ITTech Pulse Exclusive Interview with Dilip Kumar Global Head of Technology Solutions at NTT DATA
Dilip Kumar on AI-Ready Enterprise Solutions, Leadership, and the NTT DATA–Cisco Partnership – Get Inside the IT Tech Pulse Interview:-
What first inspired your passion for technology, and how did that spark shape your career path leading to your current role at NTT DATA?
My passion for technology was sparked early on by the transformative potential I saw in connecting people, data, and ideas when building the national internet backbone and large-scale banking network. That curiosity led me to explore how systems could be designed not just for efficiency, but for impact. Over the years, I’ve gravitated towards roles that allowed me to scale that impact, from operations to digital transformation, culminating in my current role as Global Head of Technology Solutions at NTT DATA, Inc. Here, I’m privileged to lead initiatives that shape the future of enterprise technology globally.
NTT DATA and Cisco have just partnered to power networking for the AI era. Can you share what makes this partnership unique and how it will directly impact enterprises struggling with AI infrastructure challenges?
Our partnership with Cisco is unique because it blends NTT DATA’s full-stack transformation capabilities with Cisco’s networking and security leadership. Together, we’re delivering Digital Infrastructure solutions for AI and AI-powered Infrastructure services that offer intelligent automation, real-time insights, and business-aligned planning. For enterprises grappling with legacy systems, this means moving from reactive operations to proactive, AI-ready infrastructure – unlocking agility, reducing costs, and accelerating innovation.
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The partnership between NTT DATA and Cisco is unique because it is purpose-built to help enterprises transition from legacy infrastructure to truly AI-ready environments. Our joint sales plays are tightly aligned to address the most pressing infrastructure challenges faced by organizations today:
- Modernizing Campus and Data Center Networks:
Enterprises often struggle with outdated campus networking (e.g., Cat 3K to 6K) and data center hardware (e.g., Nexus 3K to 7K, legacy UCS servers) that lack the speed, flexibility, and cloud integration required for AI workloads. Through this partnership, we deliver upgrade solutions to Catalyst 9K and Nexus 9K platforms, enabling high compute power, cloud integration, and extensive programmability, critical for scaling AI initiatives. - Security Built for the AI Era:
Legacy firewalls and basic access controls are no longer sufficient. Together, we offer Cisco’s next-generation firewalls, premium CISE licenses, and a suite of AI-driven security solutions (Anyconnect, DUO, Umbrella, Stealthwatch, Email Threat Defense, XDR, Splunk) that provide intelligent intrusion prevention solution, endpoint analysis, and incident response solutions. This comprehensive approach protects users and data from sophisticated AI-driven threats. - Outcome-Based Data Analysis:
By leveraging outcome-based data analysis, we help clients uncover legacy and whitespace opportunities for AI-ready campus networks and secure networking. This means enterprises can proactively identify where modernization will deliver the greatest business impact. - End-to-End Transformation:
The partnership is not only about technology upgrades; it’s about enabling a seamless transformation journey. From network and compute modernization to advanced security, we provide a unified roadmap for enterprises to become AI-ready, overcoming the limitations of legacy infrastructure and unlocking new levels of agility, scalability, and resilience.
Together, with Cisco, we recently announced a co-sponsored IDC InfoBrief, Wired for Intelligence: A CIO Guide to Enterprise Networking for AI. The study shares strategic guidance for organizations seeking to accelerate transformation by modernizing their network infrastructure. It guides enterprises struggling with AI infrastructure challenges.
How do you see this collaboration setting a benchmark for how technology giants can work together to prepare organizations for real-world AI transformation challenges?
This collaboration is a blueprint for how strategic alliances should operate in the AI era. It’s not only about co-selling; it’s about co-creating and co-selling. We’re jointly investing in AI-powered offers, building AI ready infrastructures, and aligning our go-to-market strategies to deliver measurable outcomes. By combining Cisco’s infrastructure with our AI Fabric and agentic services, we’re helping clients move from proof of concept to enterprise-scale AI adoption.
