GAJEN KANDIAH
Boston,MA
Summary
Dynamic executive with a proven track record at Hitachi, driving cybersecurity strategy and AI integration. Achieved a 40% reduction in false positives through innovative threat detection. Expertise in risk management and data governance, complemented by strong leadership skills, has consistently delivered transformative results across global operations.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Chairman
Hitachi Cyber
01.2024 - Current
- Leads enterprise cybersecurity strategy and AI-driven security portfolio development
- Developed AI-powered threat detection architecture, reducing false positives by 40%
- Established integrated governance and risk framework across business units
- Modernized security operations with faster incident response and adaptive threat modeling
Executive Chairman
Hitachi Digital Services
10.2023 - Current
- Directs strategic vision for Hitachi’s systems integration and AI services business
- Unified data, cloud, and managed services into a simplified customer-centric delivery model
- Embedded AI into core services, accelerating deployment and client business outcomes
- Drove efficiency improvements across 5 global delivery centers using standardized tooling and process automation
CHAIRMAN
Hitachi Cyber
City, State
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Oversaw cybersecurity strategy, governance, and AI-enabled security solutions across Hitachi businesses
- Improved threat detection by 40% through the deployment of AI-enhanced cybersecurity architecture
- Standardized security governance across multiple businesses, aligning with industry-specific regulations
- Reduced incident response time by modernizing operations and deploying adaptive response tools
PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
Hitachi Digital
City, State
02.2023 - 04.2024
- Led global digital strategy and portfolio integration across $4B+ in assets including Hitachi Vantara, Digital Services, and GlobalLogic
- Scaled Combined Digital Portfolio by 30% over 2.5 years through cross-business integration and unified GTM strategy
- Positioned Hitachi as AI Leader by developing responsible AI applications across industrial sectors
- Created Executive Council that unlocked synergies and new revenue through cross-business collaboration
- Expanded Global Delivery in 6 regions, reducing delivery costs while enhancing service reliability
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Hitachi Digital Services
City, State
02.2023 - 04.2024
- Directed the vision and strategic direction of Hitachi’s systems integration and AI services business
- Simplified client experience by merging cloud, data, and managed services into a unified service model
- Accelerated enterprise AI adoption by embedding AI in core offerings across industries
- Improved delivery productivity by implementing standardized methodologies across five global delivery hubs
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Hitachi Vantara
City, State
07.2020 - 10.2023
- Led the end-to-end transformation of a legacy hardware business into a digital infrastructure and services leader
- Created high-margin growth paths by splitting business into distinct Storage and Services lines
- Increased recurring revenue and EBITDA by refocusing R&D investments into AI and data infrastructure
- Reinvigorated brand positioning through executive team rebuilds and strategic market repositioning
Chief Executive Officer
Hitachi Vantara
07.2020 - 10.2023
- Transformed legacy hardware company into a data infrastructure and digital solutions leader
- Split business into Storage & Services, creating focused, high-margin growth paths
- Redirected R&D to AI and data infrastructure, boosting recurring revenue and EBITDA
- Repositioned brand in the market and rebuilt the executive team to drive next-gen value
Special Advisor
Brighton Park Capital
07.2019 - 07.2020
- Company Overview: Global
- Provided investment advisory across AI, SaaS, and digital tech portfolios
- Informed key acquisitions through detailed market analysis and strategic fit assessments
- Enhanced portfolio company growth via hands-on guidance on GTM strategy and operating model improvements
- Global
Special Advisor
Brighton Park Capital
07.2019 - 07.2020
- Company Overview: Global
- Advised on digital investments in AI and software; supported portfolio growth strategy
- Global
President, Digital Business & Engineering
Cognizant
10.2015 - 06.2019
- Company Overview: Global
- Led the $5B digital transformation business across engineering, analytics, IoT, and experience design
- Grew digital revenues from $3B to $5B through targeted acquisitions and strategic integration
- Delivered operational efficiencies by uniting four separate business units into a single, cohesive engine
- Created market-differentiating IP by launching verticalized innovation labs
- Global
President, Digital Business & Engineering
Cognizant
10.2015 - 06.2019
- Company Overview: Global
- Led $5B digital transformation business covering engineering, analytics, IoT, and experience
- Grew business from $3B to $5B through strategic M&A (including Softvision) and GTM alignment
- Integrated 4 units into a cohesive portfolio, delivering consistent double-digit growth
- Launched innovation labs and vertical IP, accelerating differentiation
- Global
EVP & Global Managing Director, BPO
Cognizant
01.2011 - 08.2016
- Company Overview: Global
- Transformed traditional BPO into a vertically focused, analytics-powered service model
- Achieved $1.3B revenue growth, scaling from $200M through M&A and differentiated vertical solutions
- Delivered higher-value services by embedding advanced analytics into operational delivery
- Established 24/7 global delivery capability across Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America
- Global
EVP & Global Managing Director, BPO
Cognizant
01.2011 - 08.2016
- Company Overview: Global
- Revamped BPO into a vertical-led business model that outpaced market growth
- Scaled from $200M to $1.3B through carve-out acquisitions and domain-first strategy
- Embedded analytics into operations, creating insights-driven services
- Built global delivery footprint across Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America
- Global
Education
Certificate - Harnessing AI for Breakthrough Innovation and Strategic Impact
STANFORD UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
01.2023
Executive Education - Leading Change and Organizational Renewal
Harvard University
01.2015
Royal College Colombo
Skills
- Cybersecurity strategy
- AI integration
- Risk management
- Incident response
- Data governance
- Cloud services
Affiliations
- CNBC CEO Council
- WSJ CEO Council
- Fortune CEO Initiative
- Forbes Council
Websites
Thought Leadership
Four Lessons Learned on Ensuring a Human-Centric Digital Experience, Forbes, Article highlighting practical approaches to balancing technological advancement with human needs., No Small Plans: What Hyperloop Says About Technology Today—and Jobs Tomorrow, Research piece examining how emerging transportation technologies reshape workforce requirements., Stanford AI Forum, Industrializing AI: From Concept to Enterprise-Scale Implementation, Keynote presentation to 300+ technology leaders, sharing frameworks for scaling AI from proof-of-concept to production environments., World Economic Forum, Responsible AI Deployment in Industrial Settings, Panelist contributing to global dialogue on ethical AI implementation., Forbes & CNBC, Regular insights on AI governance, digital transformation, and enterprise technology strategy.
