The data and analytics division of HCLSoftware, Actian, has elevated Emma McGrattan to the position of Chief Technology Officer, marking a strategic evolution in its executive leadership. McGrattan brings thirty years of institutional knowledge and technical innovation to her new role, where she will spearhead the company’s technology strategy and research initiatives.
McGrattan’s immediate focus centres on seamlessly integrating Zeenea’s data discovery capabilities into Actian’s portfolio. This strategic enhancement delivers comprehensive data solutions encompassing integration, quality control, governance, and advanced analytics. The expanded platform now provides essential tools for metadata management, cataloguing, lineage tracking, and data observability.
Marc Potter, CEO at Actian, emphasises the significance of McGrattan’s technological vision: “Actian evolved and advanced its portfolio under Emma’s technological vision, and as our CTO, she will lead her team to create data intelligence solutions that enable customers to accelerate innovation and enhance competitive advantage.”
Throughout her career, McGrattan has demonstrated exceptional technical acumen. Her development of the Actian Data Platform represents a milestone in cloud-based data management solutions. This achievement builds upon her earlier work architecting the company’s core analytics and data integration systems. Her technical contributions extend beyond product development to include multiple patents and regular speaking engagements at industry events.
As organisations increasingly adopt AI technologies, data quality and compliance emerge as critical concerns. McGrattan addresses these challenges: “Customers tell us their biggest concerns for AI initiatives are data quality and compliance, which is prompting organizations to rethink their traditional data strategies.” Her approach focuses on developing solutions that enable organisations to assess data fitness for purpose while strengthening governance protocols.
Beyond her technical responsibilities, McGrattan actively champions women in technology through mentorship programmes and advocacy initiatives. Under her leadership, Actian positions itself to address the evolving needs of enterprises managing data across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. The company’s enhanced portfolio enables organisations to make data-driven decisions with greater confidence while accelerating business growth.
