Recently, technology industry veteran Jeremy Deutsch was appointed as the new President of APAC at Vantage Data Centers. W.Media’s Senior Technology Journalist Hazel Moises caught up with him for this exclusive tête-à-tête, where Deutsch delves into what shaped his career, his leadership style, as well as the myriad aspects of the future of the data center industry.
Q) Could you take us through your journey, starting from your early days in the ICT industry? What led you to specialise in data centers?
Jeremy Deutsch: My career in the ICT industry began in the early 2000s when I started working for a technology company in the United States. During that time, I developed a strong foundation in software development and gained valuable experience in various aspects of technology. A pivotal moment in my career came when a mentor of mine encouraged me to explore a new startup focused on a burgeoning sector—data centers. At that time, data centers were not well understood, and the field was still in its early stages. This opportunity intrigued me, as I recognised the potential for growth and transformation within this area. Fast forward to today, and data centers are at the very heart of digital transformation, enabling the myriads of services we rely on daily. With advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), the role of data centers has become even more critical in delivering transformative outcomes across industries. This evolving landscape continues to excite me and reinforces my decision to specialise in this field.
Q) What were some of the most significant lessons you’ve learned throughout your career, and how have these shaped your approach to leadership and decision-making?
Jeremy Deutsch: Throughout my career, I’ve learned several significant lessons that have profoundly shaped my approach to leadership and decision-making. One of the most important is the necessity of being a domain expert. I believe it’s crucial to master your craft and ensure that you can perform at the highest level in your field. This foundation not only builds credibility but also instills confidence in your team.
Transitioning from a technical role to management, I quickly realised the importance of embracing continuous learning. Understanding the intricacies of both technology and management has been vital. I strive to absorb as much knowledge as possible, which allows me to make informed decisions and guide my team effectively.
Another key lesson is the value of considering the broader context—understanding customer perspectives, business operations, and how digital transformation can bring value. This holistic view enables us to connect the dots between technology and business needs, ensuring our solutions are comprehensive and impactful.
Q) How have you continuously developed your expertise in the data center industry? What strategies have you employed to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies?
Jeremy Deutsch: As mentioned, it is key to maintain domain expertise by staying informed about emerging trends and technologies. One of my strategies to do so has been to maintain an open and outward mindset. This involves actively engaging in conversations within the industry and with peers, which helps me gain diverse perspectives and insights.
I also read extensively about developments in the field, including industry reports and articles that highlight innovations and changes both locally and globally. Understanding that different markets have varying levels of maturity has allowed me to appreciate a broader context and adapt my strategies accordingly.
Q) How do you envision AI transforming the operations and management of data centers? What specific use cases do you see as having the greatest potential impact?
Jeremy Deutsch: We all witnessed firsthand how the internet transformed the world, and I believe AI is poised to have a similarly profound impact in the long term. As data center operators, our role is crucial in ensuring that these facilities are equipped to support the evolving landscape of applications driven by AI.
One specific use case with significant potential is in the life sciences sector, particularly in disease research and management. AI can help analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and insights that were previously unattainable, leading to breakthroughs in treatment and prevention.
Moreover, across various verticals, AI’s pervasive technology will influence different paths of business, enhancing operational efficiencies, predictive maintenance, and resource management in data centers. The long-term impacts of these advancements will not only optimise our operations but also drive innovation across industries, making AI an essential ally in the future of data center management.
Q) Given the growing concerns about climate change, what are the most pressing sustainability challenges facing the data center industry? How can Vantage contribute to addressing these challenges?
Jeremy Deutsch: At Vantage, we are deeply committed to the pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, particularly concerning scope 1 and 2 emissions. To this regard, we integrate sustainability considerations from the very beginning of each project, evaluating factors such as location, operational practices, and facility design. By prioritizing energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, we aim to minimise our environmental footprint.
Our goal is not just to meet regulatory requirements but to ensure that we leave the planet in a better place for future generations. By leading in sustainable practices, we can contribute to a more responsible and resilient data center industry.
Q) How do you plan to address the skills gap in the APAC data center industry? What strategies will you implement to attract, develop, and retain top talent?
Jeremy Deutsch: We aim to foster local talent development by forming partnerships with tertiary institutions. This collaboration will allow us to create tailored training programs that align with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped with the skills necessary for success in the data center sector. Additionally, we recognise the importance of cultivating a supportive and engaging work environment within our company. By promoting a strong culture of learning and development, we can create pathways for employees to scale their capabilities. Overall, our approach is centered on empowering individuals and creating a robust talent pipeline that will drive innovation and excellence in the data center industry across the APAC region.
Q) What are your predictions for the future of the data center industry, particularly in the APAC region? What major trends or challenges do you anticipate?
Jeremy Deutsch: I believe the APAC region is positioned for significant growth in the data center industry, particularly as demand for cloud services and AI technologies continues to surge. We are at a critical moment where the convergence of these technologies presents enormous opportunities. Providers that can scale efficiently and effectively will be key players in this evolution. With Vantage Data Centers operating globally, we have strong capabilities in both the US and EMEA regions, which we can leverage to enhance our offerings in APAC.
Q) How do you see Vantage contributing to the evolution of the industry? What unique value proposition does Vantage offer?
Jeremy Deutsch: I see Vantage playing a pivotal role in the evolution of the data center industry by providing hyperscale-ready campuses that prioritise sustainability and efficiency. For instance, our KUL2 facility is ready for AI-deployment, which shows our commitment to scaling and supporting large deployments in the market.
A unique value proposition that we at Vantage can offer is that we are prepared for the shift toward liquid cooling to address the higher cooling demands for AI deployments. This is our response to the strong demand for AI applications and workloads in the data center sector. We are implementing design changes in our data centers, specifically by integrating cooling distribution units (CDUs) and adapting to the operational impacts these systems introduce. Unlike traditional air-cooled solutions, CDUs present unique design considerations. At Vantage, we are actively engaging with the community to develop an optimal design that can evolve in response to the increasing power densities associated with AI technologies.
Q) What is your personal vision for your role in shaping the future of the data center industry? How do you hope to make a lasting impact?
Jeremy Deutsch: My vision for my role in shaping the future of the data center industry is rooted in my 20+ years of experience, particularly as Chair of the APAC Data Center Association. I am committed to ensuring that Vantage Data Centers, alongside the broader industry, leads in providing sustainable digital infrastructure.
I believe we stand at a pivotal moment where we can harness the potential of AI to drive efficiencies and innovations that not only meet the demands of our customers but also address pressing environmental concerns. My focus is on integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations and leveraging AI to optimise resource management and energy use.
