Are you ready to lead the creation of a landmark initiative in the field of Artificial Intelligence-one that will shape the future of the Nordic-Baltic region and position it as a global hub for responsible, advanced AI adoption?

We are seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial leader to build and operationally lead a new Nordic-Baltic AI Centre from the ground up. With a clear mandate and strong multi-national backing, this centre will become a cross-sectoral platform for cooperation, innovation, and AI capacity building across governments, ecosystems, and ambitious companies.

The overall mission of the AI Centre is to drive AI adoption and development across the region by fostering collaboration between governments, organizations, and companies, supporting policy development, attracting international talent, and strengthening national AI ecosystems, while promoting a unified Nordic-Baltic identity in the AI domain.

The Centre will unite strategic leadership with technical and organizational expertise, helping each country strengthen its own structures while providing region-wide capabilities in high demand. The goal is not just to accelerate innovation, but to anchor it in shared values, long-term resilience, and European leadership.The initiative is designed as a joint effort by all Nordic countries, with inclusion of the Baltic states. We welcome candidates from across the region to lead this historic effort.

The Role

The Nordic-Baltic AI Centre will serve as a platform for collaboration, co-creation, and targeted innovation efforts, spanning sectors and national borders.

As Managing Director, you will lead a distributed team including team members hosted by national entities in most of the Nordic countries and have full responsibility for shaping, leading, and anchoring the organisation, from strategic direction to practical implementation. With a clear mandate from the Board of Directors, to whom you will report. The board includes representatives from both the business and public sectors, each with a strong commitment to the Nordic-Baltic region and its innovation agenda.

Your responsibilities will include

Developing and driving the organisation’s strategy in close collaboration with the board. Building and leading a team operating across several Nordic and Baltic countries and organisations.

• Establishing a financing structure and continuously securing funding from private, public and philanthropic sources.

• Leading operations in a business-driven and results-oriented manner, with a sharp focus on identifying relevant initiatives and creating tangible value.

• Navigating environments without formal mandates, based on trust, influence, and collaboration.

• Representing the centre in relationships with governments, ministries, and key stakeholders across the Nordic-Baltic region.

• Creating a culture of openness, trust, and shared ambition.

Your Profile

We are looking for a leader with strong strategic ability, excellent collaboration skills, and proven experience of leading in complex, cross-sector environments.

• Experience in building, leading, or transforming organisations, initiatives, or partnerships with strategic impact and societal relevance, ideally in a Nordic-Baltic or international context.

• The ability to lead through influence rather than formal authority, with a track record of driving change through multi-actor collaboration.

• A deep understanding of how innovation systems, policy, research, and business interact and the ability to navigate these interfaces.

• Competence in building and leading teams across geographical, cultural, and organisational boundaries.

• Knowledge of financing and business logic in public or philanthropic settings, ideally with experience in developing sustainable funding models where funders are active partners.

• A business-oriented mindset with the ability to quickly identify what is relevant and value-creating in complex settings.

• Excellent communication skills, you can represent the organisation in both public and closed forums, in English and preferably a Nordic or Baltic language.

You thrive in start-up and development phases, are not afraid to roll up your sleeves when needed, think long-term but act pragmatically, and build trust among decision-makers and partners alike.

We Offer

• The opportunity to lead the establishment of a groundbreaking Nordic-Baltic AI centre with long-term vision, strategic support, and significant societal impact.

• A role where you combine visionary leadership with hands-on execution in a position that is both autonomous and strategically anchored.

• Close collaboration with a board of leading actors from across the region, offering both direction and space to shape the organisation.

• A chance to shape a cross-sectoral, international, and societally-driven initiative at a pivotal time for AI and Europe’s digital future.

Location and start date

The position is based in Stockholm. Travel within the Nordic and Baltic region will be a natural part of the role.

The currently planned start date is from October 2025, but might be adjusted to selected candidate’s availability.

Application and Contact

Please send your CV and a brief motivation outlining why you are the right candidate for this position. Selection and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. All inquiries will be handled confidentially. If there are questions regarding the role please reach out to Viktoria Stark, viktoria.stark@newnordics.ai