‘Co-creation With Customers is Central to Our Strategy to Address Real-World Problems’: Maya Culas, Marketing Director, Hitachi Vantara

'Co-creation with Customers is Central to Our Strategy to Address Real World Problems': Maya Culas, Marketing Director, Hitachi Vantara
In an exclusive conversation with CXO Media and APAC Media, Maya Culas, Marketing Director, Hitachi Vantara, outlines the company’s positioning as the “data backbone for the mission critical,” driving enterprise innovation across manufacturing, BFSI, and healthcare.
Hitachi Vantara positions itself as the “data backbone for the mission critical.” How do you see this shaping enterprise innovation, especially in sectors like manufacturing, BFSI, or healthcare?

At Hitachi Vantara, we are committed to empowering businesses across industries with data-driven solutions that drive innovation and transformation. By integrating Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT), we are reshaping industries like manufacturing, BFSI, and healthcare.

In manufacturing, we are enabling businesses to be more agile and efficient with solutions that turn data into actionable insights. By leveraging IoT and real-time analytics, we are helping manufacturers unlock new efficiencies, optimise maintenance, and improve quality control, all while aligning with Industry 4.0 standards.

In the BFSI sector, data-driven innovation is unlocking new levels of operational efficiency and customer engagement. We help financial institutions modernise their infrastructure and adopt AI-powered automation. This enables them to deliver seamless, tailored experiences and make smarter, data-driven decisions.

In healthcare, we support organisations in managing and analysing large data sets to improve electronic health record (EHR) performance and enable advanced analytics. This helps drive better patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and continuous innovation across the care continuum.

With the rapid evolution of AI, how is Hitachi Vantara integrating AI-powered solutions into its data infrastructure and hybrid cloud offerings to drive measurable business outcomes?

We are embracing AI to transform how businesses manage and leverage their data. The goal is to help companies improve their operations and achieve meaningful results. Our Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) One offers a scalable, flexible solution that unifies data across systems and cloud environments, while also supporting the modernisation of legacy systems for seamless cloud and automation adoption.

In partnership with NVIDIA, the Hitachi iQ platform enables businesses to harness AI for fast data processing, smarter insights, and better decision-making. At Hitachi Vantara, we empower organisations to innovate and scale by delivering intelligent solutions that unify data, accelerate insights, and drive performance in a digital-first world.

Marketing in the tech space requires a deep understanding of both innovation and customer aspirations. How do you approach translating complex technological capabilities into compelling, human-centric narratives?

Effective tech marketing goes beyond product features; it’s about understanding customer needs. Co-creation is central to our strategy, where we collaborate closely with customers to tailor solutions that address real-world problems and add value.

This approach builds trust and long-term relationships, ensuring our technology is transformative. 

Our solutions optimise complex processes, enabling businesses to make real-time, data-driven decisions that enhance efficiency and drive success. We focus on human-centric narratives that highlight how our technology helps businesses innovate and grow.

Given the increasing emphasis on data privacy and security, especially in AI-enabled platforms, how does Hitachi Vantara ensure a balance between agility and compliance?

In today’s dynamic business environment, agility is key to staying ahead. At Hitachi Vantara, we empower organisations to adapt quickly to changing demands by building flexible, data-driven infrastructures.

Our solutions help businesses accelerate innovation, streamline operations, and respond in real time to market shifts. By enabling smarter decision-making and faster execution, we support enterprises in driving growth while maintaining agility.

What are some of the most exciting trends you’re observing in the data and AI ecosystem that you believe businesses should prepare for over the next few years

As we look ahead, two major trends are reshaping the data and AI landscape: the rise of generative AI and the focus on sustainable data infrastructure. 

Generative AI and Its Transformative Potential
Generative AI is rapidly becoming a core driver of business innovation, helping organisations boost productivity, automate tasks, and unlock new opportunities. By 2026, most businesses are expected to integrate generative AI into their operations, positioning early adopters for leadership in efficiency, customer experience, and product development.

Sustainability in Data Infrastructure
Sustainability is emerging as a top priority for data-driven enterprises.  Data centres accounted for 4 % of U.S. electricity use last year, a number that could reach 12 percent by 2028. In response, over half of businesses are investing in energy-efficient technologies and eco-friendly infrastructure.

At Hitachi Vantara, we are helping organisations meet these challenges through energy-efficient solutions, carbon tracking tools, and responsible practices. Our FY2024 Sustainability Report highlights our progress in reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable innovation. From earning ENERGY STAR® certifications to providing tools for tracking energy and carbon usage, we support cost savings and reduce environmental impact. These trends represent strategic imperatives for the future of business.

As a marketing leader in a global tech organisation, what advice would you give to emerging leaders looking to thrive at the intersection of technology and impact?

Lead with authenticity and courage. In a dynamic and often complex tech landscape, staying grounded and true to your values while embracing innovation is essential. Speak up, even when it’s difficult, as your individuality is what makes you strong. Cultivate a mindset that is both curious and inclusive, because real impact comes not just from technology, but from diverse voices and collaborative thinking. Lastly, have the courage to challenge the status quo, as true change begins with bold ideas and the determination to bring them to life.

Bhavya Bagga, APAC Media

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