Mumbai: Founded in 2007, the Chicago, Illinois headquartered AHEAD builds and manages platforms that power digital transformation for a multitude of market leading enterprises globally. AHEAD started its journey in the data centre domain and has now expanded into a diverse portfolio of cloud platforms, digital engineering, data and analytics, data center modernization, automation, cyber security, and managed service offerings.
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses need more than just technology—they need acceleration. AHEAD is redefining digital transformation by seamlessly integrating the expertise of consultants, systems integrators, outsourcers, and platforms. With a strong foundation in data centre modernization, AHEAD has evolved into a powerhouse offering cutting-edge solutions across cloud platforms, digital engineering, automation, cybersecurity, and managed services. With a track record of driving meaningful business outcomes for over 900 global clients, AHEAD continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the tech-driven world.
AHEAD is renowned for its game-changing tech that combines the best of consultants, systems integrators, outsourcers, and platforms. With the unique capability of adding ‘acceleration’ to the digital transformation of its clients, AHEAD has constantly delivered meaningful business results to 900 clients globally. AHEAD started its journey in the data center domain and has now expanded into a diverse portfolio of cloud platforms, digital engineering, data and analytics, data center modernization, automation, cybersecurity, and managed service offerings.
To achieve these objectives, AHEAD has unveiled several initiatives such as DEI Council with aim to build diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, MWA (Moving Women AHEAD), an initiative dedicated to advancing women in technology, and RISE AHEAD (Race Inclusion for Success and Equity at AHEAD), an inclusive community to support people of colour in technology. Each of these and many other efforts at AHEAD are channelled to foster personal growth, meaningful career development, and impactful community engagement across AHEAD.
Urvashi Chandna is the – Marketing at AHEAD, an organization that builds and manages platforms that power digital transformation for a multitude of market leading enterprises globally. With a career spanning over a decade, Urvashi is a results-oriented growth marketer, with expertise in orchestrating transformative campaigns, fostering brand development, and spearheading data-focused content strategies on a global scale.
At AHEAD, Urvashi is responsible for driving an innovative agenda, leveraging her expertise in digital technology and data-driven marketing with the focus on solidifying the organization’s market presence in India and amplifying its impact.
In a freewheeling chat with Urvashi Chandna, Director Marketing, AHEAD, on how AHEAD is tackling this competitive tech genre, the marketing initiatives and much more….
AHEAD operates in a highly competitive tech landscape. What is its unique brand positioning, and how does it differentiate itself from other digital transformation and cloud service providers?
There is no denying that the digital transformation space is crowded. What makes AHEAD different is our deep execution focus, paired with strategic thinking. We don’t just talk about transformation – we deliver it. Our strength lies in building real, scalable platforms that drive measurable business results.
We take a lifecycle view of transformation: cloud modernization, automation, cyber security, and app development, all delivered through a single-threaded, high-touch approach.
Another key differentiator is our partnership model. We act as an extension of our clients’ teams, combining technical depth with strategic clarity and a relentless focus on outcomes. Our growth in recent years reflects that clients value this model. We prioritize helping them extract maximum value from both their existing and future technology investments.
With a broad portfolio spanning cloud, cyber security, and automation, how does AHEAD ensure a cohesive brand message across all its service lines? How does it balance being seen as both a trusted IT partner and an innovative disruptor in the digital transformation space?
Consistency comes from alignment – across our teams, messaging, and most importantly, our mind-set. Whether its cloud, cyber, or automation, our narrative always ties back to impact. We help clients accelerate business outcomes through technology. That core message stays the same, even as the delivery mechanisms vary.
We don’t view trust and innovation as opposites. Trust is built on a track record of showing up, delivering, and owning outcomes. Innovation comes from curiosity and a willingness to challenge the status quo. We lead with experience but remain agile – encouraging experimentation, fresh thinking, and rapid learning. This culture allows us to stay grounded while continuously pushing the envelope.
In a B2B space where decision cycles are long, how do you nurture leads and engage enterprise clients throughout their journey? How do you leverage customer success stories and case studies to build credibility and attract new clients?
We meet enterprise clients at every stage of their journey, creating tailored content and experiences that support the entire decision cycle – not just top of funnel. Our strategy includes targeted email journeys, personalized demo environments, and one-to-one interactions to nurture interest over time.
Customer stories are central to our approach – but we go beyond showcasing what we did. We focus on the client’s wins, using their voice to highlight meaningful business outcomes. When a CIO sees a peer in their industry share measurable results and strategic gains, it resonates more powerfully.
On content marketing, whitepapers, or webinars – what are the different means for you to establish yourself as a thought leader in digital transformation? Do you participate in major tech conferences, industry panels, or networking events to engage with enterprise clients?
We view thought leadership as a service – sharing insights that help people do their jobs better. Whether through deep-dive whitepapers, hands-on webinars, or quick POV videos on emerging trends, we prioritize being both insightful and accessible.
We also actively participate in industry events – from major tech conferences to more intimate C-level gatherings. Being part of these conversations gives us the opportunity to share our expertise, but just as importantly, to listen. That two-way exchange keeps us relevant and sharp.
How are you leveraging influencer marketing or strategic partnerships to enhance brand awareness and credibility in the tech community?
Partnerships are core to how we grow. We collaborate closely with industry giants such as Dell, VMware, AWS, and NVIDIA – co-innovating and bringing joint offerings to market. When these partnerships succeed, they build credibility on both sides.
While traditional influencer marketing isn’t our focus, we actively collaborate with voices our audience trusts. These include analysts, industry practitioners, and clients themselves. When someone with credibility shares meaningful insights, we find ways to amplify that message.
The importance of community-building and developer engagement in the marketing strategy?
Community-building is a long game, but it’s worth it – especially in our space, where the people evaluating tech are often the ones implementing it. We invest in technical enablement through workshops, meet-ups, and content hubs, not just to promote our solutions but to create value for practitioners.
Developer engagement is also part of our product feedback loop. By listening to builders, we continuously improve how we design, support, and evolve our solutions. This dialogue makes our offerings more relevant and effective.
What is the future of tech marketing evolving, and what innovations are being adopted to stay ahead of the curve?
Tech marketing is shifting from volume to value. It’s no longer about broadcasting messages – it’s about delivering relevance, in real-time. We’re seeing a major move toward personalization – not just in content, but in how we structure experiences across touchpoints.
We’re also leaning more into hybrid experiences. A webinar doesn’t have to feel like a webinar. A sales deck doesn’t have to feel like a deck. By rethinking formats and embracing creativity, tech marketers can stand out and drive deeper engagement.
Is AHEAD integrating AI, automation, or data analytics into its own marketing efforts to optimize campaigns and improve customer insights?
We leverage AI and automation to enhance targeting, optimize content delivery, and fine-tune campaign performance. But it goes beyond campaign operations.
We use data analytics to better understand what prospects care about, where they engage, and what drives conversions. Since we work on AI-led initiatives for clients as well, we gain valuable real-world insights. This knowledge transfer between our delivery and marketing teams keeps us sharp, agile, and aligned with what truly works.
