NTT DATA Appoints Jafar Kuruniyan as New Chief Financial Officer for Middle East and Africa
In a significant restructuring move aimed at reinforcing its strategic financial governance, NTT DATA has announced the appointment of Jafar Kuruniyan as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for its operations in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Kuruniyan takes over from Barry Curtin, who steps down after an impressive 16-year tenure within the NTT Group, including 12 years in the pivotal role of CFO in the region.
The selection of Kuruniyan is not merely a procedural transition; it reflects a broader strategy to leverage in-depth institutional knowledge and entrenched expertise that he brings to the table. Since Kuruniyan’s start with NTT DATA’s Middle East division in 2009, he has climbed the corporate ladder, assuming multiple critical roles that have sharpened his financial acumen. For the past five years, he served as Vice President of Finance, where he honed his skills and established a reputation for operational efficiency and financial performance enhancement—a testament to his readiness to assume the responsibilities of CFO.
Alan Turnley-Jones, CEO of NTT DATA for the MEA region, emphasized Kuruniyan’s exceptional qualities, stating, “Jafar has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, integrity, and a profound understanding of our business. His appointment signifies our confidence in his ability to carry forward Barry’s legacy, further strengthening our financial governance and fostering strategic growth across the region.” Turnley-Jones’s remarks underscore the importance of stable leadership in a rapidly changing commercial landscape, particularly in the diverse and dynamic markets of the Middle East and Africa.
Curtin’s departure marks the end of an era characterized by significant milestones. Under his stewardship, NTT DATA evolved into a robust enterprise, adept at navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the financial markets. “Barry’s contribution has been truly exceptional,” stated Turnley-Jones. “His strategic leadership and unwavering commitment have been central to shaping the resilient business we are today.”
Curtin’s influence extended beyond mere financial management; he served as an executive director in several of NTT DATA’s major boards and held positions as chairman and non-executive director. His stewardship of the Employee Empowerment Trust highlights his dedication not only to fiscal growth but also to nurturing talent within the organization. This dual focus on corporate governance and employee development has built a formidable finance function capable of navigating the complexities of a global business landscape.
As part of a planned succession, Curtin will remain with NTT DATA during a transitional period, ensuring that the handover of responsibilities is seamless. “It has been an incredible privilege to be part of NTT DATA’s journey over the past 16 years,” he remarked. “I am proud of what we have achieved together and remain invested in the company’s continued success. While I look forward to beginning a new chapter, I am eager to stay connected with NTT DATA and watch the business continue to thrive.”
Kuruniyan’s new role places him within the diverse MEA Executive Leadership Team, which operates out of Johannesburg, South Africa. While he will officially be based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, his responsibilities will encompass overseeing MEA operations, a task that is crucial given the region’s intricate economic landscape that presents both opportunities and challenges.
The appointment of Jafar Kuruniyan not only signifies a leadership change but also reflects NTT DATA’s long-term strategic vision for the Middle East and Africa. As digital transformation accelerates and businesses pivot to new operational models, effective financial leadership becomes critical for sustainability and growth. Experts believe that Kuruniyan’s extensive experience and background will enable him to navigate NTT DATA through this transformative phase successfully.
In conclusion, as Jafar Kuruniyan steps into his new role as CFO, he inherits a legacy built on strong financial governance and strategic foresight. His ascent demonstrates not only the potential for internal talent cultivation within large organizations but also the importance of adaptive leadership in an era of continual change and evolution.
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