Naeem Mirza, Senior Vice President and Head of Data and AI, Xoriant

Technology services firm Xoriant has appointed Naeem Mirza as Senior Vice President and Head of Data and AI, marking a strategic move as the company strengthens its focus on data-driven transformation and artificial intelligence-led solutions for enterprise clients. The appointment reflects Xoriant’s efforts to expand its capabilities in analytics, data engineering and AI across global markets.

In his new role, Mirza will be responsible for shaping Xoriant’s data and AI strategy, overseeing delivery across client engagements and building scalable solutions that support enterprise decision making. His mandate includes strengthening data platforms, advancing AI adoption and aligning technology initiatives with business outcomes.

Mirza brings over two decades of experience in data, analytics and digital transformation. He has worked with global organisations across industries, helping enterprises modernise data infrastructure and deploy AI to improve operational efficiency and customer experience. His appointment comes at a time when enterprises are accelerating investments in AI to remain competitive.

Xoriant has positioned data and AI as central pillars of its growth strategy. As organisations deal with increasing volumes of data and rising expectations around real-time insights, technology service providers are expanding capabilities beyond traditional software development. The company’s leadership sees data-led transformation as a key driver of long-term value.

Mirza’s role will involve collaborating closely with clients to identify opportunities where AI and advanced analytics can deliver measurable impact. This includes use cases across predictive analytics, automation, personalisation and operational optimisation. Enterprises are increasingly seeking partners that can translate AI potential into practical outcomes.

The appointment also underscores the growing importance of leadership in navigating AI complexity. While AI tools and platforms have matured, organisations often struggle with integration, governance and scaling. Senior leadership is required to align technology initiatives with business priorities and manage change across teams.

Xoriant serves clients across sectors such as financial services, healthcare, technology and retail. Many of these industries are under pressure to use data more effectively while complying with regulatory and security requirements. Mirza’s experience in building enterprise-grade data platforms is expected to support these needs.

The company has been investing in expanding its data engineering and analytics practices, including cloud-native architectures and modern data stacks. AI initiatives are increasingly built on robust data foundations, making expertise in data management a prerequisite for successful AI deployment.

Mirza’s background includes leading large teams and delivering complex transformation programmes. His experience is expected to help Xoriant scale its offerings and strengthen delivery consistency across regions. As AI projects grow in scope, execution discipline has become as important as innovation.

Industry analysts note that leadership appointments in data and AI are becoming more common as companies formalise their AI strategies. Enterprises are moving beyond experimentation toward operational deployment, creating demand for structured governance and clear ownership.

Xoriant’s move aligns with this shift. By appointing a senior leader to oversee data and AI, the company signals its intent to build long-term capability rather than pursue isolated projects. This approach can help clients navigate the transition from pilot initiatives to enterprise-wide adoption.

Mirza will also focus on talent development, an area of growing importance in the AI ecosystem. Demand for skilled data engineers, scientists and architects continues to outpace supply. Building and retaining talent is critical for service providers looking to scale AI delivery.

The appointment comes amid heightened interest in responsible AI. Enterprises are increasingly concerned about data privacy, bias and transparency. Technology partners are expected to incorporate governance and ethical considerations into AI solutions. Leadership with experience in these areas can help address such concerns.

Xoriant has indicated that Mirza will work across business units to integrate data and AI capabilities into broader service offerings. This integrated approach reflects how AI is becoming embedded across functions rather than remaining a standalone capability.

From a market perspective, the competition among technology service providers to lead AI-driven transformation is intensifying. Differentiation increasingly depends on domain expertise, execution quality and the ability to deliver measurable business impact. Leadership appointments play a role in signalling capability to clients and partners.

Mirza’s appointment also reflects the evolving expectations of enterprise clients. Organisations are looking for partners that can guide strategy, implementation and change management. The role of a data and AI leader extends beyond technology to include stakeholder alignment and outcome measurement.

Xoriant’s leadership has emphasised that data and AI initiatives must be aligned with client objectives. This requires close collaboration between technical teams and business leaders. Senior oversight helps ensure that AI investments deliver value rather than becoming isolated experiments.

The company operates in a market where clients are navigating uncertainty around AI regulation and standards. Clear leadership can help clients design solutions that are adaptable to evolving regulatory frameworks.

As AI adoption continues to accelerate, service providers are expanding their portfolios to include advisory, implementation and managed services. Xoriant’s focus on data and AI leadership supports this broader service model.

Mirza’s role is expected to evolve as AI technologies mature. Emerging areas such as generative AI, advanced automation and real-time analytics are likely to shape future initiatives. Staying ahead of these trends requires continuous learning and strategic foresight.

The appointment of Naeem Mirza as Senior Vice President and Head of Data and AI represents a strategic step for Xoriant as it deepens its commitment to data-led transformation. By strengthening leadership in this area, the company aims to support enterprises in turning data into actionable insights and sustainable competitive advantage.

As organisations increasingly rely on AI to drive growth and efficiency, leadership focused on data and AI will remain central to delivering successful outcomes. Xoriant’s latest move reflects this reality and positions the company to address evolving client needs in a rapidly changing technology landscape.