
From CIO to CEO: ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025 Empowers Tech Leaders to Shape What's Next, ET Education
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25+ future-forward sessions blending keynotes, panels, workshops, and live demos.
An exclusive masterclass by globally acclaimed business strategist Dr. Ram Charan on 'How Tech Leaders Can Become a CEO'.
1,000+ minutes of curated networking with India's top minds in enterprise tech.
80+ innovation booths from leading tech solution providers.
Powerful storytelling formats like CIO Spotlight: My Big Win in 8 Minutes and Cracking the Boardroom Code.
The agenda will spark deep discussions around the most urgent shifts facing today's CIOs:
The Three Arcs of the Modern CIO
AI is the New OS: Are You Ready to Trust Your Enterprise to Think?
The CIO Paradox: Leading When the Future Won't Sit Still
Data Democracy: Why IT Must Lose Control for Businesses to Win
Every Customer, One Journey: Radical Personalization at Scale
Cloud 3.0: Is Your Infrastructure Agile or Fragile?
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The Economic Times CIO (ETCIO) proudly announces the 7th edition of its flagship gathering—the ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025 , returning to the iconic Grand Hyatt, Goa, for a four-day, invite-only experience fromIn a world defined by disruption, where AI, automation, and data reshape industries overnight, the role of the CIO is undergoing its most significant transformation yet. Today's CIO isn't just a technologist—they're a strategist, an innovator, and often, a CEO-in-waiting.With this powerful shift in focus, this edition presents: CIO 3.0: Where Innovation Becomes Business RealityThis year's theme, 'CIO 3.0: Transforming Innovation into Business Reality ,' captures the essence of what's next. The CIO of today—and tomorrow—must go beyond delivering digital transformation to architecting growth, driving customer-centricity, and building future-proof enterprises.The conclave will convene tech leaders , and digital strategists to explore how this evolution plays out in real-world leadership.As enterprises embrace intelligent automation hyper-personalized customer experiences , and data-driven decision-making, the CIO has evolved into a strategic business partner. The CIO 3.0 is expected to build agile, scalable, and secure tech ecosystems that deliver real business outcomes.The 2025 edition raises the bar with a highly curated agenda that blends strategic insight, peer-to-peer learning, and immersive experiences, including:What sets ETCIO Annual Conclave apart is its ability to blend intellect with experience. Beyond the sessions, attendees will enjoy unforgettable evenings featuring insightful conversations with icons from Bollywood, business, and sports, and musical performances by India's most celebrated artists—adding moments of joy, culture, and connection to an already extraordinary experience.From banks to unicorns, auto giants to digital-first startups, tech leaders from India's most admired companies—ICICI Bank, Ola, Akasa Air, Zepto, Hero MotoCorp, NSE, Adani Group, VodafoneIdea, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail, RBL Bank, and more—will take the stage not just to speak, but to spark something bigger.Whether you're leading a digital revolution or preparing for one, the ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025 is where India's tech trailblazers come to learn, lead, and launch what's next.🔗 To explore this conclave or request an invitation, visit: https://cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com/annual-conclave
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Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Customer-first approach and digital enablement are critical for us: Ravi Pichan, CIO, RBL Bank
– Digital is the mainstream way of doing business and engaging with customers – Focussing on enhancing both direct and assisted channels through DX – Ensuring minimal friction with the best possible customer experience Digital transformation in the banking sector has really taken off in a big way. Integrating advanced technologies to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and improve financial services is on the rise. There is tremendous adoption of mobile banking, AI-driven chatbots, blockchain, and data analytics. These innovations enable faster transactions, personalized services, and better risk management. Banks are shifting from traditional branch-based models to digital platforms, offering 24/7 access and seamless services. Digital transformation not only increases efficiency and reduces costs but also helps banks stay competitive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape driven by customer expectations and technological advancements. RBL Bank has been going all out to leverage the fruits of modern technology. ETCIO caught up with Ravi Pichan , Chief Information Officer and Head - Digital Banking at RBL Bank for a wide ranging discussion. Here are some excerpts: ETCIO: What are some of the technological pursuits that are keeping you busy these days? RP: Today, our core theme, which drives everything we do, is a customer-first approach and digital enablement. When we talk about customer-first, it encompasses both customer experience and the service aspect. While technology plays a key role, challenges will always arise. How effectively we service them is critical. Digital is no longer an additional feature; it has become the mainstream way of doing business and engaging with customers. This shift is driven by changing demographics, with more people embracing digital. It is not just the Gen Z, but also senior citizens who have transitioned from a paper-based era. As a result, all our initiatives are built on this digital-first approach. ETCIO: What does digital mean for both direct as well as assisted channels? RP: When we talk about digital, it applies to both direct and assisted channels. The obvious focus is on channels customers directly engage with, but assisted channels are equally important. For example, when buying a car and applying for a loan, customers may not always interact directly with the bank's website; instead, an agent assists them. Their experience is still shaped by how seamless and efficient that process is. Even though they may not be directly interacting with the bank's digital systems, any inefficiency in the assisted process can impact their perception of the brand. Therefore, we focus on enhancing both direct and assisted channels through digital transformation. Additionally, banking today relies heavily on third parties. From a customer's perspective, however, their experience is associated entirely with the bank. They are not concerned with whether an issue stems from an external entity—they simply expect a seamless experience. Therefore, when designing solutions, we must ensure they are as frictionless as possible. Frictionless service is an ideal goal, but occasional exceptions are inevitable. The key is in how we manage these exceptions not just by acknowledging delays but by resolving issues swiftly and effectively. Customers understand that challenges can arise, but what matters is how efficiently we address them. It's not enough to say, "We'll get back in two hours" we need to focus on resolving the original issue so that their journey is completed with minimal friction. Ultimately, our goal is to minimize friction while ensuring the best possible customer experience. ETCIO: Any recent implementation of digital initiatives that you're particularly excited about? Something that produced the desired results. RP: We are working to build a strong foundation. With that in mind, we have meticulously planned and set up a brand-new, state-of-the-art data center designed to serve the next 10 years. This investment in infrastructure, design, networking, and security forms the foundation for all our digital offerings. If the digital experience is the icing, the foundation must be solid to ensure true frictionless service—otherwise, "frictionless" remains just a word. Over the last 12 months, we have executed this plan while also expanding our cloud footprint for hyper-scaling. On top of this foundation, we have delivered modern solutions across retail assets, including home loans, two-wheeler loans, and car loans. These solutions, while often used in assisted channels, directly impact customer experience. If the person assisting the customer does not have the right tools or a frictionless process, they cannot deliver a seamless experience. That's why we have focused on ensuring the right digital enablers are in place. We have also integrated newer government-backed capabilities like the Account Aggregator framework. This has significantly reduced friction in processes eliminating the need for customers to manually provide bank statements. Instead of downloading, emailing, and uploading documents, the system now fetches data directly, making credit decisioning smarter while also addressing fraud risk. Since data is sourced directly from bank accounts, authenticity is ensured. Similarly, the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) allows us to fetch land records, addressing a crucial risk factor. On the liabilities side, we are also driving a complete overhaul of our switch infrastructure. A year ago, we insourced and built our own switch, shifting from simply buying off-the-shelf products to developing in-house engineering talent. Over the last two years, we have focused on designing and building solutions rather than only purchasing them. We now critically evaluate "build vs. buy" decisions, weighing the pros and cons. For UPI , we decided to build our own switch, and the results have been phenomenal, reducing transaction declines and improving overall