NTT DATA TAPS INDUSTRY VETERAN TO LEAD MANUFACTURING TECH TRANSFORMATION IN MEA

Vinesh Maharaj to Drive Smart Manufacturing Innovation Across Middle East and Africa.

Ntt data Appointment Africa Middle east Technology Manufacturing.
Vinesh Maharaj
Vinesh Maharaj



NTT DATA has appointed seasoned industrial technology expert Vinesh Maharaj as Director of Smart Manufacturing & Industry for the Middle East and Africa (MEA), signaling a bold move to reshape the manufacturing landscape across the region through next-gen technologies.

This strategic hire comes as NTT DATA intensifies its push into high-growth verticals following recent expansions in the Retail and Financial Services Industries (FSI). Maharaj, a South African engineering authority with three decades of experience in industrial automation, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and predictive AI, is expected to spearhead the company’s efforts in accelerating digital maturity in the manufacturing sector.

“This appointment underscores our commitment to strengthening leadership in high-potential growth markets,” said Alan Turnley-Jones, CEO of NTT DATA MEA, “while I continue to drive our broader strategic expansion across the MEA region.”

Maharaj’s track record includes senior roles across automotive, energy, consumer goods, and industrial sectors. A professionally registered engineer (ECSA) and Certified Director (IoDSA), he also contributes his expertise to the Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Computer Engineering (SAIMC), where he serves on the Exco and advises the board.

Globally valued at over $16 trillion, manufacturing remains a key economic pillar. In South Africa alone, the sector contributes roughly 13% to GDP, while in Africa overall, it hovers around 10% a figure poised to rise as digital transformation, localised production, and policy reforms take root.

Despite the opportunities, challenges persist: legacy infrastructure, talent gaps, and fragmented IT/OT systems continue to slow Industry 4.0 adoption. Maharaj’s appointment is expected to provide much-needed leadership to help regional manufacturers leap these hurdles and fully embrace smart manufacturing.

With Maharaj at the helm and backed by NTT DATA’s global capabilities, manufacturers in MEA now have a powerful ally to guide their journey toward operational excellence, connected supply chains, and sustainable growth.

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