In conversation with Mr. Hemant Tiwari, Managing Director – India & SAARC, Hitachi Vantara, As India’s digital infrastructure continues to evolve rapidly, Hitachi Vantara is positioning itself at the forefront of data innovation, AI-readiness, and ecosystem partnerships. In this exclusive interview with IT Voice, Mr. Hemant Tiwari, Managing Director for India and SAARC, delves into Hitachi’s strategic expansion, partner ecosystem development, and how the company is enabling responsible, AI-powered growth across industries and government verticals.
IT Voice- How has Hitachi Vantara’s partner strategy evolved across India and SAARC? What shifts have you seen in the ecosystem?
Hemant Tiwari- Over the past year, our partner ecosystem has matured significantly. While we initially focused on building capabilities around our traditional platforms like data storage and security, we’ve since expanded this to include AI and generative AI solutions. We’ve equipped our partners technically, trained them extensively, and enabled them to address customer needs in emerging tech areas.
We’ve also grown our footprint to 12 cities beyond the top seven where we already operated. With PC and demo system investments and an aligned inside sales organization, we’re reaching new markets in a more collaborative way with our partners.
IT Voice- What were some key milestones for Hitachi Vantara in 2024?
Hemant Tiwari- 2024 was a year of consolidation and strategic deepening. We penetrated three of India’s top four telecom service providers — a significant achievement. Additionally, we expanded from servicing only the top BFSI organizations to also covering mid-sized banks, securities firms, and stock exchanges.
Our government business has also stabilized, setting the stage for double-digit growth in 2025. These vertical expansions, combined with consistent customer engagement and value creation, marked key milestones.
IT Voice- Can you elaborate on the impact of the “Run to Win 3.0” partner program?
Hemant Tiwari- “Run to Win” is an evolving partner enablement journey. In its 3.0 avatar, we incorporated feedback from our Partner Advisory Board to make the program more inclusive and actionable. It’s designed not just for major metros but also for the next 12 Tier-II cities.
It equips partner sales teams to identify real use cases and deliver solutions effectively, enhancing overall business outcomes for both our partners and Hitachi Vantara.
IT Voice- 2025 marked the unveiling of “Hitachi IQ with Hammerspace.” What makes this data orchestration platform unique?
Hemant Tiwari- This is a game-changing innovation. We’ve integrated the Hammerspace global file system with our VSP One block storage — creating an AI-ready orchestration layer. Unlike others who separate data layers, we’ve built a unified platform that’s cost-effective and accessible not just to large enterprises but also mid-sized commercial businesses.
This platform enables the seamless deployment of AI workloads, helping organizations move from experimentation to real-time AI adoption at scale.
IT Voice- AI is transforming enterprise agility. What does the future of AI look like from Hitachi Vantara’s perspective?
Hemant Tiwari- The past year saw a shift from pilot AI projects to production-level deployments. AI is now being embedded in customer-facing experiences and internal processes. Whether it’s operational efficiency, sales intelligence, or customer lifecycle management — AI is driving agility and proactive insight.
Going forward, AI will continue to reshape how organizations function, with deeper integration into core systems and decision-making.
IT Voice- How is Hitachi Vantara ensuring responsible data use, especially for regulated sectors like BFSI, healthcare, and government?
Hemant Tiwari- Responsible data governance is central to our approach. Our data platforms embed ransomware protection, snapshot locking, and encryption at the hardware level. We also support customers in building robust data management strategies and life cycle frameworks.
Data security and regulatory compliance are not optional — they are foundational. As a trusted platform partner, we take this responsibility seriously.
IT Voice- Looking ahead, what opportunities excite you most in India and SAARC? Are there new verticals or regions you’re prioritizing?*
Hemant Tiwari- We see immense potential in telecom, particularly as providers shift toward offering “Everything-as-a-Service,” including AI platforms. We’ve also deepened our presence in BFSI and capital markets, with further expansion planned in mission-mode government projects and state-level data centers.
Our 12-city expansion strategy, mid-market focus, and the new sales programs are helping us reach untapped markets — especially with our mid-tier storage platforms.
IT Voice- What’s your long-term vision for positioning Hitachi Vantara as an innovation enabler in India?
Hemant Tiwari- Data is the core asset of modern enterprises. Hitachi Vantara is committed to helping organizations build secure, scalable, and AI-ready data platforms.
We’ve launched Hitachi IQ, and soon we’ll add Hitachi IQ Studio, a software suite that helps clients deploy AI use cases using pre-trained LLMs and organizational data. Our aim is to provide a fully integrated stack — infrastructure plus intelligence — so customers can deploy AI faster and smarter.
IT Voice- Any final message for the IT Voice audience?
Hemant Tiwari- IT Voice has done a phenomenal job in building awareness in the industry. As India accelerates digitization and technology-led transformation, platforms like yours play a key role in expanding knowledge.
To all readers — this is a defining moment. With AI, data, and innovation converging, the future belongs to those who act today. Hitachi Vantara is proud to partner with India in this journey.
From smart data orchestration to AI democratization, Hitachi Vantara under Hemant Tiwari’s leadership is scripting a bold, inclusive digital story for India. With a focus on innovation, partnership, and responsibility, the company is all set to drive the next wave of technology-enabled transformation across sectors.
