
Specialized practices
AI / ML / Data
Leadership to accelerate your business
Unlock innovation with top AI, ML, and Data executives
In today’s tech landscape, AI / ML / Data talent is key to innovation and staying competitive. From product development to transformational leaders, our specialized practice connects you with top-tier experts to drive your strategy forward. Explore how our AI / ML / Data expertise can help you harness advanced technologies to achieve your goals.
Supporting AI’s impact across every stage of growth
Since our first data science search in 2012, we have been placing pioneering technology and product executives in landscape-defining, first-of-their-kind roles for innovations that have never been built before. At Riviera Partners, we understand the unique challenges of companies trying to stay ahead of AI’s impact on organizations at every stage of growth and maturity.
Venture
In the fast-paced world of start-ups and venture capital, we specialize in placing AI, ML, and Data leaders who can rapidly innovate and scale. From early-stage startups to growth-stage companies, we identify talent that drives product development, data strategy, and machine learning initiatives, ensuring your company stays ahead in a competitive landscape.

Private equity
We focus on placing seasoned AI, ML, and Data executives who can optimize operations and accelerate growth. These leaders bring the experience needed to implement advanced data strategies, streamline processes, and drive value creation, helping your company achieve its ambitious goals.

Public
Across large enterprise and public companies, Riviera places AI, ML, and Data leaders who can navigate complex organizational structures and deliver strategic impact at scale. Our focus is on finding executives who can lead large teams, drive enterprise-wide data initiatives, and contribute to long-term innovation and competitive advantage.

Driving AI product innovation
At Riviera Partners, we’re at the forefront of driving AI innovation by placing top-tier product and engineering executives in leading AI companies. Our partnerships power breakthroughs essential for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Here are some of the trailblazing companies we’ve had the privilege to support, underscoring our dedication to advancing AI excellence.

The five AI leader archetypes
As companies across various industries integrate AI into their operations, identifying the right AI leader is crucial. Based on our extensive experience in AI talent recruitment, we have identified five distinct AI leader archetypes, each tailored to specific organizational needs and stages of AI maturity.
The Research Leader
Focus: Pushing AI innovation through research and model creation.
Role: Senior individual contributor, not a people manager.
Best fit: Founder at seed-stage companies or research teams in late-stage companies.

The Data Science Leader
Focus: Enhancing business decision-making and customer experience through data analysis.
Role: Balances technical work and team management, often at growth-stage companies.
Best fit: Sectors like finance, marketing, and e-commerce.

The Horizontal Engineering Leader
Focus: Developing enterprise-wide AI strategies and shared services.
Role: Manages complex engineering initiatives, often at mature organizations.
Best fit: Companies requiring unified data strategies post-acquisitions.

The Commercial-Focused Engineering Manager
Focus: Rapid prototyping and commercialization of AI projects.
Role: Operates in fast-paced environments, delivering quick AI solutions.
Best fit: Growth-stage companies with established product lines.

The AI Product Strategist
Focus: Strategic planning and alignment of AI initiatives with long-term company vision.
Role: Strategic oversight, often at large, later-stage public companies.
Best fit: Companies leveraging AI to enhance overall business strategy.

Insights and news
Explore Riviera’s latest AI, ML, and data news, insights, and industry trends.