Role Overview for Chief Data & AI Officer – Payments & Fintech Enterprise | Atlanta, GA
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a transformative Chief Data & AI Officer (CDAIO) on behalf of our client, a globally recognized leader in the payments and financial technology sector. Based in the thriving fintech hub of Atlanta, GA, this executive will join a forward-thinking leadership team dedicated to revolutionizing the future of digital transactions. This is a rare opportunity to architect and execute a comprehensive data and artificial intelligence strategy that will serve as the cornerstone of the company’s next phase of growth, innovation, and market dominance.
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a profound understanding of how data and AI can unlock unprecedented value in the fast-paced world of fintech. You will be the central figure responsible for harnessing the organization’s vast data assets, transforming them into actionable intelligence, and embedding AI-driven decision-making into the very fabric of the company. From enhancing fraud detection and personalizing customer experiences to optimizing risk management and creating new revenue streams, your influence will be felt across every facet of the business. You will be challenged to not only build and scale a world-class data and AI function but also to champion a data-first culture of curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement. This role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership to steer the company toward an AI-powered future.
As the CDAIO, you will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serve as a key advisor to the board and executive team on all matters related to data science, analytics, machine learning, and data governance. You will be empowered with the resources, autonomy, and support necessary to build a lasting legacy. If you are a strategic innovator passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex business problems and create a competitive advantage, we invite you to explore this career-defining role.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Data & AI Officer – Payments & Fintech Enterprise | Atlanta, GA
Enterprise Data & AI Vision and Strategy
Develop, articulate, and execute a cohesive, long-term data and AI strategy that aligns with and accelerates the company’s overall business objectives. Define the roadmap for data acquisition, management, advanced analytics, and AI/ML model deployment.
Leadership and Team Development
Recruit, lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performance, multi-disciplinary team of data scientists, AI/ML engineers, data architects, data governance specialists, and business intelligence analysts. Foster a collaborative and innovative environment that attracts and retains top-tier talent.
Advanced Analytics and Machine Learning Innovation
Spearhead the research, development, and implementation of cutting-edge machine learning models and AI solutions. Drive innovation in key areas such as real-time fraud prevention, credit risk scoring, customer lifetime value prediction, churn reduction, and hyper-personalized marketing.
Data Governance and Quality
Establish and enforce a robust, enterprise-wide data governance framework. Implement policies, standards, and processes to ensure data quality, integrity, security, privacy, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, PCI-DSS). Champion the concept of ‘data as a strategic asset’.
Technology Infrastructure and Architecture
Oversee the enterprise data architecture and technology stack. Lead the evaluation and adoption of modern platforms and tools, including cloud-based data warehouses, data lakes, MLOps frameworks, and BI/visualization solutions, to ensure scalability, efficiency, and performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Business Enablement
Act as a strategic partner to leaders across all business units, including Product, Engineering, Marketing, Finance, and Operations. Translate complex business challenges into data-driven problems and deliver actionable insights that drive measurable results and ROI.
Ethical and Responsible AI
Champion the principles of ethical and responsible AI. Develop and implement frameworks to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in all algorithmic decision-making processes, mitigating bias and building trust with customers and regulators.
Performance Measurement and Executive Communication
Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the value and impact of data and AI initiatives. Clearly and concisely communicate the strategy, progress, and outcomes to the CEO, executive leadership team, and the Board of Directors.
Requirements for the Chief Data & AI Officer – Payments & Fintech Enterprise | Atlanta, GA
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in data science, analytics, and technology, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP, Head of Data, Chief Data Scientist) overseeing large, complex data and AI functions.
Industry Domain Expertise
Deep and demonstrable experience within the payments, financial services, or fintech industries is mandatory. A thorough understanding of transaction data, financial regulations, risk modeling, and the unique challenges of the sector is critical for success.
Technical Proficiency
An expert-level understanding of modern data ecosystems. This includes hands-on familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Kafka, Hadoop), data warehousing solutions (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift), and a wide range of machine learning techniques and frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
Strategic Vision
Proven ability to think strategically and develop a long-term vision, translating it into an actionable roadmap with clear milestones and deliverables. Must be able to connect technical initiatives directly to business value and strategic differentiation.
Inspirational Leadership
Exceptional leadership and people management skills with a track record of building, scaling, and motivating high-performing teams. A leader who fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous learning.
Communication and Influence
World-class communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels, from engineers to the board of directors, and to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Business Acumen
Strong business and financial acumen, with a proven ability to manage budgets, measure ROI, and build compelling business cases for technology investments. A deep understanding of the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and its commercial applications is essential.
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their leaders and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term equity incentive package.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) plan with a strong company matching contribution to help you plan for your future.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, along with company-paid holidays, to support work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including attendance at top industry conferences, executive coaching, and certifications.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the Atlanta area.
Wellness and Perks
Access to corporate wellness programs, gym memberships, and various other employee perks designed to support your overall well-being.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the sole and exclusive search firm managing this prestigious recruitment. We are seeking a truly exceptional leader to fill this critical role. If you possess the required experience, strategic vision, and passion for driving innovation in the fintech space, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit JRG Partners’ Chief Data & AI Officer (CDO / CDAO) Executive Search.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. They are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
