AI & the role of the Chief AI Officer is becoming increasingly important in Irish companies, and we’re starting to see real momentum behind it. With over 60% of Irish CEOs now identifying AI as a top investment priority, it’s clear that AI is no longer just a technical function — it’s a strategic one. Companies like Workday, for example, have made significant moves by launching a €175 million AI Centre of Excellence in Dublin, creating 200 specialised AI roles to drive innovation across Europe. We’re also seeing Irish startups embed AI at the core of their business models, with 36% taking an “AI-first” approach — well above the European average.
These developments show that firms here are not only investing in AI but also recognising the need for dedicated leadership to guide its ethical, scalable, and commercially aligned deployment. The Chief AI Officer is increasingly the person bridging that gap between innovation and execution.
But while AI can accelerate processes and support data-driven insights, executive search remains a human discipline. The leaders driving these advances — from Chief AI Officers to CEOs — are not found by algorithms. They are identified, engaged, and persuaded through credibility, trust, and connection.
Here are my key takeaways and the principles that govern the way I lead BDO's Executive Search & Advisory Services:
The bottom line is that AI is a powerful tool, but executive search is an art built on trust, influence, and connections. The leaders who transform businesses aren’t found, they’re engaged.