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Akamai appoints Fiona Zhang as regional VP, channel sales and programs for Asia Pacific and Japan
New regional VP to scale partner ecosystem amid cloud and AI demand
BENGALURU: Akamai Technologies has appointed Fiona Zhang as regional vice president for channel sales and programmes in Asia Pacific and Japan, doubling down on its partner-led growth strategy in one of its fastest-evolving markets.
In her new role, Zhang will oversee the company’s channel strategy and partner ecosystem across the region, with a focus on helping partners deliver more value to customers navigating increasingly complex cloud and security needs.
The move signals Akamai’s continued bet on its partner network to drive adoption, expand market reach and fuel revenue growth. A key pillar of this strategy is Akamai Partner Connect, the company’s unified global programme designed to simplify engagement and accelerate partner-led business.
Across Asia Pacific and Japan, demand for cloud, cybersecurity and AI-led solutions is rising sharply. Akamai is responding by expanding its network of service providers, distributors, system integrators and technology partners, aiming to bring more localised expertise and scalable solutions to enterprise customers.
Zhang brings over 15 years of experience in channel sales and programme leadership across cybersecurity, cloud and networking. Since joining Akamai in 2019, she has led channel strategy and operations in Greater China, where she drove partner-led growth across delivery, security and compute offerings.
Before Akamai, she was head of channels at Palo Alto Networks in China, where she oversaw rapid expansion and revenue growth. She began her career at Cisco, holding roles across sales, business development and channel management.
“Asia Pacific is one of the most diverse and fast-moving technology markets in the world, and that makes a channel-first strategy essential,” said Zhang. “Across APJ, our partners are doing far more than reselling. They are building capabilities, advancing AI adoption and helping enterprises navigate a complex digital landscape. My focus is on making Akamai the platform our partners want to build their business around.”
Echoing the sentiment, Akamai Technologies vice president and managing director greater China Sean Li said, “Our channel ecosystem is fundamental to Akamai’s growth strategy. Fiona’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our partner network and enabling partners to capture new opportunities across the region.”
With enterprises accelerating digital transformation and AI adoption, Akamai’s latest leadership move underscores a clear message. In a market driven by partnerships, the company is placing its bets firmly on the channel to lead the next phase of growth.
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Hyundai launches updated Ioniq 5 with 84 kWh battery, 690 km range
Priced at Rs 55.7 lakh, adds design, tech and safety upgrades.
MUMBAI: Charge it up, stretch it out, Hyundai’s latest electric upgrade is going the distance, quite literally. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has introduced an updated version of its Ioniq 5, packing in a larger 84.0 kWh battery that delivers a claimed range of up to 690 km (ARAI-certified), marking a significant leap in everyday usability for its flagship electric SUV.
Built on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the refreshed IONIQ 5 aims to balance performance with practicality, reducing range anxiety while making long-distance electric travel more viable. The upgrade builds on a model that has already secured global recognition, including the World Car of the Year title.
The changes aren’t just under the skin. On the outside, the SUV gets a sharper, more futuristic look with redesigned front and rear bumpers, new skid plates, sporty alloy wheels, a revised rear spoiler and updated V-garnish lighting, all while retaining its signature Parametric Pixel design.
Inside, Hyundai has focused on making the experience more intuitive. The cabin now features a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel with illuminated pixel elements, dual 12.3-inch displays, and a reworked wireless charging pad integrated with physical controls for seat functions small tweaks that aim to improve day-to-day usability.
On the tech front, the IONIQ 5 gets Hyundai’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), Controller Over-the-Air (C-OTA) updates, and now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. New additions such as Active Sound Design and in-car payment integration for EV charging reflect a push towards a more seamless, connected ownership experience. Remote immobilisation via Bluelink has also been introduced as an added security layer.
Safety sees incremental upgrades too, with features like Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (Rear) and side parking distance warnings enhancing manoeuvrability in tight urban spaces.
The updated IONIQ 5 is available in four colour options Gravity Gold Matte, Midnight Black Pearl, Titan Grey and Optic White with an Obsidian Black interior theme.
Priced at Rs 55.7 lakh (ex-showroom), the new IONIQ 5 positions itself as a more rounded offering, less about futuristic promise, and more about making electric mobility fit seamlessly into everyday life.
