Armand Ruiz

Armand Ruiz is the Director of AI Engineering at IBM, leading the watsonx team, a global group of over 1,000 AI Engineers who work on cutting-edge Generative AI solutions for various industries. With more than 12 years of experience in AI, Armand has been focussing his efforts on democratising practical AI skills and empowering professionals to leverage AI to transform their business.

Previously, he managed IBM's Data Science and AI Elite, delivering complex AI implementations for hundreds of clients.

He also led the product management of IBM Watson Studio and Watson Machine Learning, an AI platform used by hundreds of customers and SaaS apps powered by AI. He holds a Master of Science in Telecommunications from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and speaks three languages: Spanish, Catalan, French, and English.

Armand Ruiz, with a Master of Science in Telecommunications Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, stands as a seasoned professional in the field of artificial intelligence. Before venturing into the tech industry, Armand made significant contributions to the sports world as a Tennis Coach for the Federació Catalana de Tennis from June 2004 to June 2009. During this period, he played a pivotal role in training and nurturing future tennis stars. 

Armand then transitioned to the corporate landscape, working as a Data Scientist in Radio Optimization Engineering at Vodafone from September 2009 to October 2010, where he utilised data science techniques to optimize 3G network coverage.

From January 2018 to July 2019, Armand served as the Product Director for Watson Studio and Watson Machine Learning, managing a team of Product Managers and introducing IBM Watson Studio to professionals looking to harness AI for innovative business solutions. 

Subsequently, he took on the role of Director of Data Science & AI Elite from July 2019 to July 2023, overseeing a team of over 90 data scientists dedicated to complex AI implementations. In his latest position, starting in May 2023, Armand has assumed the role of Director of the WatsonX team - Client Engineering at IBM, where he is focused on building the world's largest team of AI Engineers. 

He is actively involved in recruiting talent globally, reskilling professionals, and providing top-quality training in new-generation AI. Armand is also leading efforts in Pre-Sales Generative AI Pilots with the IBM WatsonX.ai Platform, contributing to the evolution of AI capabilities. 

Armand Ruiz envisions a future where the transformative power of artificial intelligence is not confined to the realm of tech experts but becomes a practical and accessible tool for professionals across diverse industries. With a clear mission, Armand strives to democratise AI, breaking down complex barriers and empowering businesses to harness its capabilities effectively. 

His vision is anchored in the belief that by making AI accessible, professionals can seamlessly integrate this cutting-edge technology into their operations, driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Armand's commitment lies in facilitating a landscape where AI becomes a tangible and invaluable asset, propelling businesses into a new era of possibilities and achievements.