ED, Head of AI and Innovation, Regional Bank

About Our Client

Our client is a leading regional bank with a growing footprint across Asia, and a strong ambition to harness emerging technologies to drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage. As the organisation accelerates its digital agenda, it is making a strategic investment in building a forward-looking AI and innovation capability to shape the future of banking across its markets.

They are now seeking to appoint a Head of AI & Innovation, reporting directly to the CEO. This is a first-of-its-kind leadership role, responsible for championing AI adoption, driving cultural transformation, and embedding innovation across the organisation. The role will partner closely with senior leadership to translate strategy into practical, scalable initiatives that future-proof the bank.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive AI advocacy across the organisation, building awareness and adoption from senior leadership through to frontline teams

• Lead enterprise-wide change management and transformation initiatives to embed AI into business processes, decision-making, and customer journeys

• Shape and execute the bank's AI and innovation strategy, aligned to business priorities and regional growth ambitions

• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team, influencing decisions with strong executive presence and commercial judgement

• Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging experimentation, continuous learning, and cross-functional collaboration

• Identify and unlock opportunities in AI, digital innovation, and emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and customer experience

• Establish and strengthen governance frameworks to ensure responsible, ethical, and risk-aware adoption of AI across the organisation

• Partner with risk, compliance, and control functions to embed appropriate oversight, controls, and regulatory alignment

• Work closely with business, technology, and data teams to translate innovation concepts into tangible, scalable solutions

• Bridge strategy and execution, ensuring initiatives are effectively implemented, adopted, and sustained on the ground

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience across transformation, innovation, strategy, governance, or risk management within financial services or complex organisations

• Proven track record in driving enterprise-wide change, with strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capabilities

• Strong understanding of governance and risk management, particularly in the context of AI, innovation, and emerging technologies

• Ability to operate at both strategic and execution levels, translating vision into clear, actionable outcomes

• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and work the room with senior stakeholders, including C-suite

• Hands-on, personable approach with the ability to guide, coach, and support teams through change on the ground

• Technology and AI knowledge or experience is advantageous, but not essential

• Demonstrated experience in building or scaling new capabilities, functions, or teams is highly advantageous

• High level of adaptability, sound judgement, and comfort operating in ambiguity

Application Process

Please submit your resume to Emily Tan at [Confidential Information], quoting the job title. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

EA License No. 24S2395

Registration No. R1106860