Hitachi Astemo

Successful CIO and gobal IT Executive with Twenty-five years professional experience and a proven, strong track record in the Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Automotive and Building Solutions industry. Six Sigma Blackbelt qualified at Management and Strategy Institute. Delivering business outcomes through technology transformation.Expertise in Digital Transformation, driving strategy development, ERP/CRM/HCM platforms, community of practice, talent development, supplier management, enterprise risk management, compliance, and cybersecurity.

• Could you provide an overview of your role and responsibilities within the company?

As the CIO of Hitachi Astemo, which is a tier-1 global automotive parts supplier, my role is pivotal in navigating the complexities of our merged entity, while capitalizing on emerging technologies and thriving in a VUCA world. At its core, it is to provide strategic leadership by charting a clear vision for technology's role in driving our business growth and operational efficiency. In the wake of our mergers, this has translated into harmonizing our disparate IT systems, ensuring seamless data integration, and forging a unified IT strategy. Our commitment to IoT and Smart Factory technologies is a linchpin to our success. I've overseen the integration of IoT sensors and data analytics throughout our production processes, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. This not only optimizes costs but also enhances production flexibility and our ability to swiftly respond to market demands. Generative AI is another game-changer. By harnessing its capabilities, we've automated tasks, generated valuable insights, and fine-tuned our decision-making processes. This extends into improving supply chain operations, enhancing demand forecasting, and fostering innovative product development. Modernizing our ERP ecosystem is integral to our agility and adaptability. We're in the process of transitioning to a cutting-edge ERP system that streamlines operations, supports real-time data access, and bolsters scalability. This not only improves internal efficiencies but also sharpens our responsiveness to the ever-changing market dynamics. Our business intelligence and analytics initiatives are fundamental in a VUCA world. I've led the charge in implementing advanced solutions that don't just collect data but rather transform it into actionable insights, ensuring that we're making informed strategic decisions. As we expand globally, my focus is on establishing reliable and secure IT infrastructure. This entails creating robust networks, implementing rigorous cybersecurity measures, and adhering to regulatory compliance. This infrastructure supports our global collaboration and remote work requirements. Adapting to the VUCA environment is at the forefront of my mind. We've proactively championed strategies such as scenario planning, risk assessment, and agile technology approaches. These strategies enable us to pivot rapidly in response to unforeseen challenges, ensuring our resilience. Collaboration with stakeholders is paramount. I work closely with our executives, department heads, and external partners to ensure that our technology initiatives are not just aligned with but also actively driving our business objectives. Building and nurturing talent is crucial. Attracting and retaining top IT professionals ensures that our digital transformation strategy is executed effectively. We foster a culture of innovation and provide training opportunities to continually elevate our capabilities. Finally, cost management is a perpetual concern. While driving innovation, I'm cognizant of the need to manage IT budgets efficiently, striking a balance that ensures our long-term financial stability. In conclusion, my role as CIO is multifaceted, integral, and firmly aligned with our company's growth and resilience in an ever-evolving automotive industry. It encompasses strategic leadership, technological innovation, VUCA adaptation, stakeholder collaboration, talent development, and cost-efficient management. Together, these elements form the foundation for our continued success and leadership in the industry.

“I work closely with our executives, department heads, and external partners to ensure that our technology initiatives are not just aligned with but also actively driving our business objectives.”

• What are some of the key challenges you face? Before getting to the challenges let me, please emphasize the importance of maintaining high transparency and creating oversight through fact-based data. Addressing cybersecurity threats is an ongoing challenge in today's digital landscape. However, I see this as an opportunity to demonstrate our proactive approach to protecting our data and systems. Our investment, in line with our annual spend plan, in cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and a robust incident response plan, establishing high quality BCPs and DRPs, allows us to swiftly detect and mitigate threats. This not only enhances our security but also fosters a culture of vigilance and resilience within our team. Data security is a top priority and to comply with data protection regulations. Through comprehensive data encryption, access controls, and regular audits, we not only safeguard our valuable data but also build trust with our customers and partners. Attracting top talent is essential for our success, Japan and especially Tokyo has many talents, but it is also competitive to attract top talents. Together with our HR business partner we've developed a proactive recruitment strategy that focuses on A2E capabilities, technical expertise and cultural fit. Moreover, we invest in talent development and provide opportunities for growth within the organization. This approach not only addresses our immediate staffing needs but also ensures a talented and motivated team for the long term. Standardizing our ERP systems globally is a complex endeavor, which we embrace through a holistic transformation approach and supporting the DX transformation team. We adopt an industrialized rollout approach, leveraging SAP global automotive standard, best practices and creating efficiencies in the process. This allows us to streamline operations, enhance cross-functional collaboration, and ensure that our ERP systems align with our global business objectives. Ultimately, this standardization will drive consistency and scalability across our organization, supporting our growth and competitiveness.
 

• What would you say are some of the futuristic trends that will have an impact in the next 18-24 months?

