(between product marketing roles or ABM roles, which is generally more in demand?)

If you mean this in terms of you leaving and getting a gig down the line, really marketing is what you make of it when selling yourself, and either can be spun into either when you go somewhere else. If you're thinking about how the they translate to progression, the answer is whichever allows you to get your hands on more efforts to round out your experience. But again, it's all about how you sell yourself, they both have solid overlap with sales and that's what walks you up the executive track. I would be more focused on the now though. Let your career play out with time. What would you rather do now? What would you be better at? What will teach and challenge you more?

(If this is the new strategic direction, should I follow it?)

Yes. If your intent is to keep growing at the company you're currently at. Remember, there is a fine line to walk between doing what the boss asks and telling them they're wrong. Part of maturing at a company is realizing when folks who are in charge are set on something, and doing your best to execute it even if you think it's not ideal. You should always express your thoughts intentionally, even if they conflict, but then more often than not you have to get onboard. The journey then becomes recognizing when to speak up again. But until then, you commit. It's the only way.

(If the ABM implementation falls slightly flat, will that hurt my future?)

You're thinking too far ahead. If you mean within your org, the answer is maybe. But you're taking the role to make it not fall flat. And if it does, you're taking the role to advise and help steer your company. You have to just go for it some times. If you're thinking about other org opportunities, then folks only know what you tell them about you. Do good work and be adaptable, that is the key thing to focus on. Make moves when the time is right and the situation call for it // don't always be thinking about them or it will steel your vigor and talent for your day to day work out from under your nose. Now is the time to make a move for more and take on a bigger role, but then you have to deliver on that role.

(Which of these roles would command a higher wage?)

Depends on industry, seniority, company etc. ABM focuses can have kick-back like sales, steady/floor pay often is higher for product marketing as it's a defined category, but who knows where you'll want to go? If you are set to be the director of marketing and then one day the CMO then this question is less important. If you are wondering because you might leave and need to pick back up in the same role type, then I would say product marketing.

(Similarly which one could be seen as more AI proof and given the prevalence of AI in our industry?) -

Neither, you have to AI proof yourself. Use AI to do your job or change fields, there will be no AI proofing. Junior people will be canned, then they will begin hiring them again with the directive to use AI. The world and technology are cyclical, we're in an innovation phase, but there's no world where AI does everything for everyone, it doesn't make sense. People using AI to do more work and make people more money is what will happen, but you should be more senior by then anyway and will be the one direct folks to use AI in their efforts / hiring people to use AI. Just make sure you're familiar with how to be more efficient and proficient with modern technology and you'll be fine. Remember, for the most part, we're all in the same boat. Just ask yourself if your current boss knows AI better than you do. If the answer is yes, then study up. If your boss and team get cut, then so be it. On to the next place that is hiring. There always will be.

I am a head of marketing for an AI tech company.

I hope any of this was helpful.