Víctor Sierra, CEO of NTT DATA USA, on the power of innovation, the role of people in digital transformation, and what’s next for the industry.

As Managing Partner of NTT DATA USA, Víctor Sierra is leading the company through an era of rapid technological change. With a strong foundation in AI, and a deep understanding of business strategy, he takes a human-centered digital transformation approach, ensuring that technology empowers businesses, fosters innovation, and enhances human potential.

In this conversation, Víctor shares his thoughts on emerging technologies, the evolving workplace, and the critical role of talent in shaping the future. From Generative AI and sustainability-driven solutions to hybrid work models and leadership development, he offers an insightful perspective on what lies ahead for businesses navigating the digital age.

NTT DATA is known for being at the forefront of innovation. What emerging technologies do you believe will most significantly impact your clients in the coming decade?

At NTT DATA, we’re always looking ahead to anticipate how technology will shape industries and create new opportunities for our clients. According to our Technology Foresight 2025 report, several innovations are set to redefine the business landscape in the coming years.

One of the most transformative forces is Generative AI, which is evolving beyond automation into a powerful driver of creativity, decision-making, and personalization. In Latin America, for example, 84% of companies plan to implement Gen AI within the next year, underscoring its rapid adoption.

Another major shift is sustainability-driven digital solutions. With increasing environmental and regulatory pressures, businesses are looking for technologies that optimize energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and support circular economies.

Additionally, Cognitive Cloud will revolutionize how data is managed and processed, making cloud solutions more intelligent, scalable, and adaptable. Meanwhile, Digital Twins, Blockchain, and Immersive Experiences will continue driving innovation in asset monitoring, secure data transactions, and next-generation customer engagement.

These technologies aren’t just trends—they’re reshaping how businesses operate. At NTT DATA, our goal is to help clients navigate, adopt, and lead with these advancements to stay ahead in an ever-changing digital world.

🔗 Technology Foresight 2025 Report
🔗 Emerging Technologies 2024

Can you share an example of how NTT DATA is leveraging artificial intelligence or other transformative technologies to deliver value to its clients?

Absolutely. At NTT DATA, we integrate AI and emerging technologies to create tangible impact across industries, improving efficiency, decision-making, and customer experiences.

For instance, in the energy sector, we collaborated with Avangrid on a proof of concept for a machine learning-based computer vision model designed for automated overhead inspections. The PoC demonstrated the potential to reduce manual inspection time by 40%, enhance safety through early hazard detection, and minimize downtime during maintenance.

In financial services, we worked with Santander Bank to enhance cybersecurity using AI and advanced analytics. Through our Cyber Fusion Center, we reduced false positives by 38% and achieved a 98% first-level resolution rate, significantly improving threat detection and response.

Beyond these sector-specific solutions, Generative AI (Gen AI) is transforming operations across industries:

• Healthcare → 8x faster medical study analysis, enabling more comprehensive decision-making.
• Customer Service → 15% reduction in Average Care Time, boosting Net Promoter Score (NPS) by 12%.
• Operations & Maintenance → 80% automation of technical incident tickets, reducing resolution time by 40%.
• Legal → 75% increase in lawyer productivity for labor lawsuit preparation.
• Insurance → 15% decrease in call center inquiries through AI-driven policy explanations.
• Real Estate & Finance → 75% reduction in mortgage document analysis time.
• Software Development → 74% of test cases automated with 100% coverage, cutting test creation time to under 2 minutes.
• Sales Centers → 20% faster order processing and 13% increase in NPS.
• Corporate IT Support → 30% expected reduction in IT support tickets by streamlining application adoption.

Beyond individual solutions, our innovation teams co-create AI-driven, metaverse, and intelligent automation strategies that are tailored to each client’s needs. The real value isn’t just in adopting technology—it’s in making it work seamlessly, efficiently, and impactfully.

NTT DATA operates in diverse markets with unique challenges. How do you balance a global strategy while addressing local market needs effectively?

We see our global presence as a strength, but our real impact comes from adapting to local market dynamics. Success in different regions isn’t about imposing a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s about understanding the unique challenges, regulations, and cultural nuances of each market.

Our strategy is built on three pillars:

1. Local Expertise → Our regional teams have the autonomy to tailor solutions that fit their markets.
2. Global Innovation → We ensure that every region benefits from cutting-edge technologies, best practices, and deep industry knowledge.
3. Collaborative Partnerships → We work closely with local businesses, governments, and stakeholders to create meaningful, sustainable solutions.

Ultimately, success in diverse markets comes from listening—to our clients and our teams on the ground. By combining global vision with local intelligence, we drive growth, innovation, and human-centered digital transformation in every region we operate in.

With the increasing role of technology in everyday life, how does NTT DATA maintain a human-centric approach in its services and solutions?

At NTT DATA, we believe in human-centered digital transformation—technology should serve people, not replace them. While we’re deeply invested in AI, automation, and digital transformation, our core focus remains on delivering human-centered digital transformation that enhances experiences for our clients and our own teams.

Our most valuable asset is talent. That’s why we prioritize creating an environment where our people can thrive, grow, and stay engaged. We don’t just hire top talent—we invest in it, offering continuous learning, mentorship programs, and a culture that values well-being and inclusivity.

For our clients, a human-centric approach means designing technology that empowers people—whether it’s intuitive digital experiences, ethical AI, or innovations that improve accessibility and quality of life. At the end of the day, human-centered digital transformation ensures that technology is a tool to enhance human potential.

What inspired you to join the technology sector, and what has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?

When I was ten, I loved opening up watches just to see how they worked. Maybe that was the closest I could get to technology at a time when mobile phones and personal computers didn’t exist. That curiosity—wanting to understand how things function and how they can be improved—eventually led me to the technology sector. What drew me in was its power to drive real change—not just in business, but in how we live, connect, and solve complex challenges. The constant evolution, the need to stay ahead of innovation, and the opportunity to create something meaningful are what keep me engaged.

As for the most rewarding moment in my career, there isn’t just one. Fulfillment comes from seeing the tangible impact of our work—whether it’s helping a client navigate a complex transformation, empowering a team to turn an ambitious idea into reality, or watching individuals grow into leadership roles. At the end of the day, technology is just an enabler—it’s the people behind it who truly make a difference.

As a leader, how do you stay motivated and continuously evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry?

For me, curiosity and a deep respect for the people I work with are what keep me motivated. Technology moves at an incredible pace—what works today might not be relevant tomorrow—so staying ahead means being open to learning, challenging assumptions, and embracing new ideas.

I make it a priority to surround myself with brilliant, diverse teams who bring fresh perspectives and push the boundaries of innovation. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating an environment where people can experiment, grow, and thrive.

Beyond that, I stay energized by focusing on impact. Technology isn’t just about efficiency or automation; it’s about solving real-world problems and making a meaningful difference. Knowing that our work has a tangible effect on businesses, communities, and people’s lives is what keeps me excited about what’s next.