JD Kristenson

Founded and led an AI-first management consultancy, specializing in applied artificial intelligence solutions to drive significant revenue growth and successful funding for clients across diverse sectors.

• Drove client revenue growth and successful seed funding rounds, achieving a 50% improvement in product-market fit, a 35% increase in customer acquisition rates, and accelerating go-to-market timelines by 30%.
• Served as Fractional Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer and Maritime Director, providing expert guidance on AI strategy and implementation for diverse clients.
• Conducted in-depth analysis of Chinese-language media to provide critical tariff engineering insights for investors, companies, and government entities.
• Provided strategic counsel to a U.S. Senate candidate, shaping policy positions on critical tech and national security issues.

Led complex multinational merger and growth transformations, leveraging AI and strategic leadership to unlock significant financial value for global industrial clients.

• Pioneered the development of an artificial intelligence database and library, enhancing knowledge management and analytical capabilities across a global professional services firm.
• Directed central control tower operations for a 100-person transformation team, unlocking $537M in net recurring revenue and $280M in one-time benefits for a multibillion-dollar global industrial company.
• Developed organization-level communications and SteerCo documents for CEO and CFO, ensuring strategic alignment of key stakeholders with transformation objectives.
• Developed and implemented an analytical model to accurately determine value at risk for an advanced industrial manufacturer.
• Delivered comprehensive solution options that successfully hedged against previously unclear existential business risks exceeding $10B.

Commanded a U.S. Navy warship and served in diverse leadership roles over 25 years, driving global maritime security operations and complex naval construction projects.

• Commanded the USS CHAMPION (MCM 4), recognized as the most awarded warship in its class from 2017-2018, leading successful operational deployments.
• Authored "The Naval Officer's Guide," a flagship professional book, contributing to leadership development across the Navy.
• Managed the construction and outfitting of three new warships, including a $1.4B guided missile destroyer, achieving a flawless safety record through direct collaboration with industry partners.
• Completed extensive operational deployments across seven ships over a 25-year career, spanning diverse global regions including the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf.
• Orchestrated global maritime security initiatives, collaborating with governments, partner navies, and stakeholders across six continents.

Served as Special Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander, NATO, developing and executing strategic communications policy across 30 partner nations.

• Developed and executed comprehensive internal and external strategic communications policy across NATO's 30 partner nations, engaging foreign heads of state and senior policymakers.
• Managed geographically dispersed teams in three countries, preparing sensitive correspondence and advising senior executive leaders on European deterrence strategies.

Actively contributed to Make-A-Wish, supporting their mission and community initiatives.

Actively engaged with American Corporate Partners, supporting mentorship and transition programs for veterans.

Authored a flagship professional book for naval officers, providing guidance on leadership and naval operations.