Rakuten Rewards
Website:
rakuten.com
Job details:
Role Summary
As the Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAIO) for Rakuten Symphony, you will define and execute the strategic vision for data intelligence and Artificial Intelligence. You will be the architect of our AI-powered transformation, ensuring that our platform not only automates complex network operations but also augments human intelligence for our global clients. This role is a rare opportunity to lead the data and AI strategy for a company that is fundamentally disrupting the global telecommunications industry through Open RAN technology. The ideal candidate will be a high-impact leader who has successfully industrialized AI across both network and business operations, transforming data into a strategic asset that drives revenue and operational autonomy.
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Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Transformation: Define and execute a company-wide AI strategy, partnering with the C-suite to drive commercial growth and operational efficiency.
- Operational "AI-nization": Embed AI and data-driven decision-making into the core of daily business operations, driving automation, process standardization, and scalable efficiency.
- KPI & Performance Management: Design and maintain a division-wide KPI framework (focusing on AI utilization, asset reuse, and cost efficiency) to drive continuous, data-driven improvement cycles.
- Network & Product Innovation: Oversee the development of advanced network intelligence, including the RAN, and lead the lifecycle of emerging technologies from proof-of-concept to full-scale deployment.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as a change agent by building collaborative structures across department heads and section leaders to align priorities and resolve complex operational hurdles.
- Data Monetization: Develop strategies that transform internal intelligence into measurable revenue growth and competitive advantage.
- Ethical AI Governance: Ensure all AI implementations are transparent, unbiased, and aligned with Rakuten’s mission to augment human creativity and empower our global ecosystem.
- Leadership & Advocacy: Serve as the primary ambassador for Rakuten Symphony’s data and AI strategy. Represent the organization at high-profile internal forums, industry conferences, and global events to position Rakuten Symphony as a thought leader in the AI/Data space and foster strategic partnerships.
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Required Qualifications
Experience:
- 15+ years of leadership in data/AI strategy, with a proven track record of driving large-scale operational transformation in cloud-native or telecommunications environments.
- Deep experience in KPI design, process improvement, and implementing "AI-nization" programs that measurably impact cost, efficiency, and revenue.
- Expert knowledge of AI/ML, Generative AI, and telco-specific architectures (e.g., Open RAN).
- Proven success partnering with C-suite stakeholders (CEO, CFO, CTO) to drive cross-organizational change and report progress to senior management.
- Exceptional ability to work independently with strong ownership while simultaneously building collaborative, cross-functional structures to drive adoption.
Education: Bachelors/Master’s degree /PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related quantitative field.
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RAKUTEN SHUGI PRINCIPLES
Our worldwide practices describe specific behaviors that make Rakuten unique and united across the world. We expect Rakuten employees to model these 5 Shugi Principles of Success.
• Always improve, always advance. Only be satisfied with complete success — Kaizen.
• Be passionately professional. Take an uncompromising approach to your work and be determined to be the best.
• Hypothesize - Practice - Validate - Shikumika. Use the Rakuten Cycle to succeed in unknown territory.
• Maximize Customer Satisfaction. The greatest satisfaction for workers in a service industry is to see their customers smile.
• Speed!! Speed!! Speed!! Always be conscious of time. Take charge, set clear goals, and engage your team.
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