GDS Consulting AI & Automation (WAM) Leader

GDS Consulting AI & Automation (WAM) Leader

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Executive Director to lead our Wealth and Asset Management sector with our AI & Automation practice.

The person will spearhead the development and delivery of AI consulting solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the wealth and asset management industry, such as personalized portfolio management, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and client engagement. The ideal candidate needs to have deep knowledge of AI development, including hands-on experience with Agentic AI architectures for automation and MCP for contextual integration in AI systems. Familiarity with other trends like generative AI, machine learning models for investment management, and tools for secure data handling in finance.

Key responsibilities of the leader:

• Practice Leadership and Strategy: Lead and grow the AI consulting practice for wealth and asset management, defining strategic roadmaps, service offerings, and go-to-market strategies aligned with industry trends and client needs.
• Business Development and Growth: Achieve ambitious growth targets by identifying new business opportunities, cultivating client relationships, and leading pursuits for major engagements. Collaborate across the firms to pitch AI solutions that address key challenges like asset allocation, hyper- personalization, and compliance automation.
• Solution Development and Delivery to create business impact: Design and oversee the implementation of AI-based solutions. Focus on applications in wealth management, such as automated advisory services, predictive analytics for market insights, and ESG-integrated portfolio optimization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance service offerings and drive business development initiatives
• Team Building and Mentorship: Build and mentor a high-performing team of AI specialists, data scientists, and consultants. Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration across the firm.
• Thought Leadership: Serve as a subject matter expert, publishing insights, speaking at industry events, and contributing to firm-wide AI initiatives. Stay ahead of emerging trends, including the integration of small language models (SLMs) with Agentic AI for enhanced asset management processes.
• Client Engagement and Delivery Excellence: Work closely with clients to assess their AI maturity, develop customized roadmaps, and ensure successful project delivery. Manage risks, budgets, and timelines for high- impact engagements.  
• Innovation and R&D: Drive internal R&D efforts to prototype AI solutions, incorporating technologies like generative AI for portfolio generation and agentic systems for real-time decision support in hedge funds and wealth advisory.
• Compliance and Ethics: Ensure all AI solutions adhere to regulatory standards in financial services, promoting ethical AI practices and data privacy.

Essential Functions of the job 

• Drive the vision, roadmap, and expansion of the AI & Automation practice for Wealth & Asset Management, aligning offerings with industry trends and client needs.
• Design and oversee implementation of AI-driven solutions for portfolio management, risk assessment, compliance automation, and client engagement.
• Develop a high-performing team of AI specialists and consultants, fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Represent the firm as an AI subject matter expert, lead R&D on emerging technologies like generative AI and Agentic AI, and publish insights to shape industry perspectives.
• Maintain regulatory and ethical standards in AI solutions while ensuring successful client engagement, delivery excellence, and measurable business impact.

Analytical/Decision Making Responsibilities         

• Assess complex business challenges in Wealth & Asset Management and translate them into AI-driven solutions using data-driven insights.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and trends (e.g., generative AI, Agentic AI) to make strategic decisions on adoption and integration.
• Analyze financial data, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics to guide solution design and ensure compliance.
• Prioritize initiatives and allocate resources effectively based on impact, feasibility, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Make informed decisions under uncertainty, balancing innovation with risk management and ethical considerations.

Education & Experience   

• Education: Minimum of bachelor’s degree in Computer Science,
• Software Engineering or Information Systems Management, with 20+ years of experience (Graduate from top college known for computer science is a huge plus)
• Experience: 20+ years of experience, 10+ years in data/advanced analytics/ML/AI consulting and implementation, with at least 5 years in leadership roles focused on AI and digital transformation. Proven track record in financial services consulting, ideally within wealth and asset management.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements

• AI Expertise: Proficiency in machine learning algorithms, statistical analysis, and data modeling techniques to analyze financial data and develop predictive models. Deep understanding of AI development, including Agentic AI architectures for automation and MCP for contextual integration in AI systems. Familiarity with other trends like generative AI, machine learning models for investment management, and tools for secure data handling in finance.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch), cloud platforms (e.g. Azure, AWS), and data analytics tools. Experience with fintech applications is a plus.
• Financial Acumen: Familiarity with financial instruments, portfolio management, risk assessment, and market dynamics to apply AI solutions effectively in the wealth and asset management context.
• Industry Knowledge: Expertise in wealth and asset management challenges, including regulatory landscapes (e.g., SEC, GDPR), market dynamics, and client-centric innovations.
• AI Ethics and Compliance: Understanding of ethical considerations and regulatory compliance related to AI applications in finance, ensuring responsible use of AI technologies.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.