Joe Bechtel is a transformational leader in intelligent automation and AI innovation with a proven track record of transforming complex operational challenges into scalable technology solutions. As Vice President of AI Innovation & Strategic Planning at PNC Bank, Joe leads a team dedicated to incubating new ideas that drive business transformation through cutting-edge AI technologies.

Joe specializes in building high-performing teams that bridge the gap between technology innovation and practical business applications. At PNC, he directs the GenAI—Emerging Technologies team to execute key initiatives, identifies strategic opportunities that deliver measurable value and develops strong partnerships with decision-makers to ensure cross-functional alignment.

Before joining PNC, Joe established himself as a transformative leader at Humana Inc., where he built and scaled an Intelligent Automation Center of Excellence that delivered over $50M+ in annual savings.

A thought leader in the industry, Joe has been featured in Forbes and CIO magazine for his groundbreaking work in digital transformation. In 2020, he received the Gartner Eye on Innovation Award for Healthcare and Life Sciences. In Addition, Joe serves as an Adjunct Professor at Syracuse University, teaching Digital Automation and Process Reengineering, where he shares his expertise in transforming business operations through technology innovation.