Fractional Head of AI
Embedded AI leadership for companies without senior AI/ML capacity in-house, delivered as a monthly retainer.
Who this is for
- •Companies with engineering capacity to build AI features but no senior leader with AI/ML production experience
- •Series B+ startups whose AI roadmap has outgrown the founder or generalist PM running it
- •Mid-market companies whose first AI initiative needs senior leadership without justifying a full-time Head of AI hire
- •Organizations in the gap between 'we should hire an AI leader' and actually closing one (a process that typically takes six to nine months)
- •Particular fit: companies that have already identified AI strategic direction as a hiring priority but require longer lead time, the fractional engagement covers the gap without stalling the roadmap
What you'll get
- •Embedded AI leadership for one or two AI initiatives
- •Roadmap, prioritization, and stakeholder alignment for AI workstreams
- •Technical leadership across engineering, data, and business functions
- •Vendor evaluation, build-vs-buy recommendations, and AI tooling decisions
- •Hiring support when the time comes to bring the role in-house, including job description, interview rubric, and final-round technical screen
Timeline
Monthly retainer, runs based on client need
How it works
- 1
Kickoff
Scope initiatives, time commitment, and stakeholders
- 2
Embedded work
Typically including standups with the engineering team, weekly leadership syncs, and async collaboration via the company's existing tools
- 3
Monthly check-in
With the executive sponsor
- 4
Defined exit criteria
Usually a hire or a major milestone shipped
Why work with me on this
I spent the last several years as a Technical Product Manager at Apple leading a 14-engineer team delivering AI/ML systems in production. The role is leadership, not advisory: roadmap ownership, hiring decisions, build-vs-buy calls, vendor evaluations, and end-to-end accountability for what shipped. Most fractional offerings come from generalist PMs adding 'AI' to their resume after the fact; I came up through the AI/ML work itself and bring the engineering rigor to match.
Frequently asked questions
How does fractional head of AI differ from consulting?
Fractional means I'm embedded in your team as a senior AI leader, not an external advisor. I attend standups, review code and model architecture, make strategic technology decisions, and own AI/ML roadmap execution. Think part-time executive who drives results, not consultant who delivers reports.
What's the minimum commitment for fractional services?
Three months, with monthly renewals thereafter. This gives us time to move beyond assessment into execution and see measurable results. Most clients extend after seeing the impact.
Can you work with our existing product team?
Yes, I integrate seamlessly with your current team structure. I bring specialized AI/ML leadership that complements your existing product and engineering capabilities. Whether your team needs strategic AI direction, technical oversight, or hands-on model development guidance, I adapt to fill your specific gaps.
Other services
AI Readiness Assessment
A context-aware assessment of whether your data, infrastructure, and governance can support your planned AI deployment, delivered as a fixed-scope two-week engagement.
AI Remediation Sprint
A four-to-six-week engagement that closes the most critical two or three gaps from a prior AI readiness or privacy assessment, with concrete acceptance criteria and integration with the client's existing team.
Privacy Consulting for AI Systems
Compliance review and architecture guidance for AI systems facing a specific regulatory trigger — preparing for audit, expanding into new jurisdictions, launching in regulated markets, or responding to board or insurance compliance requirements.
AI Privacy Audit Response
Emergency-paced privacy and AI compliance support for companies in active regulator inquiry, audit, breach response, or rapid jurisdictional expansion with a hard external deadline.
Ready to move forward with confidence?
Let's discuss how I can help you navigate AI implementation and data privacy challenges.
Currently booking May — 1 client slot open