Executive Search for Data, AI & Technology Leaders
Boutique Search in the Nordics and Europe — Founded by Jan Luukkonen
Heron Talent is a boutique executive search firm specializing in data, AI and technology leadership roles in the Nordics and across Europe. We help organizations building modern AI and data capabilities — growth companies, consultancies and enterprises — hire CTOs, Heads of Data, AI & Data Science executives, Sales Directors, Marketing Leaders, Product Leaders and Design Leaders through a senior-led, AI-native search process.
Why Choose Heron for Data & AI Executive Search
AI-Native Search Process
We use an AI-native search process, applying cutting-edge AI tools in every search where they improve speed and quality. When you search for leaders in AI and data organizations, you need to understand the landscape they operate in — we do, because we use the same tools and methods ourselves. We continuously test new tools, keep what works and remove what does not, so your search benefits from a constantly improving stack. See our success stories.
Senior-Level Focus
Every search is personally led by a senior partner with deep domain experience in data, AI and technology. There are no junior consultants running the process and no mass outreach — just focused, expert-led search that combines market knowledge with human judgment.
Nordic Precision, International Reach
We run focused, efficient searches with no wasted steps and a typical shortlist in approximately three weeks. You get direct communication, clear expectations and fast decisions. Operating from Helsinki, we have built trusted relationships across the Nordics and Europe — from technology consulting firms to enterprises building AI and data capabilities, and the scale-ups disrupting them. Explore our executive search services.
Who We Place
We place executive and senior leaders in data, AI and key supporting functions for AI-era organizations.
Data & AI Leadership
Head of Data & CDO
VP Data & Analytics
Director of AI / ML
Data Science & AI Executives
Data Architecture & Engineering Leadership
Other Critical Roles for AI-Era Organizations
CTO & VP Engineering
Sales Directors & Commercial Leaders
Marketing & Growth Executives
Product & Design Leaders
C-Suite & Executive Leadership
Industries
We work with companies where data and AI are central to growth.
SaaS & Product Companies
Consulting & Professional Services
Data & AI Companies
Enterprise Digital Units
Scale-ups & AI Ventures
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
Clients highlight our domain understanding, quality of candidates and the way we spar on strategy throughout the search.
“Beyond just recruitment, Jan's insights and sparring sessions were incredibly helpful in refining our requirements and ultimately securing top talent.”
— Teemu Tiilikainen, CEO, Witted
“Jan is very good at getting high-profile candidates, impressive work. I enjoyed working with him and would certainly do it again.”
— Ahti Heinla, Co-founder & CEO, Starship Technologies
“No-nonsense approach, flexibility and quick comms. He pushes through with one aim only — to land the best candidate for the challenge as fast as possible.”
— Frederique Vermaete, Experience Director, Nordea
40+ Recommendations in the Nordic Data & AI Ecosystem
Heron Talent is one of the most recommended executive search partners in the Nordic data and AI ecosystem, with over 40 LinkedIn recommendations from clients and placed candidates. View Jan's full profile and recommendations on LinkedIn.
Your Executive Success. Our Guarantee.
We stand behind every placement with our comprehensive guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with our selected candidate, we'll work tirelessly to make it right. Discover our track record of successful placements.
Clients We Serve
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.
