Head of AI, Communications Agency, London

About the Role

We are working in partnership with a leading integrated communications agency to appoint a Director, Head of AI. This is a pivotal leadership role with full responsibility for shaping and delivering the organisation’s AI strategy across both internal operations and client services.

You will lead the ongoing development and implementation of AI-driven solutions, leveraging a proprietary AI platform, while fostering a culture of innovation, experimentation and continuous learning across the agency.

This position also carries accountability for ensuring the responsible, ethical and compliant use of AI, balancing innovation with reputational and regulatory considerations.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this role sits within the senior leadership structure and will play a key part in driving agency-wide growth and transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership

• Define and oversee the AI strategy and annual roadmap, including budget ownership and investment planning
• Develop new revenue streams, pricing models and AI-powered service offerings
• Partner with senior stakeholders to drive business growth through AI-enabled consultancy
• Identify and convert new business opportunities with target clients
• Build and manage strategic partnerships with AI technology providers

Client Leadership

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders on AI strategy, governance and implementation
• Oversee the quality and delivery of AI-driven consultancy and campaigns
• Develop innovative, insight-led solutions that deliver measurable impact and industry recognition

People & Culture

• Lead AI adoption across the organisation, embedding a culture of innovation and experimentation
• Design and deliver a comprehensive learning and development programme (e.g. workshops, hackathons, training sessions)
• Oversee internal AI governance forums, including ethics and best practice frameworks
• Support talent attraction and development, building a strong pipeline of AI capability

Agency & Innovation

• Maintain oversight of emerging AI technologies and translate these into actionable opportunities
• Collaborate with technical teams to evolve internal AI platforms and integrations
• Raise the external profile of the agency’s AI capability through thought leadership, events, and media
• Drive internal awareness and understanding of AI capabilities across all teams

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience leading AI strategy and implementation within a commercial environment (agency or consultancy experience preferred)
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to develop new products, services, and revenue streams
• Experience advising senior stakeholders on AI risks, governance, and opportunities
• Demonstrated ability to lead organisational change and embed innovation at scale
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to translate complex concepts into practical solutions

Apply

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with us, including a copy of your CV, as soon as possible via the application form below.

Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search consultancy with consultants based across the UAE, UK, USA, and Europe. We specialise in business-critical roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, with dedicated teams in Communications, Government Relations, Digital Marketing, Sustainability, and C-Suite recruitment. Please click here to find out about more about Hanson Search.

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