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Hitachi Announces Leadership Appointments to Propel Strategic Growth in the Americas & EMEA Regions

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hitachi America, Ltd. (“Hitachi Americas”), headquarters for all Hitachi Group companies across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, today unveiled key leadership appointments to strengthen regional strategies and reaffirm its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions in the Americas and beyond. Yasuhiro “Charlie” Takeuchi has been named Vice President and Executive Officer of Hitachi Ltd., and President & CEO of Hitachi Americas. Meanwhile, Shashank Samant, Executive Chairman of Hitachi Americas will add Head of Regional Strategies, Americas & EMEA, and Chairman of the Board of Hitachi Europe to his current responsibilities.

These appointments reflect Hitachi’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional customer success as the company accelerates its mission to address complex challenges and deliver high-value solutions globally.

Charlie Takeuchi Appointed President & CEO of Hitachi Americas
Mr. Yasuhiro “Charlie” Takeuchi, with over three decades of experience at Hitachi, will now serve as President & CEO of Hitachi Americas and Vice President & Executive Officer, Hitachi Ltd. Previously serving at the helm of Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Takeuchi has an extensive background in industrial systems, global strategy, and market expansion. His deep understanding of the Americas region positions him to drive Hitachi’s growth trajectory and contribute to the company’s reputation for quality, innovation and excellence.

“I am very honored to take on this new role during this exciting and pivotal time in Hitachi’s growth journey,” said Charlie Takeuchi, President and CEO of Hitachi Americas. “By combining IT, Operational Technology (OT), and our innovative products, our focus remains on delivering smarter, more sustainable, and impactful solutions. This not only creates significant value for our clients but also presents tremendous opportunities to grow our business and make meaningful contributions to society.”

Prior to this appointment, Takeuchi held multiple senior executive roles within the Hitachi group, including President and Chief Executive Officer as well as Board Chair/Group Executive of Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd, and Chief Executive Officer of Sullair, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi.

Shashank Samant Expands Regional Responsibilities
Mr. Shashank Samant, who currently serves as Executive Chairman of the Board of Hitachi Americas, will take on additional responsibilities as Chairman of the Board of Hitachi Europe and Head of Regional Strategies for the Americas and EMEA. This expanded scope reflects a strategic focus on enhancing global alignment and bolstering Hitachi’s programs and reach in critical growth markets.

Samant’s wealth of leadership experience and his devotion to customer-centric innovation position him to steer Hitachi’s mission of driving value for stakeholders across industries.

“Our aim is to build on Hitachi’s legacy of leveraging global expertise to deliver solutions that truly transform businesses and communities,” said Samant. “We are united by a purpose to create a better, more sustainable future through technology, innovation, and collaboration. I’m delighted to contribute to these outcomes in my new and expanded roles.”

Hitachi’s Exceptional Portfolio Elevates Business and Communities
Central to Hitachi’s industry leadership is its comprehensive portfolio of advanced products and services that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to creating a more connected, sustainable, and innovative world.

Mobility: Solutions that enhance transportation and connectivity, from advanced train systems, rolling stock, signaling, to smart infrastructure projects.

Energy: Cutting-edge technologies for energy infrastructure, renewable energy systems, smart grids, electrification, and sustainable energy management.

Industrial Solutions: Tools and systems that optimize industrial processes with precision and efficiency, supporting industries from manufacturing to logistics.

Digital Solutions & Services: Transformative software engineering, AI, and IT services, along with data infrastructure solutions that help businesses harness the power of digitalization to unlock new possibilities.

The diverse range of offerings positions Hitachi as a leader in delivering great value to customers across multiple sectors. By combining extraordinary expertise with a vision for a sustainable future, Hitachi remains poised to address the most pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.

These leadership appointments mark the beginning of a new chapter for Hitachi in the Americas and Europe, reinforcing the company’s goal of creating solutions that drive positive change. With a strong foundation in technology and a commitment to its customers, Hitachi is well-positioned for continued growth and success within the region and across the globe.

For more information about Hitachi and its leadership team, please visit www.hitachi.com.

About Hitachi America, Ltd.
Hitachi America, Ltd. is the regional headquarters for Hitachi Group companies in the Americas, overseeing the U.S., Canada, and Latin America markets. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Hitachi Americas has been deeply committed to its Social Innovation Business since its establishment in 1959, addressing society’s most pressing challenges through innovative solutions. Leveraging its expertise and resources, Hitachi Americas and its subsidiary companies operate across diverse sectors, including transportation, energy, mobility, industrial manufacturing, healthcare, digital engineering, data analytics and others. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, Hitachi Americas remains at the forefront of pioneering solutions that shape the future. For further details, please visit https://www.hitachi.us/.

