Data & AI Executive Search Success Stories
Heron Talent runs data, AI and technology leadership searches across the Nordics and Europe. Our work ranges from Sales Directors for SaaS companies and Heads of Data for consulting firms to executive roles in enterprise digital units and high-growth scale-ups. On this page, you will find real examples of how we help organizations build AI and data capabilities by hiring the right leaders.
LeadDesk – Sales Director for a Competitive SaaS Market
Client
LeadDesk – Nordic SaaS company expanding in the Dutch market.
The challenge
LeadDesk needed a Sales Director in the Netherlands who could win against larger US competitors with bigger budgets in a highly competitive, data-driven SaaS market.
The process
"Very lean and efficient… syncing every second day… flexible with after-hours coordination."
The outcome
"Good candidates that we had the luxury of choosing from. CEO and board agreed — he's really the right profile."
What Clients Say
Clients in consulting, SaaS and digital businesses highlight our ability to fill data, AI and technology leadership roles quickly — especially in sales, advisory and design.
“The best recruiter in the digital business when you search for outstanding digital sales, advisory, or design profiles. Fast, focused, and proactive. He gets the job done.”
— Kenneth Lindfors, Chief Commercial Officer, Siili Solutions Plc
“We used his help to hire a couple positions we thought would be too difficult to fill and he delivered high quality results.”
— Daren Tuzi, Founder, Eiger
“Compared to other recruiters, Jan could quickly grasp the ins and outs of this relatively complex role in a digital business. I was impressed by the speed at which he delivered.”
— Karl Hahtovirta, CFO, Schibsted, Growth/Next
“Right from the beginning the co-operation was flawless. Jan understood the needed profile from the first discussions and found several good candidates in a couple of weeks.”
— Juhani Vanhala, Head of Sales, Siili Auto
What Candidates Say
Senior candidates in data, AI and digital leadership roles emphasise our domain understanding, transparency and the career sparring they receive throughout the process.
“His understanding of the business environment and the job was at a different level compared to typical discussions with a headhunter. I received good career coaching in addition to being in the recruitment process.”
— Juhana Hietala, Country Managing Director, Qasa
“Jan has carefully investigated all potential candidates and have actually contacted those who are excellent match. In my case, I am still amazed, as not only it was an excellent match but it was 'THE MATCH'. In my opinion Jan is a wizard at finding the right candidate for a job. He actually spends time and conducts detailed background checks to assure they are the right one even before he contacts them."
— Shahab Anbarjafari, Chief Data Scientist at PwC, Professor of AI/GenAI and Computer Vision
“Every step was clearly communicated, with deep understanding of the industry and my career goals. Jan has a deep understanding of industry that helped establish a trusted relationship between candidate and employer.”
— Sami Loikala, Head of Customer Experience, BearingPoint
Trusted by Nordic and European Leaders
We have been trusted by consulting firms, SaaS companies, data & AI companies, enterprise digital units and scale-ups across the Nordics and Europe to run critical leadership searches.
We have partnered with organizations such as EY, Deloitte, PwC, Fortum, Nordea, Wolt, Reaktor, Vaisala, Futurice, LeadDesk, Digia, Eiger, Nordic Venture Family, Starship Technologies, Qasa, Lendo, Columbia Road, Helvar, Nightingale Health and Siili Solutions.
Ready to Talk?
If you are planning a data, AI or technology leadership search — from Head of Data or Director of AI to Sales, Product, Design or Marketing leadership — in the Nordics or Europe, let's talk.
Talent League
Talent League is our confidential network for senior data, AI and technology leaders interested in their next executive role in the Nordics and Europe.
Ready to start a conversation? Get in touch.