Boutique Executive Search for Data, AI & Technology Leaders
Deep Data & AI Expertise Since 2016
Heron Talent is a boutique executive search firm specializing in data, AI and technology leadership roles in the Nordics and across Europe. Operating from Helsinki at the intersection of executive search and AI transformation, we understand both the leadership requirements and the business context of AI-driven organizations. Our boutique approach ensures senior-level attention on every search — focused on finding the right leaders for the right context — from CTO and Head of Data searches to VP Engineering and AI executive appointments.
View our success stories.
Why Clients Choose Heron for Data & AI Executive Search
We use an AI-native search process, applying cutting-edge AI tools in every search where they improve speed and quality. Every search is handled personally by a senior partner with deep domain experience — no junior delegation. Our Nordic precision means focused, efficient searches with a typical shortlist in around three weeks. From Helsinki, we maintain trusted relationships across the Nordics and Europe's most innovative markets.
Our Founder
Jan Luukkonen, Founder & CEO
Jan Luukkonen is an executive search specialist for data, AI and technology leaders in the Nordics and Europe. He is the former Chief Strategy Officer at Idean–Capgemini and VP of Business Development at Fjord–Accenture, with over 20 years of experience scaling digital businesses.
He founded Heron Talent to work differently: less pitch, more listening. The goal is to help clients and candidates see their situation clearly — then make decisions that feel like their own.
"I'm not here to sell you a candidate. I'm here to help you find the right one."
Jan has placed CTOs, Heads of Data, VP Engineering, and AI executives for consulting firms, SaaS companies, and technology scale-ups across the Nordics and Europe. He has received over 40 executive-level recommendations on LinkedIn from clients and placed candidates, making him one of the most recommended executive search partners in the Nordic data and AI ecosystem.
View Jan's full profile and recommendations on LinkedIn →
Let's Talk
A 20-minute conversation to understand your situation — no pitch, no pressure.
What Clients Say
Clients consistently point to three things: our deep domain understanding, the calibre of candidates we deliver and the strategic sparring we provide throughout the search.
“The search extended across Europe, and the role required not only the right technical expertise but also a very specific behavioral fit. Jan approached this challenge with dedication and professionalism, maintaining an exceptional level of service throughout.“
— Asko Kauppinen, VP People, Yousician
“With his deep sector expertise, Jan can go much deeper in supporting a recruiter than a generalist headhunter. This proved very helpful in our case.”
— Markus Huttunen, Partner Digital & Strategy, BearingPoint
“Jan not only facilitated the process smoothly but also sparred us on our overall business approach and strategy along the way. His consultative approach provided value both ways: to us as the hiring team and to the candidates as well.”
— Petri Salo, Digital Service Leader, PwC Finland
We also run Talent League — our confidential network for senior data, AI and technology leaders interested in their next executive role in the Nordics and Europe.