efficiency, aligning with our frictionless approach. Several more initiatives are in the pipeline, particularly around digitally enabling our sales teams. Every bank today has digital systems paper-based processes are long gone. However, digital success isn't just about having systems; it's about how seamlessly they work together. ETCIO: Have you been able to quantify some of these outcomes? RP: On the customer service side, we have been able to achieve both elevating certain roles while optimizing others and improving turnaround times for resolving customer complaints. While it is still early days, and the model is still learning, the initial trend is moving in the right direction. In terms of specific numbers, it is too soon to share precise figures. Perhaps by the time we have our next conversation, we will have more concrete data. However, what is clear is that we are making a strategic investment in technology, and the proposed ROI is heading in the right direction. ETCIO: Anything interesting that is coming up? RP: We are in the process of launching a brand-new mobile banking application. Previously, we had two separate apps: one for credit cards and another for banking. Now, we are consolidating everything into a single app. With this new app, which has already been rolled out to almost all our retail liability customers, you will be able to view your entire relationship with the bank in one place: liabilities, cards, assets, home loans, etc. all integrated seamlessly. The UI has been redesigned and while UI preferences are subjective, initial ratings on Playstore suggest an improvement over the old app. It offers a significantly richer feature set. The key advantage is that if you have multiple relationships with the bank: home loan, fixed deposits, savings account, credit card, you no longer need to navigate across multiple platforms. Everything is now accessible through a single app.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
CIO 3.0: The rise of the tech-strategist CEO
As the enterprise technology landscape undergoes a period of quick transformation, the role of the Chief Information Officer is evolving from a traditional IT steward to a strategic business leader. The 7th edition of the ETCIO Annual Conclave, scheduled from May 29 to June 1, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt in Goa, aims to explore this evolution under the theme 'CIO 3.0: Transforming Innovation into Business Reality'.Masterclass Spotlight: Dr. Ram Charan on the CIO-to-CEO JourneyA highlight of this year's conclave is the exclusive masterclass by globally acclaimed business strategist Dr. Ram Charan. With over five decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, Dr. Charan will delve into 'How Tech Leaders Can Become a CEO,' offering insights into the strategic mindset required for CIOs aspiring to ascend to the CEO role. Celebrity Speakers Bringing Fresh Perspectives The conclave features a diverse lineup of celebrity speakers who will share unique insights: Leander Paes: The tennis legend will discuss the parallels between sports leadership and corporate strategy. Anupam Mittal: Founder & CEO, People Group & Angel Investor, Mittal will share his entrepreneurial journey and the role of technology in scaling businesses. Milind Soman: Indian actor, model, and fitness enthusiast, Soman will emphasize the importance of wellness and resilience in leadership. Irfan Pathan: Former Indian cricketer, Pathan will draw lessons from sportsmanship applicable to corporate leadership. Ameen Haque: Founder of Storywallahs, Haque will highlight the power of storytelling in driving organizational change. CIOs in the Spotlight: Architects of India's Digital Future As digital acceleration becomes synonymous with business survival, the ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025 brings together a handpicked cohort of technology leaders who are not just adapting to change—they're defining it. Here are some of the most influential CIOs whose presence at the conclave signals the direction enterprise tech is headed: Dr. Satya Ramaswamy, CDTO, Air IndiaManish Gupta, Group CIO, Aditya Birla GroupSanjeev Rastogi, CEO, Adani Group - GCCHilal Khan, CIO, Honda Cars IndiaMahesh Ramamoorthy, CIO, YES BankKrishna Guha Roy, Director IT[CIO], South Asia Region, NestleRucha Nanavati, CDTO, Mahindra & Mahindra, Automotive and Farm Equipment BusinessVrijesh Nagathan, CIDTO, Marico Beyond the Sessions: Networking and Innovation The conclave offers more than just sessions: Innovation Booths: Over 80 booths showcasing cutting-edge tech Zone: Interactive demos and hands-on experiences with emerging Opportunities: Curated sessions providing over 1000 minutes of networking with industry peers. Stay Connected For updates, key takeaways, and post-event coverage, stay tuned to Join the conversation and be part of the transformation shaping the future of enterprise technology leadership.


