“Women in technology are building a future where trust fuels innovation and resilience drive progress.” – Lena Halbourian, Commvault

Lena Halbourian, Senior Regional Head of Marketing Emerging Markets, Switzerland, Austria, SEE, Middle East & Africa, at Commvault, spoke to CNME Editor Mark Forker to discuss her career to date, the role AI is going to play in the continued evolution of marketing – and her advice to women thinking about pursuing a career in technology.

Lena Halbourian is one of the most respected marketeers in the IT industry across the Middle East.

In a stellar career, she has worked for tech behemoths such as IBM, HPE and Citrix, before joining Commvault in 2021.

Her star has continued to rise since making the move to Commvault, and in a candid conversation with CNME Editor Mark Forker, she documented her journey in marketing and how the role has changed since she first entered the field over 20 years ago.

How did you get started in marketing and what has your journey been like leading up to your current role? 

Given that I studied advertising at university, my initial goal was to work in an advertising agency.

But when I moved to Dubai several years ago, I was approached for a marketing position, and that’s how my career and my passion for marketing began.

What started as an unexpected opportunity turned into a fulfilling journey where I’ve been able to combine creativity, strategy, and communication in ways that continue to inspire me every day. 

In a fast-evolving, highly technical industry like technology, how do you see the role of marketing? 

In a fast-evolving, highly technical industry, marketing plays a crucial role in translating complex innovations, especially in the AI era, into clear, compelling value for customers.

It bridges the gap between technology and understanding by simplifying advanced concepts, building thought leadership, and positioning the company as a trusted authority in AI and cyber resilience. Marketing must be agile and data-driven, personalize engagement, and optimize strategies.

Ultimately, it connects innovation to impact, driving awareness, trust, and growth in a rapidly changing landscape. 

With AI, data and digital transformation shaping the industry, how do you think the future of marketing in tech will evolve?  

The future of marketing in tech will be all about using AI and data to understand people better and create more personalized experiences.

Marketing will become faster, smarter, and more tailored — but the key will be keeping it real and human, using technology to support creativity, not replace it. 

As a woman leader in tech, what has your experience been like? What challenges have you faced in marketing and what changes would you like to see in the industry? 

My career in marketing has grown alongside the UAE’s incredible evolution into a global tech hub. Women in technology are building a future where trust fuels innovation and resilience drive progress.

At Commvault, we view technology as a catalyst for change, and this is exemplified by our leadership team, with investment into the next generation of leaders – from engineers, sales, and HR to marketing, finance, legal, and our talented security teammates.  

Technology is a great equalizer – removing barriers of gender, geography, time, and access. With AI, cloud, and SaaS reshaping the way we work, collaborate, and learn, it is imperative to continue fostering culture where everyone can thrive. 

With GITEX being such an important platform for technology brands, how are you planning to leverage it to strengthen your brand’s presence and messaging?  

At GITEX, we’re focused on amplifying Commvault’s position as a leader in cyber resilience. We’ll showcase our latest innovations like Commvault Cloud Cleanroom Recovery and Cloud Rewind through live demos and masterclass sessions to demonstrate real business impact.

The event is also a key opportunity to strengthen relationships with regional partners, engage with media, and highlight how Commvault helps enterprises across the Middle East recover rapidly in a multi-cloud era. 

For those just starting out in tech marketing or aiming for leadership roles, what advice would you share from your experience? 

For those starting out in marketing or aspiring to lead one day, the key is to stay endlessly curious about the product, the customer, and the people behind both.

Great marketers take the time to understand how their solutions make someone’s work easier or their business stronger.

They use data to guide decisions but never lose sight of the human story behind the numbers.

They build genuine relationships across teams, knowing that true impact comes from collaboration.