 

• Develop AI transformation roadmaps that bridge current capabilities with future autonomous systems 

• Establish AI governance frameworks ensuring responsible deployment and ethical AI practices 

• Build strategic partnerships with AI technology providers to enhance our solution ecosystem 

• Shape Merkle's AI platform evolution and technical strategy in collaboration with the CTO organization 

• Build on Merkle's Data and Identity solutions to deliver compelling technical storytelling on AI opportunities 

• Contribute to competitive strategy with clear, opinionated perspectives on Merkle's strengths relative to key players in the AI services market 

Client Transformation & Innovation 

• Serve as trusted AI advisor to C-suite executives at enterprise clients 

• Lead complex engagements to assess organizational AI readiness and architect transformation initiatives 

• Design and oversee development of working prototypes that demonstrate AI's transformative potential 

• Contribute to strategic change management for AI adoption at scale 

• Develop frameworks for measuring AI impact on business metrics and ROI across various domains  

• Strong business and marketing acumen to develop solutions for clients leveraging AI in CX and inside their Enterprise 

Solution Development & Prototyping 

• Lead the AI team in developing innovative solutions and working prototypes that address critical market gaps and steer client innovation initiatives 

• Oversee proof-of-concept initiatives demonstrating practical applications of emerging AI technologies 

• Evaluate and integrate cutting-edge AI capabilities including LLMs, predictive analytics, and autonomous agents 

• Ensure seamless integration with enterprise platforms and existing technology ecosystems 

Internal Enablement & Go-to-Market Strategy 

• Drive enablement programs for Merkle's AI platforms across the organization 

• Develop and refine go-to-market strategies for AI offerings and solutions 

• Create reusable frameworks, methodologies, and best practices for AI implementation 

• Lead knowledge transfer initiatives to scale AI expertise across delivery teams 

• Establish centers of excellence for AI-driven transformation capabilities 

• Partner with marketing to create customer stories showcasing AI success. 

Team Leadership & Collaboration 

• Foster culture of innovation, experimentation, and operational excellence 

• Partner cross-functionally with Tech Strategy, Growth Architects, and practice leads 

• Support business development with compelling AI narratives and technical demonstrations 

• Drive recruitment and development of top AI talent 

Business Development & Revenue Growth 

• Partner with business development to identify and pursue strategic AI opportunities 

• Develop compelling business cases and ROI models for AI investments 

• Support new business pitches with visionary AI strategy and technical expertise 

• Drive revenue growth through innovative technology solutions and strategic client relationships 

• Contribute to thought leadership through speaking engagements, publications, and industry forums 

• Design and lead interactive facilitation and workshopping sessions to collaboratively define optimal AI solutions   

Qualifications 

Required Experience 

• Minimum 10 years progressive experience in technology consulting, digital transformation, or innovation leadership 

• Recent hands-on experience with modern AI tools, platforms, and production deployments 

• Proven track record leading enterprise transformation initiatives for Fortune 500 companies 

• Demonstrated success in building and scaling innovation practices within professional services 

Technical & Functional Expertise 

• Practical experience designing and implementing AI solutions in production environments 

• Strong understanding of AI governance, ethics, and responsible AI principles 

• Experience with modern development practices and agile methodologies 

• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling business narratives 

Leadership & Business Acumen 

• Exceptional executive presence with ability to influence at all organizational levels 

• Outstanding consultative skills with solutions-oriented mindset 

• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture and technology integration 

• Experience driving innovation programs and managing R&D initiatives 

• Proven ability to balance strategic vision with practical execution 

• Expert communicator comfortable leading C-level conversations and technical deep dives 

Education 

• Bachelor's degree required in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field 

• Master's degree preferred (MBA, MS in Computer Science, or equivalent) 

Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. 

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