We’re entering the age of the AI strategist

As innovative AI solutions hit the market, business leaders are eager to streamline operations, but they need someone at the helm to define what this adoption will look like and how to execute.

Strategy positions that historically oversaw transformation, integration and value creation are now increasingly looking at these initiatives through the lens of AI. For private equity in particular, the need is urgent.

With the significant competitive advantage AI brings to the table, funds cannot afford to wait for AI adoption to evolve organically. They require leaders who can identify investable themes, evaluate opportunities and deploy frameworks that accelerate portfolio-wide transformation.

The rise of AI strategists

Corporate strategy executives are increasingly focused on identifying and framing use cases where AI can deliver value. Their role has been to connect emerging AI capabilities with business priorities, helping executives develop practical applications.

Strategy consultants also lead the way in connecting AI capabilities with business priorities. Top-tier consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain and BCG have made AI a centerpiece of many of their practices, with dedicated technical arms such as McKinsey Quantum Black and BCG X focusing on AI solution development and implementations.

AI strategists in the private equity ecosystem

In private equity, where short exit timelines demand efficient business processes and highly skilled teams, AI strategists work across both fund- and portfolio-level roles in three distinct ways:

Deal teams: Private equity associates spend their time evaluating acquisition targets, assessing product maturity and separating hype from reality through the lens of AI’s impact on the market. Many are also expected to leverage AI in their day-to-day work of sourcing new deals and conducting due diligence. At a minimum, associates must have some practical and theoretical knowledge of AI.

Portfolio operations teams: Value creation teams are rapidly looking to add strategists with a focus on AI. In these roles, they are responsible for creating and deploying an AI framework to multiple portfolio companies. They may embed themselves in one company at a time or serve in an advisory capacity for multiple.

Portfolio leadership: Private equity-backed businesses benefit from having a full-time AI strategist in their leadership ranks. Historically, strategy leads serve under roles like “vice president of transformation” or “chief of staff.” We’re now seeing titles shift to reflect AI, like “vice president of AI implementation.” These individuals spend 100% of their time working on customized AI solutions for their company.

What qualifies someone as an AI strategy expert?

Because AI is such a new and fast-evolving discipline, firms often struggle with defining an internal AI function and vetting candidates. Traditional markers of expertise like tenure, titles and certifications can be misleading.

Instead, the strongest candidates often have experience working for AI-focused consulting practices; a background in digital transformation and analytics; hybrid career paths combining consulting, technology and desired industry expertise; and an inherent ability to navigate a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Takeaways for private equity hiring

Even though AI is still in its relative infancy, its role in corporate strategy and value creation is permanent. The challenge lies in identifying talent that can bridge technical innovation with commercial value creation. Not every AI practitioner can navigate a boardroom, and not every strategist can separate AI reality from hype.

To learn more, contact Noah Schultz at (336) 217-9192 or noah.schultz@charlesaris.com.