Board Leadership
- Hitachi Rail, 10/01/23, Present, Providing strategic guidance on the digital transformation of rail operations, focusing on AI-powered innovations in signaling, predictive maintenance, and railway management.
- GlobalLogic, 04/01/21, Present, Providing strategic oversight for this digital engineering leader, focusing on growth strategies, AI software development, and industrial AI applications.
- Hitachi Europe, 01/01/22, Present, Overseeing AI integration and cross-regional digital transformation across Hitachi's European operations.
- PNO Holding A/S, 01/01/22, Present, Leading board governance for this major industrial equipment provider, directing strategic initiatives and operational improvements.
- Area9 Lyceum, 01/01/22, Present, Providing guidance on AI-driven educational technology development and market expansion strategies.
Achievement Highlights
- $10B Acquisition Lead, Orchestrated Hitachi’s largest-ever acquisition (GlobalLogic), unlocking global engineering scale.
- $5B Digital Growth, Scaled Cognizant’s Digital Business from $3B to $5B in 4 years via organic growth and acquisition.
- $1.3B Turnaround, Grew Cognizant’s BPO from $200M to $1.3B by pivoting to industry-specialized offerings.
- AI Innovation Architect, Built Hitachi’s industrial AI platforms and cross-sector ecosystems, now core to global offerings.
- Global Operator, Led delivery expansion across 20+ countries; developed 50+ executives into C-suite leaders.
- Board-Trusted Leader, Active director across five boards, advising on AI, cyber, rail, and industrial growth strategy.
Timeline
Chairman
Hitachi Cyber
01.2024 - Current
CHAIRMAN
Hitachi Cyber
01.2024 - 04.2024
Executive Chairman
Hitachi Digital Services
10.2023 - Current
PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
Hitachi Digital
02.2023 - 04.2024
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Hitachi Digital Services
02.2023 - 04.2024
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Hitachi Vantara
07.2020 - 10.2023
Chief Executive Officer
Hitachi Vantara
07.2020 - 10.2023
Special Advisor
Brighton Park Capital
07.2019 - 07.2020
Special Advisor
Brighton Park Capital
07.2019 - 07.2020
President, Digital Business & Engineering
Cognizant
10.2015 - 06.2019
President, Digital Business & Engineering
Cognizant
10.2015 - 06.2019
EVP & Global Managing Director, BPO
Cognizant
01.2011 - 08.2016
EVP & Global Managing Director, BPO
Cognizant
01.2011 - 08.2016
Certificate - Harnessing AI for Breakthrough Innovation and Strategic Impact
STANFORD UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Executive Education - Leading Change and Organizational Renewal
Harvard University
Royal College Colombo
Similar Profiles
TRINA D. SHAFFERTRINA D. SHAFFER
Training Technician at 1st Cyber Battalion, Cyber Protection BrigadeTraining Technician at 1st Cyber Battalion, Cyber Protection Brigade
Nekki AdolNekki Adol
Accounting Assistant at Hitachi Plant Construction Ltd. (Fmr. Hitachi Ltd)Accounting Assistant at Hitachi Plant Construction Ltd. (Fmr. Hitachi Ltd)
PRIYASHA SINGHPRIYASHA SINGH
Cybersecurity Student at Cyber Security And Cyber DefenceCybersecurity Student at Cyber Security And Cyber Defence
Nahiem CokeNahiem Coke
Environmental Service Aide at Tufts Medical CenterEnvironmental Service Aide at Tufts Medical Center
Emma KotchEmma Kotch
Lead Teacher and Academic Advisor at Phoenix Charter AcademyLead Teacher and Academic Advisor at Phoenix Charter Academy