NTT Data appoints Asokan Moodley as Head of Gen AI and Industry Advisory

NTT Data has appointed South Africa-based Asokan Moodley as Head of Gen AI and Industry Advisory for the Middle East and Africa.

Effective 1 May, 2025, Asokan Moodley now spearheads NTT Data’s generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) initiatives across the region, focusing on client-facing offerings, AI-driven delivery, thought leadership, and enterprise-wide skilling.

According to recent research, the global AI market is projected to crack the $1 trillion mark by 2028, with generative artificial intelligence – best known from Open AI’s ChatGPT or Microsoft’s Copilot – driving much of that growth.

Working together with other practice and industry leaders, Moodley will develop strategic plans for NTT Data’s generative AI go-to-market approach, and ensure that the technology is embedded across the company’s suite of offerings.

Additionally, Moodley will serve as an industry advisor for client engagements, focusing on the financial services industry and public sector.

Moodley brings over three decades of IT experience to NTT Data, most recently serving as Executive of Generative AI at Nedbank, where he led the Generative AI Center of Excellence and drove innovation in banking. His career spans the corporate, public, and financial sectors, where he has demonstrated leadership in building high-performing teams and managing complex technical environments.

His accomplishments include implementing AI solutions that enhance customer experiences, streamlining operations, and developing guidelines for the ethical use of generative AI in banking. He has also led strategy, architecture, and design teams across South Africa, managing IT landscapes for 28,000 users across multiple locations.

“I am excited to join NTT Data and lead the Gen AI and Industry Advisory practice across Middle East and Africa,” said Moodley. “The potential for AI to transform businesses and create new value is immense. I look forward to collaborating with regional teams to develop innovative AI solutions that address our client's most pressing challenges and opportunities.”

NTT Data has offices in more than 50 countries and generates revenues of over $30 billion. Its global headquarters is in Tokyo, while its Middle East and Africa business division is led out of Johannesburg.

“We are delighted to welcome Asokan to the NTT Data team,” said Alan Turnley-Jones, CEO of NTT Data for Middle East and Africa. “His extensive experience in generative AI, combined with his proven leadership in the banking sector, positions him perfectly to drive our AI strategy forward and deliver exceptional value to our clients across the region.”