Executive Search for Data, AI & Technology Leadership
From CTO to Head of Data — Senior-Led Search Across the Nordics and Europe
Heron Talent is a boutique executive search firm specializing in data, AI and technology leadership roles in the Nordics and across Europe. We place data, AI and technology leaders — including Head of Data, CDO, CTO, VP Engineering and Director of AI — for organizations building modern AI and data capabilities. We also place Sales Directors, Product Leaders, Design Leaders and Marketing executives for data-driven and technology companies, because building AI capability requires strong leadership across every function, not just technical roles. Our boutique approach, built on over a decade in the AI and technology ecosystem, ensures every search receives senior-level attention from start to finish.
C-Suite Executives
Transform your organization with visionary leaders who will shape your AI-enabled future. We identify CEOs, CTOs, CIOs, CDOs, CMOs, CSOs, and CPOs who set strategic direction and drive organizational transformation — leaders who bring both vision and practical expertise in data and AI-driven environments. Most of our C-suite searches sit at the intersection of data, AI and digital transformation, where technology and business strategy meet.
Senior Management & Directors
Build strong data and AI capabilities through experienced VP and Director-level leaders. We identify Heads of Data, VP Engineering, Directors of AI, Sales Directors, Marketing Leaders, and Product/Design leadership who translate strategic vision into operational excellence — the combination of domain expertise and proven leadership needed to drive major initiatives.
“When you want to fill a critical business development or sales role, you can trust Jan to make it happen. He drives the process forward relentlessly and most importantly, he understands what we are looking for and is able to pitch our story to high level candidates.”
— Lauri Eloranta, Founder, Columbia Road
“Heron Talent has been the trusted partner for several special business & tech recruitment needs during the years. He is super committed and motivated to drive high-caliber quality results whatever it may take. Highly appreciated partner and I am looking forward to continue work with him in the future for sure.”
— Petri Talala, Vice President & GM, Unikie
Senior Experts & Team Leads
Strengthen your technical leadership with accomplished Principals, Practice Leads, and Team Leads. These professionals combine deep domain expertise in data, AI and technology with strong people skills — solving complex challenges while building and mentoring high-performing teams. Including Principal Engineers, Data/ML Practice Leads, and AI Architecture roles.
“I needed to find several experienced lead designers with a 'full-stack' T-shaped profile. I was astonished by both his work ethos, collaboration approach and extremely good knowledge of the Finnish design scene.”
— Jussi Mantere, Design Lead, Kesko
Industries We Serve
Consulting & Professional Services
Enterprise Digital Units
SaaS & Product Companies
Data & AI Companies
Scale-ups & AI Ventures
We work with organizations where data and AI are central to growth and differentiation.
See how the right talent transforms organizations in our success stories.
Why Clients Choose Heron for Data & AI Executive Search
What working with us looks like:
Senior-led searches – Every search is personally handled by a senior
partner with deep domain experience, with no junior handoffs. You get
direct access, clear communication and a typical shortlist in around
three weeks.
AI-native sourcing – We use an AI-native sourcing stack, applying
cutting-edge AI tools for candidate identification and market mapping
to find candidates that traditional methods often miss.
Domain-deep assessment – We evaluate technical depth as well as
leadership competencies, assessing data strategy, AI product thinking
and engineering culture fit — not just CV keywords.
"One of the very few headhunters that constantly receive positive feedback — from both the 'role searching' and the 'role filling' sides — about the pleasantness of all interactions."
— Nancy Birkhölzer, Head of Experience Center, PwC Germany
Let's Talk
A 20-minute conversation to understand your situation — no pitch, no pressure. If you are planning a CTO, Head of Data, AI or other critical leadership search in the Nordics or Europe, this is exactly what we do every day.
What Clients Say
What clients appreciate most is our grasp of their domain, the strength of the shortlists we deliver and the strategic sparring that runs alongside every search.
“Jan quickly profiles, works systematically and has a skill to spot talents. Impressed by the high quality candidates he delivers and it's a pleasure to work with him.”
— John Liljelund, Director, Solutions, Vaisala Xweather
“Working with Jan when building your teams is not only about finding the right people but also steering your direction.”
— Juhani Haaparanta, Director, EY
"Having a recruiter that truly understands the domain and content leads to much higher quality discussions."
— Heikki Härkönen, Managing Director, Reaktor Fusion Ecosystem
Looking for your next executive role? Join Talent League — our confidential network for senior data, AI and technology leaders interested in their next executive role in the Nordics and Europe.