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.

Boutique executive search consultation
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Technical leadership assessment

The Heron Advantage

AI-Native Search Process

We stay at the cutting edge of AI tools and methodology — not just to talk about it, but for two reasons. First, when you search for leaders in AI and data organizations, you need to understand the landscape they operate in. We do, because we use it ourselves. Second, we continuously bring new tools into our search process — testing what works, keeping what improves quality and speed. See our success stories.

Senior-Level Focus

Every search is personally led by a senior partner with deep domain experience. No junior consultants, no mass outreach — just focused, expert-led search combining market knowledge with human judgment.

Nordic Precision, International Reach

Focused, efficient, no wasted steps. Shortlist in approximately three weeks. Direct communication, fast decisions. Operating from Helsinki, we've 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.

Jan Luukkonen, Founder of Heron Talent

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

We work with companies where data and AI are central to growth.

Industries

  • 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.

“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

Heron Talent is one of the most recommended executive search partners in the Nordic data and AI ecosystem, with 40+ LinkedIn recommendations from clients and candidates.

Heron Talent placement guarantee

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.