REFU Drive - Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer

Job Description : Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO)

Key Responsibilities :

Strategic Leadership :

- Define ITMs and S2As AI vision, strategy, and roadmap, aligned with business and technology objectives.

- Identify and prioritize AI opportunities across commercial, engineering, production, and innovation areas.

- Create the ITM and S2A AI Governance Framework ensuring alignment with data protection, data ethics, and group standards.

Technology & Integration :

- Evaluate, select, and deploy AI tools and platforms, balancing external technologies (OpenAI, Microsoft, etc.) with internal development.

- Oversee integration of AI with ERP, CRM, PLM, and CAD systems.

- Lead the design and scaling of predictive models, forecasting tools, and generative applications in engineering and business functions.

Organization & Capability Building :

- Build and lead a distributed AI team, with a strong development hub in India.

- Develop internal know-how through training, mentoring, and documentation.

- Collaborate with universities, research centres, and AI start-ups for partnerships and scouting.

Data Governance & Security :

- Implement robust data management and security policies.

- Ensure data privacy, traceability, and explainability of AI decisions.

- Maintain continuous alignment with EU AI Act and Prettl Group data compliance.

Innovation & Business Value :

- Drive AI-enabled innovation : product design automation, predictive maintenance, and smart quoting tools.

- Quantify ROI of AI initiatives and deliver measurable business results.

- Promote a culture of data-driven decision-making throughout the organization.

Required Experience :

- 10+ years in technology, data science, or digital transformation, with at least 35 years in a leadership or strategic AI role.

- Proven experience implementing AI in industrial/manufacturing or mobility sectors (preferred).

- Strong technical understanding of machine learning, data analytics, LLMs, and AI integration architectures.

- Hands-on experience with ERP/CRM systems (SAP, MS Dynamics, Salesforce) and CAD/PLM environments.

- Familiarity with cloud and hybrid infrastructures, data engineering, and cybersecurity principles.

- Track record of managing international teams, ideally including India or similar offshore competence centres.

- Excellent communication and influencing skills with senior management and cross-functional stakeholders.

- Fluent in English (Italian or German a plus).

Personal Characteristics :

- Strategic and visionary thinker with strong execution ability.

- Entrepreneurial mindset and passion for innovation.

- Capable of balancing technology depth with business pragmatism.

- Natural mentor and builder of talent.

- Ethical, trustworthy, and culturally adaptable.