Latest news with #ETCIOAnnualConclave2025
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Speed, Security, and Stakeholders: What CIOs Must Get Right in 2025
At the 7th edition of the ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025, held against the backdrop of surging technological momentum, India's top CIOs gathered not just to trade implementation strategies—but to redraw the contours of their own evolving Manish Gupta, Group CIO at Aditya Birla Group, reflects on the modern CIO's role, he's quick to move past the conventional definitions. 'The job of a CIO is not internal,' he says. 'It must reach out to all stakeholders. Start by mapping them out—a mammoth task to figure out the human dimension.' It's a sentiment that captures the deepening complexity—and pressure—facing technology leaders today. The CIO is no longer a back-office functionary; they are a visible, strategic actor in a landscape shaped by rising customer expectations, accelerating innovation cycles, and ever-tightening security requirements. Today's CIO navigates: Driving innovation at pace, safeguarding trust, and managing human dynamics that make change possible. It's no longer about mastering technology—it's about leading through it. The Three Arcs of Leadership Kirti Patil, Joint President–IT and CTO at Kotak Life Insurance, defines the evolution through 'the three arcs': The visible shift, the invisible layer, and the human thread. Each is necessary; together, they define whether a CIO merely implements change or drives transformation. The visible shift is the front-end—the customer apps, the chatbot, the digital touchpoints that users experience. The invisible layer is the backend—the architecture, APIs, and data integrations that support the experience. But the most challenging layer may be the last. 'Trust in a brand is trust in digital,' Patil explains, underscoring how technology decisions now have reputational stakes. A failed rollout or breach isn't just a technical error—it's a brand issue. This is why Gupta places so much emphasis on education, exposure, and experimentation. 'Experimentation helps multi-level co-creation in the organization involving all the stakeholders a CIO touches,' he notes. It's not enough to deploy a tool; CIOs must create the cultural and structural conditions that allow for innovation to be shared and scaled. From Tech Steward to Strategic Partner One of the most telling observations comes from Anand Srinivasan, Co-founder and CIO at Akasa Air, who captures the changing dynamic in blunt terms: 'Technology is given. In fact, customers expect you to have cutting-edge tech.' The challenge isn't adoption—it's orchestration. Srinivasan sees the mark of a great CIO in their ability to trust and delegate. 'Listen to the wizkids team, sign the cheques and get out of their way,' he says. His view reinforces a common refrain: The CIO as enabler. But that shift isn't just managerial—it's strategic. As customer-facing tech becomes table stakes, differentiation comes from how quickly and responsibly organizations can build and scale new capabilities. And that brings CIOs to a critical balancing act. Innovation Meets the Trust Imperative Few sectors feel the pressure of that balance more than financial services and insurance. Here, technology must do more than work—it must work without violating trust. Sarang Khewale, Deputy CTO and Head Digital Innovation at SBI, talks of the two-pronged approach he undertook, 'Deeply involved design thinking techniques that help protect data by empathizing,' he says. 'With innovation, trust shouldn't be compromised.' The emphasis on empathy is not rhetorical; it's a design principle, and in industries that manage personal information, it's also a regulatory and ethical necessity. For Rohit Kilam, CTO at HDFC Life Insurance, regulatory sandbox provides ground to land. 'We are building things within the regulatory sandboxes.' Innovation, in his view, must also serve those on the margins—'the bottom of the pyramid'—especially the unbanked and underserved segments. Scaling inclusively requires risk, but that risk must be responsibly managed. The Security Reckoning With every digital advancement comes a new frontier for attack. The cybersecurity conversation is no longer siloed—it now shapes every technology investment. 'There's an attack every day,' says Sunit Vakharia, CTO at Reliance Nippon. 'Need to understand the mind of the attacker, without which you'll never be able to defend.' His focus is not just on tools, but on mindset—building a defense that anticipates, not just reacts. At Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Kanathil Vadakke Dipu, Senior President- Digital Transformation & Innovation, refers to the mock exercises undertaken as 'cyber mahayudh'. The company's effort focused on identifying vulnerabilities and reducing response time. The takeaway: Resilience is no longer a luxury, but a daily operational requirement. Sandeep Khanna, Director at UIDAI, adds a layer. 