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You’ve held multiple leadership roles at NTT DATA – from EVP Operations to CDO to your current position. Which role has been most transformative for your leadership approach, and why?
Each role has shaped my leadership journey but serving as Chief Digital Officer was particularly transformative. It required balancing innovation with execution, driving digital change while ensuring operational resilience. That experience taught me how to lead through ambiguity, foster cross-functional collaboration, and embed a culture of continuous learning, all of which are critical in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape.
You successfully integrated 31 companies under the One NTT strategy. What was the biggest challenge in this massive transformation, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was aligning diverse cultures, in addition to systems, and operating models into a unified vision. We overcame this by focusing on shared purpose and client value. Through transparent communication, joint planning, and a relentless focus on outcomes, we turned complexity into cohesion. The result is a globally scaled organization that delivers consistent client experiences across markets.
According to you, which skill sets do you see as most critical for next-gen technology leaders in 2025 and beyond?
Three skill sets stand out:
- Systems Thinking: The ability to connect dots across technology, business process, and people.
- AI Fluency: Not only understanding AI for AI sake but knowing how to apply it responsibly and effectively for impact.
- Change Leadership: Taking big bets with step-up plans, navigating uncertainty with clarity, and decisiveness.
These skills will define leaders who can drive transformation, not just preside over it.
According to recent reports, 80% of organizations view outdated technology as an innovation barrier. How do you see AI reshaping the way enterprises approach infrastructure modernization?
AI is turning infrastructure from a cost center into a strategic enabler. With AI-powered Software Defined Infrastructure (SDI) services, enterprises can automate operations, predict failures, and optimize resources in real time. This shifts the mindset from “keeping the lights on” to “powering innovation for business outcomes.” Modernization is no longer optional; it’s the foundation for AI-driven growth.
As we bring this conversation to an end, what’s the biggest misconception technology leaders have about AI infrastructure readiness?
The biggest misconception is that AI readiness is purely a technical challenge.
In reality, it’s a leadership challenge. It requires rethinking systems, operations, and culture. Too often, organizations get stuck in pilot mode, testing AI in silos without building the scalable, secure infrastructure needed to drive real transformation. AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a catalyst for business reinvention. We’re seeing this firsthand at NTT DATA with Abhijit Dubey now serving as both CEO of NTT DATA, Inc. and Chief AI Officer. His message is clear: “AI isn’t just another technology trend; it’s the defining strategic imperative of our time. It is not on the sidelines of our strategy; it is our strategy.” This kind of bold leadership reflects a deeper truth: AI, guided by human insight and built on trust, will shape the future of business and society. And it starts with leaders who are ready to modernize infrastructure not just for performance but for purpose.
Thank you, Mr. Dilip ! That was fun and hope to see you back on ITTech pulse soon.
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As Global Head of Technology Solutions at NTT DATA, Inc., the world’s only full stack transformation company, Dilip Kumar leads strategy, development, and execution across four critical solutions: Secure Networking, Cybersecurity, Hybrid Data Center, and Digital Workplace & Customer Experience. With Software-Defined Infrastructure Services (SDIS) across these four lines of business, which is an industry game-changer that leverages AI and automation to empower clients to go beyond traditional Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Dilip brings together technical depth and global perspective with a practical and purpose-driven mindset to connect vision with execution. From boardroom conversations to transformation blueprints, He thrives on helping clients lead through change with confidence and success.
In today’s environment, clients want innovation, and they want proof it works, a clear path forward, and a partner who understands their challenges. Dilip works closely with leaders across industries and continents to design and deliver solutions that address real-world demands, whether that means enabling seamless collaboration across global teams, modernizing data infrastructure, or securing the enterprise from edge to cloud.
Dilip holds a management degree from Kellogg’s and is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders, leveraging technology to solve complex challenges, building scalable solutions, driving organisational transformation and leveraging digital and AI to solve business challenges. He has been actively involved in initiatives such as NTT DATA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, which focuses on promoting global education, environmental conservation, and health and wellness.
NTT DATA, Inc. is a trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We’re committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. Our R&D investments help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure, and connectivity.
