**Req ID:** 323541 NTT DATA strives to hire exceptional, innovative and passionate individuals who want to grow with us. If you want to be part of an inclusive, adaptable, and forward-thinking organization, apply now. We are currently seeking a AI Innovation Thought Leader to join our team in Plano, Texas (US-TX), United States (US). As an  **AI Innovation Thought Leader**  within NTT DATA, you will play a pivotal role in shaping, guiding, and championing AI initiatives that span industries and client sectors. Embedded within the AI Innovation Team—structured to function like a product development engine—you will help steer concepts from initial vision through the full development and value realization lifecycle. This role is ideal for a seasoned strategist and technologist who excels at blending AI expertise, product mindset, and executive engagement. **Key Responsibilities:** + Act as a cross-initiative thought leader, shaping the vision and strategic direction of AI innovation efforts across key industries, including Financial Services, Healthcare, Insurance, and Energy & Utilities. + Guide AI solution concepts from inception through delivery—treating data, capabilities, and use cases as evolving products with a lifecycle to be nurtured, scaled, and maintained. + Collaborate closely with senior leadership and executive stakeholders, both internally and with clients (e.g., Chief Data Officers, CTOs), to translate abstract ideas into high-impact AI assets. + Lead value lifecycle thinking—helping teams frame use cases, define success criteria, and align design and implementation phases to long-term business value. + Mentor and support Innovation Factory and Demo Team contributors to develop AI offerings that are architected for reuse, extensibility, and real-world utility. + Engage in client-facing advisory work, providing strategic guidance on AI adoption, architecture, and portfolio development. + Support presales and solutioning teams with strategic input, presentations, and proposal shaping to align offerings with client needs. + Contribute to internal and external thought leadership through publications, speaking engagements, and leadership roundtables. **Basic Qualifications:** + 10+ years of experience in consulting, AI strategy, or innovation leadership roles, with a strong understanding of enterprise-scale transformation. + 5+ years of experience leading AI or data initiatives with a product-style mindset (e.g., lifecycle thinking, roadmap development, user-centered design). + 2+ in a professional services role with demonstrated success in influencing C-suite executives and translating complex AI concepts into strategic business outcomes. + 2+ years experience in frameworks that support iterative innovation (e.g., agile, lean product development, value stream mapping). + Ability to travel as required (minimum 25%). **Preferred Skills:** + Experience building and maturing AI or data product portfolios across multiple industries. + Expertise in AI technologies including Generative AI, ML/AI Agents, NLP, and enterprise-grade AI architecture. + Background in enterprise data technologies like Azure Platform data capabilities, Teradata, SQL, DataStage, Informatica, Databricks, Snowflake, etc. + Strong storytelling, facilitation, and executive engagement skills. + Passion for bringing ideas to life—guiding teams through ideation, validation, prototyping, and scaling. As required by law, NTT DATA provides a reasonable range of compensation for specific roles. The starting pay range for this remote role is $164,025.00 - $250,000.00. This range reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Actual compensation will depend on a number of factors, including the candidate’s actual work location, relevant experience, technical skills, and other qualifications. \#DAAI #LI-CDL **About NTT DATA** NTT DATA is a $30 billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure and connectivity. We are one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is a part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. Visit us at us.nttdata.com (http://us.nttdata.com/en) **_NTT DATA endeavors to make_** **_https://us.nttdata.com_** **_accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at_** **_https://us.nttdata.com/en/contact-us_** **_._** **_This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. NTT DATA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here (http://us.nttdata.com/en/compliance#eeos) . If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here (http://us.nttdata.com/en/compliance#know-your-rights) . For Pay Transparency information, please click here (http://us.nttdata.com/en/compliance#ppnp) ._**