IGNACIO ALVAREZ

Technology Executive | Automotive & AI Leader

ignacio.alvarez@thi.de LinkedIn

Executive Summary

Technology Executive with a track record of CTO-level impact in the Automotive & AI sectors. Proven leader with 15+ years of experience architecting and scaling intelligent systems from R&D to series production, driving 30% YoY R&D ROI amidst budget reductions, leading global R&D organizations of 100+ engineers, and launching platforms adopted by 1M+ users. Expert in defining technical vision that aligns with C-suite objectives, secures market leadership, and generates massive IP value (150+ patents).

Core Competencies

Technology Strategy & Roadmaps Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Generative AI Autonomous Driving AV/ADAS Systems Safety Models & Standards Connected Vehicles Telematics Intelligent Infrastructure Human–Machine Interface (HMI) Adaptive Interfaces User-Centered Design Product Development & Delivery Cross-Functional Leadership Global Team Leadership Fluent in English, Spanish, German Basic Mandarin

Professional Experience

Tenured Research Professor of Human-centered Intelligent Systems

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt2025–Present
Tenured research professor at AI Motion Bavaria Research Institute. Leading European Research Initiatives in AI and Automotive. Sponsored by the High-Tech Agenda Program of the Government of Bavaria with a €3M grant to develop a research program in human-centered intelligent vehicles.

Challenge:

Establish and lead cutting-edge research initiatives in human-centered intelligent vehicles while securing substantial funding and building academic-industry partnerships.

Action:

Secured €3M grant from the High-Tech Agenda Program of the Government of Bavaria to develop comprehensive research programs in AI and Automotive. Established THI Doctoral School membership and developed advanced curriculum for Automotive AI Masters and User Experience Design programs.

Result:

Successfully positioned THI as a leading European research institution in AI and Automotive, with substantial funding secured and advanced educational programs established across Computer Science and Engineering faculties.

Principal Engineer & Executive Technical Advisor

Intel Corporation – Intel Labs2021–2025
Reporting to the Intel Labs Director. Tasked with maximizing R&D value amidst an 8% yearly budget reduction. Advised C-suite on strategic technology investments, accelerating product impact and optimizing IP utilization. Drove an average 30% YoY increase in R&D ROI, reversing the impact of budget cuts.

Challenge:

Maximize R&D value and strategic impact while managing 8% yearly budget reductions across Intel Labs' global engineering organization, requiring innovative approaches to resource optimization and strategic technology investments.

Action:

Established unified research strategies and cross-functional collaboration across Intel Labs' 500+ person global engineering organization. Steered autonomous driving R&D strategy aligning 100+ multi-regional engineering resources. Served as key technology advisor for M&A, divestiture, and IPO activities within the automotive sector.

Result:

Achieved average 30% YoY increase in R&D ROI, reversing the impact of budget cuts across semiconductor design, packaging, systems, networking, software, algorithmic development and AI. Successfully architected and deployed production-grade automated driving safety systems, reducing validation cycles by ~20% and accelerating compliance with emerging safety regulations.

Senior Research Scientist

Intel Corporation – Intel Labs2014–2021
Directed development of a multimodal in-vehicle R&D platform ("Skyline") integrating driver monitoring, voice assistants, and AR displays. Supporting design winds of Intel Automotive technology by 10+ global automotive OEMs and showcased the platform at international industry forums.

Challenge:

Develop and commercialize a comprehensive multimodal in-vehicle R&D platform that integrates cutting-edge technologies while establishing Intel as a leading automotive technology partner and securing substantial research funding.

Action:

Led cross-institutional research collaborations, securing $5M+ in funding and partnerships. Transferred multiple key technologies to Intel's and Mobileye product teams. Led open-source contributions to industry bodies and international standards, bridging research to real-world impact.

Result:

Successfully deployed "Skyline" platform across 10+ global automotive OEMs, showcased at international forums (Google IO, Intel 360). Secured 50+ granted patents and 100+ pending in autonomous systems, AI and robotics. Published 70+ papers and built thought leadership in automotive AI safety and HMI.

Senior IT Manager & Connected Drive Lead

BMW Group2012–2014
Led a 100+ IT engineering division across Asia-Pacific, delivering next-generation connected vehicle services to drive rapid expansion into the region's fastest-growing market. Oversaw data centers, telematics, and in-car digital services for BMW and MINI brands in China and Asia Pacific markets.

Challenge:

Lead rapid expansion into Asia-Pacific's fastest-growing automotive market while ensuring 24/7 reliability and scalability of connected vehicle services during record growth, and differentiate BMW in a competitive luxury market through innovative in-car technology.

Action:

Managed 100+ IT engineering division across Asia-Pacific, overseeing data centers, telematics, and in-car digital services. Pioneered in-car voice and AI assistants, collaborating with partners like Nuance and Microsoft. Developed integrated multimodal user manual for BMW 7 series.

Result:

Achieved over 1 million new users in the first year, significantly enhancing customer engagement. Launched industry's first natural-language voice assistant and multimodal user manual, setting new standards for in-vehicle HMI and earning industry-wide commendations for innovation.

Advanced Research Roles

BMW IT Research Center and Clemson University, I-CAR2009–2012
Held advanced research roles with BMW Technology Office USA and Clemson University, developing functional prototypes for commercial systems. Contributed to the first proofs-of-concept for location-based services, voice-activated navigation, augmented reality user manuals, and driver assistance prototypes.

Challenge:

Develop cutting-edge automotive technology prototypes that can inform future product roadmaps while bridging academic research with commercial applications in the automotive industry.

Action:

Collaborated between BMW Technology Office USA and Clemson University to develop functional prototypes for location-based services, voice-activated navigation, augmented reality user manuals, and driver assistance systems.

Result:

Successfully created first proofs-of-concept that informed future BMW product roadmaps, establishing foundational technologies for connected vehicle services and advanced driver assistance systems.

Professional Leadership & Affiliations

Thought Leadership & Innovation

Education