Impacting IT within the automotive parts industry, I'd like to highlight several key developments that might reshape the sector. First and foremost, the advent of autonomous vehicles and the widespread adoption of connected cars are set to be game-changers. These trends will necessitate advanced IT systems to support features like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) connectivity. Automotive parts suppliers will play a pivotal role in providing the components and technologies that enable these innovations. Another significant trend is the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies are set to revolutionize various aspects of the industry. In the realm of corporate IT, we can harness AI to enhance predictive maintenance, optimize supply chain operations, and empower data-driven decision-making through advanced analytics. The concept of digital twins is gaining traction. Digital twin technology involves creating virtual replicas of physical products or systems, and it holds immense potential for improving product design, testing, and maintenance. IT systems will need to facilitate the development and management of digital twins to fully realize these benefits. The Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor technologies are also expanding rapidly. With sensors embedded in vehicles and components, we can gather real-time data on performance, usage, and maintenance requirements. The challenge lies in managing the vast volumes of data generated by these IoT devices effectively. Blockchain technology is another noteworthy trend, especially concerning supply chain management. Blockchain enhances transparency and security in the automotive supply chain, enabling the tracking and verification of parts and components. This can significantly reduce the risk of counterfeit or subpar components entering the supply chain.3D printing and additive manufacturing are transforming the production of automotive parts. In this context, our IT systems must support the entire lifecycle of additive manufacturing, from design and simulation to production and quality control. Cybersecurity and data protection remain paramount as vehicles become more connected. The heightened risk of cyberattacks necessitates robust cybersecurity measures within our corporate IT infrastructure, safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring the safety and integrity of connected vehicles. Sustainability and green technologies are steering the industry toward electric vehicles (EVs) and environmentally conscious practices. Here, IT systems can assist suppliers in tracking and reducing their environmental footprint while aiding in the development of cutting-edge EV components. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are finding applications in various areas, including design, training, and maintenance. These immersive technologies hold the potential to significantly enhance product development and employee training programs. Supply chain digitization is another transformative trend. Digitizing supply chains offers advantages such as increased efficiency, visibility, and agility. IT systems that enable real-time tracking, demand forecasting, and inventory optimization will be instrumental in this evolution. Lastly, edge computing is gaining prominence in automotive manufacturing, particularly for processing real-time data from sensors and IoT devices. Our IT infrastructure will need to support and integrate these edge computing capabilities effectively. In conclusion, these futuristic trends represent an exciting and transformative phase for corporate IT in the automotive parts industry. The art is to align innovations across these domains with the IT investment plan, build capabilities to execute and identify tangible short to mid-term ROI cases.
• What advice would you give to young professionals who are interested in pursuing a similar career, and what qualities do you think are essential for success in this field?

Whether you are aspiring to pursue a career in IT, here's some of my advice and essential qualities for success:Read Dr. Spencer Johnson, Jim Collins, Ray Dalio’s work and continuing reading and learning while maintaining an outcome and execution focus. The industries and IT within evolve, so adopt a mindset of lifelong learning. Stay committed to continuous learning. Begin by building one or better two strong areas of expertise, project management, data science, programming, network management, cybersecurity, and database administration. Stay updated on the latest technologies, trends, and best practices. Pursue certifications and educational opportunities to broaden your knowledge and skills. Develop your leadership abilities by taking on increasingly responsible roles and leading teams. Seek mentorship from experienced leaders to refine your leadership skills. Effective communication and the capacity to inspire and guide others are vital. Gain an understanding of the business side of technology. Familiarize yourself with your organization's industry, goals, and objectives. Learn how technology can contribute to business growth, efficiency, and problem-solving. Think strategically by aligning technology initiatives with the organization's overall strategy and goals. This involves assessing risks and opportunities, making forward-thinking decisions, and considering the long-term impact of your IT choices. Cultivate strong problem-solving skills, learn techniques as the 5-whys. Tackle complex challenges by breaking them down into manageable parts, gathering data, exploring multiple perspectives, and proposing practical solutions. Develop a global perspective, especially if your organization operates internationally. Understand cross-cultural dynamics, international regulations, compliance, and global cybersecurity practices. Incorporate soft skills into your skill set, alongside technical proficiency. These include emotional intelligence, negotiation, and conflict resolution. Effective soft skills are crucial for team building and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Embrace innovation and creativity within your teams. Encourage creative thinking and remain open to exploring new solutions and technologies that can provide your organization with a competitive advantage. Network and build professional relationships both within and outside your organization. Attending industry conferences, join professional associations, and connect with peers. Networking can offer valuable insights and opportunities for growth. Stay resilient and adaptable. The IT field can present challenges and uncertainties. Resilience in the face of setbacks and adaptability in response to change are essential qualities. Learn from failures and view them as opportunities for growth. Consider seeking mentorship from experienced CIOs or senior IT leaders. Their guidance and insights can be invaluable as you progress in your career. Look for one or two very senior mentors. Be prepared that career is not always linear, sometimes there are challenges you didn’t expect, such as organizational changes. Never give up, stay positive, if you fall stand up again.