AI Leadership and Data Executive Search
With our dedicated data & AI executive search team boasting decades of shared experience, and a vast network stretching from director to C-suite levels across all sectors and industries, we assist both global corporations and ambitious start-ups in securing top-tier leadership talent to accomplish their goals
C-SUITE DATA & AI TALENT
As leaders in data & AI recruitment, we act as an honest partner capable of sourcing top-tier talent who can not only navigate the current environment but innovate for the future too
Global Data Executive Search Services
We support businesses of all shapes and sizes, so whether you need a Chief Data Officer in London, a Chief AI Officer in New York, or a Head of Analytics in Amsterdam, we can help your organization achieve your business goals
Our team members hold a minimum of 10 years of experience in their field, and leverage technologies as well as their extensive networks to identify and evaluate potential candidates.
Experienced Search Teams
Our Data executive search team consists of senior consultants, each bringing over 10 years of specialized experience to the table. This extensive expertise ensures an expert understanding of recruitment processes, market dynamics, leadership assessment, and strategic alignment.
Discreet & Confidential Searches
We recognize the sensitivity often required in high-level recruitments and are committed to maintaining the utmost confidentiality for both clients and potential candidates. Our discreet search services are designed to protect the privacy of all parties involved, ensuring that sensitive information is handled with the highest level of professionalism and care.
Expertise in Stealth Mode
For organizations seeking discreet hires for unpublicized projects or those in 'stealth mode,' our team brings extensive experience in managing high-confidentiality searches. We understand the unique challenges of stealth operations and ensure your strategic objectives are met without compromising confidentiality.
Benefits of Working with Harnham's Executive Search Team
One of the significant benefits of partnering with Harnham’s executive search team is our ability to drastically reduce the time it takes to fill an executive-level role. While the industry average for filling such positions is around three months, Harnham’s current time-to-fill is an impressive four weeks.
This accelerated timeline means your business can swiftly access the leadership and expertise it needs without prolonged gaps that could hinder progress.
Choosing Harnham means gaining a partner who is committed to delivering quick and effective results, enabling your organization to maintain momentum and achieve its objectives with the right leadership in place.
Full Data Life Cycle Coverage
Our recruitment and talent teams cover all aspects of the data and AI pipeline, from collection to consumption, across multiple data roles and functions. We specialize in a variety of data roles and functions, ensuring comprehensive coverage and expertise across the field.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD
Recent Data Executive and Senior AI Placements 2025
We have experience placing candidates in the largest FTSE 100 companies all the way down to single-digit startup teams. We're here to solve problems whatever their size, wherever they are.
Chief Data Officers
VP of Analytics
Chief AI Officers
Senior Director of Data Strategy
Head of Data
Principal Data Scientist
Meet our Team
Our approach focuses on identifying leaders who can drive innovation, foster growth, and seamlessly integrate new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and strategic direction.
Waseem Ali
Waseem Ali is the CEO of Rockborne and a recognised leader in the UK’s Data and AI talent ecosystem. With expertise spanning data strategy, AI transformation, and executive capability building, he has built and scaled teams for some of the UK’s most recognised organisations, helping them turn data ambition into measurable commercial impact.
Bringing a practitioner-led perspective to executive search, Waseem has designed and delivered end-to-end Data and AI functions, giving him a deep understanding of what makes leadership teams successful in practice. This enables him to assess leadership capability, cultural fit, and long-term scalability with confidence.
Waseem works closely with C-suite stakeholders to shape leadership mandates, define future-ready team structures, and identify talent that drives meaningful organisational transformation. His experience across strategy, advisory, training, and delivery allows him to challenge briefs constructively and deliver stronger hiring outcomes.
waseemali@rockborne.com
Nick Mandella - Director, UK
Nick Mandella leads Harnham’s US–UK team, a division of the company's permanent recruitment business, specialising in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, and Risk Analytics. Since joining Harnham in 2014, he has helped scale the UK team while partnering with industry leaders to hire top talent across some of the world’s fastest-growing technology sectors.
With more than a decade of experience in Data and AI recruitment, Nick works closely with organisations to build high-performing technical teams and deliver talent strategies that support long-term business growth. His market knowledge and specialist expertise have made him a trusted partner to clients hiring across the UK and US.
nickmandella@harnham.com
Ross Henderson - Director, Netherlands
Ross Henderson is a market-leading specialist in Data and AI recruitment with over a decade of experience placing top talent across Europe. Based in Amsterdam, he leads Harnham’s Netherlands practice, partnering with some of the Dutch tech ecosystem’s most innovative companies as they scale their Data and AI teams.
His expertise spans the full data lifecycle, with a strong track record of sourcing specialists across Data Science, Machine Learning, Engineering, and Analytics. Before relocating to the Netherlands, Ross led Harnham’s UK Data & Technology division, where he played a key role in growing the firm's market-leading Data Science and AI function from three to 21 consultants.
Ross holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh and is recognised for his strategic insight, deep domain knowledge, and extensive network across the European Data and AI market.
rosshenderson@harnham.com
Sam Maughan - Vice President, USA
Sam Maughan is a Vice President at Harnham with over a decade of experience specialising in Data, Analytics, Engineering, and AI recruitment. He currently leads the firm's West Coast offering, having previously held a number of leadership roles across both London and New York.
Reporting directly to the CEO, Sam manages strategic relationships with some of Harnham’s largest enterprise clients while continuing to play a hands-on role in hiring, developing, and leading several of the company’s top-performing consultants. His combination of leadership experience and client expertise makes him a trusted partner for organisations building high-performing Data and AI teams.
sam@harnham.com
OUR STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
During the kick-off call, our team collaborates with your organization to understand your specific needs, company culture, and the key attributes required for the executive role. We discuss the job description, desired qualifications, and strategic goals. This alignment ensures we effectively identify candidates who meet technical requirements and fit seamlessly into your organizational culture.
1) Initial Search Kick-off call
Our candidate screening process is thorough and involves evaluating resumes, conducting initial interviews, and assessing qualifications and experience. We leverage our extensive network to identify potential candidates, ensuring they align with your organization's long-term objectives and cultural values.
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2) Candidate Screenings
We arrange multiple interview rounds with shortlisted candidates, including phone, video, and in-person meetings. These interviews provide a comprehensive assessment of each candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit. Feedback from both candidates and interviewers ensures a thorough evaluation.
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3) Multiple interview rounds
After the interview rounds, we assist in making the final selection and preparing a compelling job offer. We handle communication with the selected candidate, presenting the offer and addressing any questions. Our goal is to facilitate a smooth negotiation process and secure top-tier executive talent.
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4) Initial Offer Management
Once the offer is accepted, we assist with the candidate's transition and onboarding, ensuring a seamless integration into your organization. We follow up with both the candidate and your team to ensure expectations are met, addressing any initial challenges and fostering a positive start.
5) Post Offer Management
GLOBAL Data & AI Hiring Insights
Personalized Data Salary Benchmarking Report
Gain the data-driven knowledge you need to confidently design a competitive compensation and data and AI talent retention strategy.
Request a tailored Harnham Personalized Data Salary Benchmarking Report with comprehensive salary insights for up to three specific positions.
Based on our latest Data and AI Salary Guide and real-time proprietary data, these reports offer the most current market compensation information, customized to your business needs.
