Gabriela Knef serves as the Managing Director of AI Engineering at P&C Global, bringing over 20 years of expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, Large Language Models (LLMs), Generative AI, Computer Vision, AI Ethics & Governance, Edge AI, and AI-Powered Automation.
As a key leader in P&C Global’s AI and Data Science organization, which comprises over 2,000 AI engineers, data scientists, and computational specialists, Gabriela plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s AI strategy, innovation roadmap, and enterprise AI solutions. She leads a high-performing global team of 350+ AI engineers, research scientists, data architects, MLOps specialists, and AI product managers, overseeing the design, development, and deployment of next-generation AI solutions that drive enterprise-wide digital transformation for Fortune 500 and Global 2000 clients.
Her scope of responsibility spans cutting-edge AI model development, enterprise AI architecture, scalable AI/ML infrastructure, real-time predictive analytics, AI-driven automation, AI security & risk management, and responsible AI governance. She works cross-functionally with leaders across P&C Global’s Data & Cognitive Sciences, Strategy & Innovation, and Corporate Performance practice groups to ensure AI-driven insights and automation deliver tangible business impact across industries including Information & Data Sciences, Financial Services, Manufacturing, High Tech, Global Logistics, and Commercial Real Estate.
As one of several Managing Directors within P&C Global’s AI & Data Science leadership team, Gabriela is at the forefront of advancing enterprise AI adoption, scaling generative AI solutions, and operationalizing AI governance frameworks that enhance client competitiveness, agility, and innovation.
Gabriela’s academic journey is marked by distinguished achievements. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Technical University of Munich (Technische Universität München), a program renowned for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on cutting-edge technology. Pursuing her passion for AI, she obtained a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh, a leading institution in AI research and education.
Her career began at Siemens AG in Munich, where she worked as a Software Engineer, focusing on developing AI algorithms for industrial automation systems. She then joined Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt as a Quantitative Analyst, applying machine learning techniques to enhance financial modeling and risk assessment. Her journey continued at Rolls-Royce in the UK, where she served as a Senior Data Scientist, leading projects on predictive maintenance using AI and IoT technologies. Prior to her current role at P&C Global, Gabriela was the Head of AI Research and Development at DHL in Bonn, overseeing the implementation of AI solutions to optimize global logistics operations.
For Gabriela Knef, the intersection of art, logic, and human expression has always been where she feels most at home. Born in Austria, she spent her formative years in Germany and the UK, where she was immersed in diverse cultures, languages, and ways of thinking. These experiences shaped her deep appreciation for both creative expression and analytical precision—a balance that continues to define her work today.
Now residing in Vienna, a city known for its rich intellectual and artistic legacy, Gabriela finds inspiration not only in historic architecture and grand concert halls but also in the rhythm of daily life. A classically trained pianist, she often draws connections between the structured elegance of music and the intricate logic of AI models.
Her journey into AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) was driven by an early fascination with how humans communicate—through words, emotions, even silence—and the challenge of teaching machines to understand and generate language in ways that feel natural. To her, AI is more than just technology; it’s a way to bridge gaps, enhance human potential, and create deeper connections between people and the digital world.
But Gabriela’s life isn’t just about AI. She is also a devoted wife and mother, raising two children who, much like her, have a passion for music. Whether it’s a violin concerto played in the living room or an impromptu jazz session on the piano, music is an ever-present part of their home. She met her husband at P&C Global, an unexpected but serendipitous turn in her professional journey that reinforced how the firm isn’t just about solving complex problems—it’s about bringing people together.
Reflecting on her career at P&C Global, Gabriela shares:
“What I love about P&C Global is that we don’t just build AI models—we create solutions that make a real impact. AI isn’t just about automation; it’s about enhancing human capabilities, unlocking new ways of thinking, and making industries smarter and more resilient. That’s the kind of innovation I want to be part of.”
With a knowing smile, she adds:
“People assume AI is this cold, mechanical thing. But anyone who’s ever trained a neural network knows—it can be unpredictable, temperamental, and even surprising. Honestly, it reminds me a lot of trying to get my kids to practice their scales.”
Gabriela’s ability to blend technical brilliance with warmth, humor, and a deep understanding of human nature makes her a respected leader, a trusted mentor, and a colleague that people genuinely love working with. Whether she’s orchestrating a complex AI initiative or helping her children perfect their latest musical piece, she thrives at the intersection of logic, creativity, and human connection.