Hans India
4 days ago
- Hans India
Tollywood stars face scrutiny over realty endorsements
Hyderabad: In the glitzy world of cinema, celebrity endorsements have long served as powerful tools for brand promotion. However, a rising trend among Tollywood stars endorsing real estate companies has now come under serious scrutiny. With several actors entangled in legal probes and public backlash, this emerging alliance between celebrities and real estate ventures is proving to be more problematic than profitable. Over the past few years, real estate developers, especially in growth corridors like Amaravati and Hyderabad's suburbs, have roped in leading Tollywood actors to serve as brand ambassadors for their projects. Among the most high-profile names is Mahesh Babu, whose association with several ventures, including Sai Surya Developers and Srisurya Developers, generated considerable investor attention and media buzz. Through glossy advertisements and high-impact campaigns, these collaborations helped developers build trust with the public—often without due transparency or scrutiny. However, the star power that once drove sales is now casting shadows. Mahesh Babu's association with Sai Surya Developers took a controversial turn when investors accused the company of fraud, claiming they had been misled by marketing campaigns prominently featuring the actor. The firm allegedly failed to deliver promised plots, leaving hundreds of investors in financial distress. Similar complaints have emerged around Srisurya Developers, which also used Mahesh Babu and his family in promotional material. These allegations escalated when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently issued a notice to Mahesh Babu, summoning him in connection with a money laundering investigation involving both Sai Surya Developers and the Surana Group. The probe is centered around illegal fund movements and the role of celebrity endorsements in masking alleged scams. The legal summons has sent shockwaves through the Telugu film industry and has triggered widespread debate on the accountability of public figures in brand promotions. But Mahesh Babu is not alone. Other Tollywood actors like Ram Charan and actress Genelia have also faced backlash for lending their names to real estate firms that later ran into trouble. Ram Charan's endorsement of Suvarnabhumi Projects drew criticism after several land-related complaints surfaced. Similarly, Genelia's involvement with a disputed housing venture led to legal challenges, making it clear that celebrity associations are no shield against public and legal scrutiny. These incidents underscore a critical issue: celebrities often endorse brands based on contracts and commercial returns, without adequately vetting the ethics, legality, or financial health of the companies involved. In sectors like real estate - where large sums of public money are at stake—such endorsements can cause serious consequences. When projects collapse or fail to deliver, the backlash inevitably falls on the celebrities who championed them. Speaking about it, popular film director and producer Thammareddy Bharadwaja said: 'Actors must be cautious before endorsing a brand, as their influence significantly impacts the public. The government should also take necessary measures to prevent misleading endorsements. For instance, the 1950 film 'Sangram,' starring Ashok Kumar, was banned by the government because the protagonist was shown engaging in illegal activities. Similar stringent actions should be considered in cases of questionable brand endorsements as well.' He also said that monetary gain should not be the sole factor guiding an actor's decision to endorse a product. The growing number of controversies is a stark reminder that celebrity endorsements must come with responsibility. Legal experts and consumer rights advocates are now calling for stricter guidelines and accountability measures governing such promotions. These could include mandatory due diligence by celebrities, clearer disclaimers in advertisements, and legal provisions to hold endorsers liable in cases of public deception. Speaking on this issue, Sistu Ramesh, a senior advocate, said, 'At this point, it's important to remember that Mahesh Babu is not the primary subject of investigation. His name has surfaced likely in the context of brand endorsements. As an actor and public figure, he may have been engaged purely on a professional basis, but actors should have a background verification before endorsing such brands. There should be strict guidelines for such promotions.' As the landscape of brand collaborations evolves, Tollywood actors and other public figures must tread carefully. The onus lies on them to ensure their influence is used ethically and responsibly. Failure to do so not only risks their reputation and career but also impacts thousands of fans and investors who trust their endorsements. The glitter of fame must not blind the stars to the real-world consequences of their choices, experts say.