Executive Director – AI Sweden, Stockholm

Artificial intelligence is already fundamentally reshaping industry, public services and society. Since its founding in 2019, AI Sweden has played a key role in driving this transformation.

AI Sweden is now entering its next phase.

We are looking for an Executive Director with strong strategic insight, clear direction, and commercial drive to further accelerate development – and maximize impact for Sweden’s competitiveness and societal progress. This is a unique opportunity to lead development within one of Europe’s most dynamic AI ecosystems.

The Role

AI Sweden operates at the intersection of industry, the public sector, academia, civil society, and research, and plays a key role in Sweden’s AI landscape. The organization has grown rapidly and is entering its next phase from a position of strength. The focus now is to scale impact with greater precision, sharpen direction, and further strengthen Sweden’s position in AI – both nationally and internationally.

You will report to the AI Sweden Steering Committee and, as part of the leadership team of Lindholmen Science Park (host organization), also report to its CEO. You will have full responsibility for the organization’s approximately 100 employees. A significant portion of your time will be based in Stockholm, working closely with key stakeholders and decision-makers.

As Executive Director, you will:

• Define a clear and ambitious direction for AI Sweden’s next phase – focusing on measurable results where the right initiatives drive disruptive innovation, broad adoption, and measurable impact across both private and public sectors
• Accelerate the application of AI in Sweden by mobilizing partners, initiatives, and investments
• Secure long-term funding through strong relationships with industry, the public sector and international stakeholders, while identifying new revenue streams
• Lead and execute AI Sweden’s mission with clarity and force, aligning leadership and employees across six locations and host organizations throughout Sweden, through a leadership style characterized by strong presence, transparency, and trust in the organization’s capabilities.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a visionary leader with strategic depth, energy, and a proven ability to drive large-scale transformation. You have a strong strategic understanding of AI and digital transformation, and are motivated by contributing to a larger purpose in a fast-moving and complex environment.

You bring:

• Extensive experience in leading and scaling organizations within the private sector, preferably in technology-driven or knowledge-intensive environments
• Proven experience working strategically with AI, with a strong understanding of its transformational potential and opportunities
• International experience and the ability to operate in global contexts
• A well-established network at senior levels within industry and/or policy and funding environments
• Experience in securing funding and building long-term partnerships

As a person, you are entrepreneurial, forward-leaning, and comfortable navigating complexity. You demonstrate high integrity, strong business acumen, and a natural ability to align diverse stakeholders around a common direction. You are equally at ease in boardrooms and innovation environments – and driven by creating real, lasting impact.

Why AI Sweden?

This is a role with exceptional reach and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

At AI Sweden, you will:

• Play a key role in shaping Sweden’s position in the global AI landscape
• Work at the intersection of technology, business, and society
• Gain access to one of Europe’s strongest AI ecosystems, with more than 170 partners
• Lead a highly competent, engaged organization with strong credibility
• Drive initiatives that create real value for both industry and society

Application

In this recruitment, AI Sweden is working with Maquire. For questions, you are welcome to contact the responsible recruitment consultant, Per Synnes, in confidence. Please submit your expression of interest no later than May 22.