Media Contact
Judy Shebib
Hitachi America, Ltd.
Judy.Shebib@hal.hitachi.com

 

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Pavlov Media Employees Give Back Through Nationwide Day of Service, Contributing More Than 500 Volunteer Hours

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More than 100 team members supported local nonprofits, community organizations, and environmental initiatives across the United States.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pavlov Media, a leading provider of fiber-optic Internet and managed Wi-Fi solutions, recently brought employees together for a company-wide Day of Service, contributing more than 500 hours of volunteer work to communities across the United States. The event builds on the company’s ongoing commitment to giving back through Pavlov Cares, its community outreach and philanthropic program.

More than 100 Pavlov Media employees participated in the initiative, dedicating their time to supporting local nonprofits, environmental conservation efforts, food assistance programs, and other community-focused organizations.

The Day of Service brought employees together around a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities where they live and work. From supporting food banks and animal rescue organizations to maintaining public spaces and assisting local nonprofits, team members stepped away from their daily responsibilities to give back.

“At Pavlov Media, our commitment to the communities we serve extends beyond providing Internet,” says Cory Douglas, CEO of Pavlov Media. “Through our Pavlov Cares program, we support organizations that strengthen the places where we live and work. Seeing more than 100 employees come together for this initiative is a reflection of the people who make up our organization.”

Making an Impact Across Communities

Employees volunteered with a variety of organizations and community initiatives, including:

Salt & Light (Champaign/Urbana, IL): Supporting community assistance programs in Central Illinois.Eastern Illinois Foodbank (Urbana, IL): Contributing to efforts addressing food insecurity.Champaign Public Library (Champaign, IL): Supporting a valuable community resource.Champaign County Forest Preserve District (Champaign County, IL): Assisting with invasive plant removal and botanical garden maintenance.Moore’s Rescue Ranch/Kitty Crib (Urbana, IL): Supporting local animal rescue and care efforts.Aikman Wildlife Adventure (Arcola, IL): Enhancing visitor spaces through grounds maintenance and revitalizing the indoor play area.Atlanta Food Bank (Atlanta, GA): Supporting efforts to address food insecurity in Georgia.GRACE Marketplace (Gainesville, FL): Supporting programs assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.Corinth Park District (Corinth, TX): Helping maintain community parks and recreational spaces. 

Connecting Through Community Service

Pavlov Media’s Day of Service provided employees with an opportunity to collaborate outside the workplace while supporting organizations that make a difference in their communities.

With more than 500 hours of service contributed nationwide, the initiative reflects the collective impact employees can make when they come together for a shared purpose.

Through our Pavlov Cares program, Pavlov Media continues to support local and national organizations dedicated to strengthening communities and improving lives. The company’s Day of Service reflects this ongoing commitment, bringing employees together to make a meaningful difference beyond their everyday work.

Learn more about Pavlov Cares at www.pavlovmedia.com/pavlov-cares/.

About Pavlov Media

Pavlov Media is a provider of fiber-optic Internet and managed Wi-Fi solutions serving residential communities, multifamily properties, student housing, and businesses across the United States. With a focus on connectivity, innovation, and customer experience, Pavlov Media delivers Internet solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

Learn more at https://mdu.pavlovmedia.com/

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Urban Outfitters Invites Everyone to the Party with “All Together Now: More the Merrier” Holiday Campaign

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Rooted in Gen Z insights, UO celebrates the season with the most coveted gifts, festive fashion, and community experiences, kicking off with a holiday celebration in partnership with DoorDash.

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Urban Outfitters is inviting everyone to the party this holiday season with the launch of “All Together Now: More the Merrier,” an omnichannel campaign that taps into the personal style and shared experiences that make the season special. Building on the brand’s All Together Now platform, the campaign celebrates the joy of coming together and captures the excitement of the season, from getting ready and finding the perfect outfit to showing up and celebrating with friends.

At the heart of the campaign is UO’s understanding of how Gen Z lives, shops, and celebrates. Insights from UO Insiders, the brand’s community of more than 10,000 Gen Z shoppers, students, and influencers, reveal that 85% of Gen Z shoppers self-gift during the holidays—purchasing an average of seven to eight items for themselves. Alongside self-gifting, 78% of Gen Z prefer to shop with someone else, underscoring this generation’s focus on community and togetherness.

“At Urban Outfitters, everything starts with understanding our customer,” said Shea Jensen, President of Urban Outfitters. “More the Merrier brings together the products, brands, and experiences they love, with new ways to discover and make the holiday season even more memorable.”

The campaign kicked off with an exclusive launch party in Los Angeles on November 5, reuniting members of UO’s always-on community, including Meet Me@UO Joshua Tree attendees, All Together Now commercial cast members, and Game Day student ambassadors. Designed for connection, creativity, and community, the evening featured seasonal activations, including white elephant, customization stations, and a surprise UO Live performance by Grammy-nominated artist DESTIN CONRAD. The party was brought to life in partnership with DoorDash, building on the UO’s strategy to make last-minute gifting and getting-ready essentials more accessible through on-demand delivery.

