Kevin Kohnke

AI Lead & Head of AI Center of Excellence (CoE) @Merkle, a dentsu company

Zürich Metropolitan Area

About

AI Product / Project Leader & Organizational Transformation Strategist with 10+ years of experience delivering AI products, intelligent automation, and enterprise-wide digital transformation across europe and global markets. I specialize in blockchain technology & artificial intelligence strategy & adoption. In my roles as AI Product Manager, I design and ship AI-driven services, automation, and cognitive workflows. My focus is on building scalable AI operating models, human–AI collaboration, and accelerating enterprise readiness through governance, data strategy, and capability development. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD on blockchain led Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO), as I believe that AI is THE use case blockchain was waiting for. My research examines how distributed decision-making, AI agents, and autonomous coordination reshape the foundations of modern firms. This academic work informs the practical operating models I implement in organizations today. I operate at the intersection of AI strategy, product innovation, and transformation. My experience spans global enterprises, consulting firms, and high-growth environments.

Experience

  • Principal - AI / Lead - AI at Merkle
    Jan 2026 - Present · 7 mos

    a dentsu company

  • dentsu (Zürich, Schweiz)
    • Principal - AI / Lead - AI
      Jan 2026 - Present · 7 mos

    • AI Product Owner
      Nov 2023 - Dec 2025 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    • Senior Manager - Business Transformation
      Jan 2022 - Dec 2025 · 4 yrs

  • Researcher at Sheffield Business School
    Sep 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

    Research on Emerging Technology Enablement with a primary focus on Blockchain & Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), AI, Algorithmic Enforcement, Human-Machine Interaction, Computational Economics & Innovation Capability

  • Technology Startups | National Defence | Strategy Consulting & IT Program Management at Various Companies
    Apr 2012 - Dec 2021 · 9 yrs 9 mos

    Military Officer & Member of the Specialized Forces | Co-Founder serving the Private Sector on National Armed Forces Development | Chief of Staff | Strategic HR | AI Product Management | Strategy Consulting | IT Project & Program Management