Meet your HPE OEM Solutions team: Jennifer Smith

[MattQuirk]

Today, we’re in conversation with Jennifer Smith, Global Head of Financial Services Marketing at HPE.

Jennifer, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us a little more about your role at HPE?

I lead global financial services industry (FSI) marketing and drive a consistent HPE FSI value proposition for each of our relevant portfolios across the world. Working cross-functionally with Business Units (BU), partners and alliances, and OEM teams, I ensure that we meet our FSI customers where they need us, with solutions that deliver real business value and direct outcomes.

How did you break into the technology sector?

I started in the technology space. As an engineer by trade, my background was always technology-first. My career began in management consulting, supporting telecommunications customers during a significant technological transition. As we moved to a digital world, no one looked back—that train had left the station—and if you weren’t ready, you were left behind. Mobility was the rising star, and now it’s a necessary appendage—thanks, Apple, for your weekly screen time shaming!

What successes have you achieved in your current role? Is there anything you are particularly proud of?

Building a global community of sales, partner, technologist, and portfolio subject matter experts (SMEs) around topics that matter to FSIs. This has helped create an avalanche of new ideas, solutions, and ways to address and develop relationships with our partners. As a result, we’re seen as a true partner versus simply another vendor.  

Can you tell us how the global pandemic reshaped the banking industry? Has the pandemic changed the relationship between financial institutions and their technology providers?

It’s motivated financial service organizations to move faster and accelerate their transformation projects that had been on the shelf for a more opportune time. There’s nothing like a pandemic to provide the right opportunity for technology automation and remote work support to take off!

The relationship between financial institutions and their technology partners became crucial from a supplier perspective and a strategic standpoint. How can I move all my employees remote? How can I ensure fraud risk is minimized as end-users move to more touchless pay services? How can I secure data when everyone is working outside the data centre? How do I meet my customer in delivering tools that support the new normal? And how can I do it quickly and cost-effectively? The list goes on.

What exciting innovation areas are you seeing that could help OEMs better serve FSI?

The top three big areas for FSIs right now are hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence/data-analytics, and digital payments. There’s so much data out there. And where to store it, use it, and monetize it are all key focus areas. There’s so much that can be done to support optimal customer experiences, tackle fraud, and meet regulatory requirements. Assisting customers in these areas is where OEMs can really win.

How have you seen HPE add value for FSI OEM partners and their end-users?

The greatest value HPE OEM Solutions provides for customers and end-users is through the ability to deliver the right solutions for the best possible outcome. With our secure infrastructure, robust network of vetted partners, and extensive industry expertise—we can act as the best advisors to ensure that optimal combinations of hardware, software and services are delivered. Whether the OEM’s aim is faster time-to-value, increased revenue, or cost savings—we can support their vision.

Final question: what do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’m a certified Pilates instructor and love the health and wellness space. I geek out on hacks that help ensure I live a long and healthy life. And technology itself is at the forefront of this —AI, data and, bioanalytics are helping me become my best self!

Thanks for your time, Jennifer.

Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensmith2008/.

 Matt Quirk
Hewlett Packard Enterprise

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