Extending the celebration beyond Los Angeles, UO brings the ultimate holiday house party to life across its digital channels and stores through doorbell-inspired creative, festive editorial imagery and specialized gift shops. Content from the campaign’s editorial shoot extends the house party atmosphere across social and digital channels, with select video content featured on connected TV (CTV) platforms, including Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+ and Peacock.

The in-store and online UO Holiday Gift Shop features a curated assortment of exclusive collections and seasonal must-haves across apparel, footwear, beauty, and home. New Analog Gifting, Scent Shop, and Cozy Shop destinations bring the season’s most coveted gifts to life, curated around Gen Z’s evolving shopping habits and interests.

With giving at the heart of the season, UO is continuing to put community first through its three-month Giving Season initiative, running November to January. Alongside ongoing brand donations, customers can make contributions at checkout to support six of UO’s longstanding nonprofit partners: Altadena Girls, Active Minds, Creatives Want Change, Glisten, Rock to the Future, and Asian Arts Initiative.

For more information, visit urbanoutfitters.com.

About Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters is a global lifestyle brand dedicated to fueling the next generation’s individuality through a unique blend of product, creativity, music, and youth culture. Founded in 1970 in a small space across from the University of Pennsylvania, Urban Outfitters now operates over 200 stores across the United States, Canada, and Europe, alongside a dynamic digital presence. Empowering bold self-expression, Urban Outfitters leads with its distinctive designs and curated selection of women’s, men’s, accessories, and home products, and best-in-class brand partnerships. For more information, visit Urban Outfitters at www.urbanoutfitters.com.

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ExpertCrowd and HUD Collaborate to Advance AI Training and Evaluation, Release SWE Benchmark

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SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ExpertCrowd, Toptal‘s platform for training and improving AI models and systems, today announced a collaboration with HUD, a Y Combinator-backed startup that provides tools for building AI training data through its DataVendor™ marketplace. Together, the teams released ExpertCrowd-SWE, a software engineering benchmark that evaluates the performance of frontier-grade LLMs and coding agents.

As AI systems take on increasingly complex work, measuring their capabilities requires tasks that reflect professional practice and grading criteria that capture what successful execution actually means. This collaboration brings together ExpertCrowd’s expert-led task development and HUD’s infrastructure for running complex RL environments.

ExpertCrowd and HUD co-developed ExpertCrowd-SWE, bringing together engineers from Toptal’s global network of highly skilled domain experts with HUD’s experience collaborating with frontier research teams. After Toptal’s experts authored tasks and grading rubrics, HUD’s infrastructure hosted task-run environments and verified the benchmarks against internal quality assurance pipelines. HUD and Toptal’s AI research teams, composed of more than a dozen PhDs and researchers with educational or professional experience at Harvard, EPFL, the University of Liège, DeepMind, Qwen, and ByteDance, reviewed and assessed the methodology and results to build one of the most robust software engineering benchmarks in the industry.

“ExpertCrowd puts practitioners at the center of defining the work AI systems should perform and judging how well they perform it. By combining that specialized expertise with HUD’s testing infrastructure, we’re advancing what AI systems can achieve and setting a higher standard for real-world performance,” said Taso Du Val, founder and CEO of Toptal.

ExpertCrowd-SWE is the first release of an ongoing Toptal-HUD collaboration, with additional initiatives in development and further announcements coming soon. Building on this foundation, ExpertCrowd and HUD will bring more specialized human expertise into the tasks, environments, and evaluations that support the next generation of AI.

“We built HUD’s infrastructure to give research teams the tools to create realistic RL training environments, run evaluations across AI models, and inspect model performance. ExpertCrowd put that infrastructure to work, bringing the professional expertise to translate complex, real-world workflows into rigorous tasks, reference outputs, and evaluation frameworks that test the limits of today’s leading AI models,” said Jay Ram, founder and CEO of HUD.

About ExpertCrowd

ExpertCrowd is Toptal’s platform for training and improving AI models and systems through RLHF, RL data generation, data labeling, and model evaluation. It is powered by Toptal’s global talent network, with more than 30,000 specialized domain experts across 140+ countries, including more than 2,000 AI and big data specialists, 12,000 professionals with advanced degrees, and 1,000 PhD-level AI specialists, available on demand. For more information, please visit ExpertCrowd.com.

About HUD

HUD is a platform for building reinforcement learning environments, used by startups, Fortune 500 companies, and frontier labs. It provides infrastructure for training models, evaluating AI agents, and creating the post-training data that aligns AI to organizations’ work. HUD’s mission is to build reliable, fair, and open infrastructure for AI data with the goal of making data valuable for the people who create it and trustworthy for the labs that train on it. DataVendor™ is HUD’s marketplace, which allows AI labs to license training and evaluation data directly from the companies that created it. For more information, please visit HUD.ai.

Contact

Luiz Baia
SVP of Marketing Strategy
luiz.baia@toptal.com

SOURCE Toptal

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