In this Data & AI Edge interview, Komatsu’s Chief Data Analytics and AI Officer Nipun Sharma shares how global alignment and impact shape their AI strategy.

At Komatsu, the data and AI journey is rapidly evolving under the leadership of Nipun Sharma at Komatsu Australia PTY.

With a decade-long tenure at the company, Nipun is now focused on redefining the role of data across global operations through a revitalised Data and AI Centre of Excellence.

The aim is to align regional and global efforts, encourage cross-border collaboration, and define shared tools, governance frameworks and strategies.

This approach recognises the pace at which AI is progressing and underscores the importance of balancing experimentation with structure, especially in areas like cyber security, compliance, and low-code tooling.

Security has become a close partner in this journey, with Nipun describing his relationship with the CISO as essential in achieving shared goals, such as transparency, accountability, and compliance.

As the AI strategy matures, measuring success becomes a matter of speed, value, and return on investment.

There’s a strong focus on business engagement, data quality, and the ability to quickly prioritise and iterate use cases.

The Centre of Excellence is not seen as an R&D lab, but a driver of business-ready solutions, with the agility to pivot from projects that no longer yield value.

Looking ahead, the greatest AI value is expected from automation and hyper-personalisation.

This means streamlining decision-making and enabling knowledge continuity across the workforce.

Nipun’s role has shifted from a technical enabler to a business integrator, focusing on unifying KPIs, eliminating silos, and enabling value creation.

Governance remains central, especially as generative AI and embedded software intelligence become widespread.

The Centre of Excellence operates as both a technical enabler and business partner.

It sets standards, bridging contexts, and empowering teams to innovate without compromising on structure or clarity.

 

Key takeaways

  • Global alignment with local agility: Komatsu is revitalising its Data and AI Centre of Excellence to harmonise global standards while enabling regional innovation and collaboration.
  • Security as a strategic partner: Cyber security and governance are deeply integrated into the AI strategy, ensuring compliance and accelerating safe, scalable adoption.
  • AI with business impact: Deliver measurable business value through automation, knowledge continuity, and rapid use case prioritisation, not just experimentation.
Contributors
Nipun Sharma Chief Data Analytics and AI Officer at Komatsu Australia PTY
An established Leader in Data and AI, a technologist, a thinker, a researcher, a tester and a tinkerer. I am deeply rooted... More

An established Leader in Data and AI, a technologist, a thinker, a researcher, a tester and a tinkerer. I am deeply rooted in business transformation, digital technology and innovation.

Driven by a passion for continuous learning, adaptability, and connecting the dots across diverse areas of expertise. As a Synthesist, I thrive on integrating knowledge from various fields to create innovative solutions and insights, fostering collaboration and driving transformative outcomes. With a strong growth mindset, I embrace challenges, seek development opportunities, and continuously evolve in today’s fast-paced technology and ever-changing business landscape.

With a comprehensive understanding of business and technical dimensions, I specialize in Decision Intelligence and digital mindset. My approach is to deconstruct intricate challenges into actionable business solutions, ensuring the delivery of optimal outcomes. I excel at pinpointing opportunities where data and AI can enhance business results and am proficient in assembling and leading high-calibre data and analytics teams.

As a strategic advisor, I play a pivotal role in guiding organisations to harness the power of data, automations and AI to achieve their business objectives. I craft data, automation and AI strategies that align with organisational goals, offering insights into the latest data innovations and trends to integrate emerging skills and technologies into strategic initiatives continuously, ensuring innovation remains at the forefront of our endeavours. Moreover, I ensure that data privacy, security, and governance are upheld to the highest standards, helping organisations navigate the intricate regulatory environment and adhere to pertinent regulations.

My leadership philosophy centres around empowering teams to think creatively, take calculated risks, and continuously push the boundaries of innovation. I believe that fostering a culture of curiosity and open-mindedness is key to unlocking the full potential of data and AI in any organisation.

My commitment is unwavering when it comes to addressing and surmounting challenges. I ensure that enterprise goals and initiatives are operationalised to maximise stakeholder value, providing a sense of reassurance to all involved.

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Gabby Fredkin Head of Analytics & Insights at ADAPT
As the Head of Analytics and Insights at ADAPT, Gabby Fredkin’s primary role is managing analysis to produce ADAPT’s actionable insights to... More

As the Head of Analytics and Insights at ADAPT, Gabby Fredkin’s primary role is managing analysis to produce ADAPT’s actionable insights to identify trends supporting organisations in Australia.

With a passion for creating stories with data, Gabby is consistently rated as one of the top speakers at ADAPT’s events. In roundtable discussions, he specialises in using statistics to initiate thought-provoking discussions, enabling ADAPT’s customers to become more data-driven.​

Using modern data science techniques, he provides ADAPT and its customers with confidence in the accuracy and validity of the information used for ADAPT’s research, advisory and events.

Working across artificial intelligence, machine learning, AI ethics, DevSecOps, end-user behaviour, and human-centred design, Gabby’s vast experience continues to grow, supported in part by a Master of Business Analytics from Deakin University.

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