NTT DATA Taps Vinesh Maharaj to Spearhead Smart Manufacturing in MEA
NTT DATA, a global IT services provider, has announced the appointment of Vinesh Maharaj as the Director of Smart Manufacturing & Industry for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. This strategic move underscores NTT DATA’s dedication to strengthening its presence in key sectors, with manufacturing now taking center stage as the third major vertical following the successful establishment of its Retail and Financial Services & Insurance (FSI) practices in 2024. This development is particularly significant for the African tech landscape, as it signals a concerted effort to drive digital transformation within the continent’s manufacturing sector.
Maharaj’s Expertise to Drive Manufacturing Innovation
Vinesh Maharaj brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, boasting three decades of experience in the realms of industrial automation, IT/OT integration, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), including Predictive AI technologies. His professional credentials include being a registered engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and a Certified Director with the Institute of Directors of South Africa (IoDSA). Maharaj’s experience spans various leadership roles across the energy, automotive, consumer goods, and broader industrial manufacturing sectors. Most recently, he served as a Management Consultant at a leading Big 4 firm. His involvement extends beyond his professional capacity, as he also serves on the Executive Committee (Exco) and advises the Board of Directors of the Society for Automation, reflecting his commitment to advancing technological innovation.
This appointment indicates NTT DATA’s intent to provide support to manufacturing companies in the region, which is crucial for economic growth.
Keywords
Related Keywords: NTT DATA, Vinesh Maharaj, Manufacturing, MEA, Middle East Africa, TechMoran, appointment, leadership, technology, digital transformation