White Owl Family Office Group - Vice President, AI & Technology Strategy

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Vice President, AI & Technology Strategy will serve as the senior executive responsible for architecting and executing a comprehensive AI, digital, and emerging technology strategy across White Owl’s DI portfolio companies. This leader will define a future state vision or how hardware, software, automation systems, deep learning tools, data platforms,

industrial IoT, and advanced analytics can transform operations and create long-term competitive advantage.

This role combines strategic thinking, applied innovation, technology leadership, and education to guide both the family office and portfolio companies on how next-generation technologies can reimagine business models, operational workflows, and value-creation opportunities.

This role will also serve as the chief educator and advisor to C suite leaders across the portfolio—raising executive literacy in AI, emerging technologies, and digital operating models—while collaborating with them to define bespoke technology strategies aligned to each company’s needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Technology Vision & Strategic Leadership

• Develop a multi-year AI and technology vision that integrates advanced software, hardware, and intelligent systems to drive operational excellence and strategic advantage.
• Conduct deep, ongoing evaluation of industry-leading technologies, including: 
• AI/ML platforms, deep learning architectures, and LLM based enterprise tools
• Robotics, autonomous equipment, and workflow automation
• Telematics, fleet and routing optimization systems
• ERP/CRM modernization technologies
• Industrial IoT sensors, onboard hardware, and edge computing
• Translate technology trends into value creation opportunities, such as cost reduction, improved routing efficiency, workforce augmentation, predictive maintenance, and enhanced customer experience.

2. Portfolio Company Technology Enablement

• Partner with Presidents, GMs, and C suite leaders to develop company specific technology strategies, ensuring alignment with financial and operational objectives.
• Oversee the deployment of hardware and software solutions that strengthen competitive positioning—for example: 
• On truck sensing systems
• AI powered safety monitoring and telematics
• Automated sorting, waste handling, or plant optimization systems
• Advanced mapping, logistics, and dispatching platforms
• Guide digital integration during acquisitions, including IT infrastructure assessment, system compatibility, and modernization planning.

3. Applied Innovation, Execution & Transformation

• Partner with the Director of Strategic Initiatives & Transformation to implement solutions that deliver measurable ROI and reimagine core workflows.
• Lead initiatives to modernize and integrate data ecosystems—including data lakes, pipelines, dashboards, and predictive models.
• Oversee pilot programs for AI and automation, scaling successful projects across the portfolio with governance, architecture, and adoption support.
  
  

4. Executive Education & Thought Leadership

• Act as the primary educator for executives on AI maturity, emerging technologies, risks, governance, and industry trends.
• Deliver structured learning sessions, workshops, and strategic briefings to elevate digital fluency across the leadership teams.
• Help C suite leaders understand how hardware/software innovation ties to financial outcomes, operational KPIs, and scalability.

5. Leadership & Culture Development

• Foster a culture of responsible experimentation, continuous improvement, and cross company collaboration.
• Mentor technology and digital teams across the portfolio, helping build future leadership bench strength.
• Serve as an internal champion for embedding modern hardware/software capabilities into operations, field teams, and decision making processes.
  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Required

• 10–15+ years in senior technology leadership, including AI/ML, enterprise architecture, automation, or digital transformation roles.
• Proven experience selecting, deploying, and integrating industrial hardware and software systems, including telematics, robotics, sensors, ERP/CRM systems, and advanced analytics platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and adopt deep learning and industry-leading technologies to create operational and competitive value.
• Success driving transformation across multi-site, multi-entity organizations.

Preferred

• Background within private equity, family office, or multi portfolio environments.
• Experience supporting M&A, integration, or IT modernization within industrial sectors.
• Strong executive presence and ability to educate, influence, and collaborate with C suite leaders.
  
  

This is a job posting for an existing role/vacancy. LHH Knightsbridge does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position. 

CONTACT INFORMATION
Search managed by Tim Hewat, Head of Executive Search, North America.  If you are interested in being considered for this meaningful opportunity, please contact: 

Tim Hewat, Head of Executive Search, North America tim.hewat@lhhknightsbridge.com 416-526-1084
Ed Perkovic, Vice President, Search Delivery and Operations Ed.Perkovic@lhhknightsbridge.com 416-640-4311