'The blind spots,' he notes, 'are shadow IT, supply chain risk, and third-party vulnerabilities.' These are threats embedded deep in the ecosystem, not easily visible, but devastating when breached. Looking Ahead The CIO agenda for 2025 is as expansive as it is urgent. Disruption is no longer a question of 'if'—it's a question of preparation and positioning. And as CIOs have been pointing out the writing on the wall for eons now: 'You can't afford to miss disruption.' The modern CIO stands at the intersection of agility and accountability, innovation and integrity. It's a demanding role—but one uniquely positioned to influence the future of business. As Gupta, Patil, and others suggest, the path forward lies not only in systems, but in stakeholders—and in the human capacity to collaborate at scale.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
The New Mandate: Why India's CIOs Are Driving Business, Not Just Tech
When Krishna Guha Roy took the stage at the ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025 in Goa, she first drew attention to the precise, process-driven world she represented. As Director – IT, South Asia Region at Nestlé, Roy has spent the last few years working within a company known for its operational rigor and deeply embedded processes. 'Nestlé, is a well-known Swiss company where quality is premium, processes well embedded,' she said. 'Talking digital in an organization like this had two parts: Talent and transformation.'The Conclave, now a staple in India's enterprise technology calendar, brought together CIOs, digital transformation leaders, and business executives to discuss the evolving role of IT in business strategy. Roy's remarks set the tone for a conversation that was not only about technology but also about leadership, organizational change, and boardroom dynamics required to enable it. From Back Office to Boardroom 'You cannot drive transformation without people,' Roy emphasized. Facing rising consumer expectations—'the consumer wanted the product in a few minutes'—her team restructured how technology was implemented. 'We brought in data engineers… innovation, design thinkers, UX specialists,' she said. The CIO's office, traditionally viewed as a support function, took on a more central, strategic role. 'It was also discipline,' Roy added, referencing structured programs around reskilling, design thinking, and even reverse mentoring to bridge generational digital gaps. This expanding influence of the CIO was a recurring theme throughout the Conclave. Where once IT leaders were tasked with system maintenance and vendor management, today they are expected to contribute directly to innovation, AI strategy, and ESG priorities. 'A CIO who can't speak strategy is invisible,' Roy remarked. That sentiment was echoed by Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO of Digi Yatra, who offered a pragmatic view on influencing decision-makers. 'Play on the primal instincts—fear,' he quipped, before turning serious. 'The board looks forward to protecting the future. Put your views in alignment. Every individual board member is a different persona—risk averse or innovation friendly. Get your prep done.' Tech Investment as Strategic Leverage For many organizations, technology investment is no longer a cost center but a lever for competitive advantage. 'With diverse businesses, the CIO role is the most critical,' said Sanjeev Rastogi, CEO of GCC at Adani Group. 'How effectively we spend on each of the assets… An important factor is how you also protect and connect and manage cost per unit.' But influence alone doesn't drive change. Execution remains a core challenge. Neethan Chopra, CDIO, IndiGo, underscored the importance of filtering innovation through structured experimentation. 'The funnel approach really works. Top of the funnel innovation I say yes to not miss game-changing tech… Get it in the hands of customers and employees. Let that act as a filter before you take to the board for scale.' Data, Mergers, and Intelligent Scale Even in high-stakes environments like aviation, the CIO's role in transformation is increasingly visible. Dr. Satya Ramaswamy, CDTO at Air India, described the complexity of integrating the Air India and Vistara platforms: 'There were 140+ apps across the board in combined landscape, 300 aircraft, 30k+ employees brought together, 270,000 Vistara reservations brought seamlessly into Air India. In the global aviation industry, a smooth merger is being talked about.' Across sectors, data remains both an asset and a vulnerability. 'The cost of hoarding data is greater than the risk of sharing it wisely,' said Vishal Gupta, Head of Business Transformation and Digital at Godrej Consumer Products. But data democratization, he warned, requires discipline: 'Democratization of bad data is worse than no democratization at all. First, have a well-governed, centralized platform—a single source of truth.' For Pramod Mundhra, President & CIO at Havells, the opportunity lies in making technology less visible and more intuitive. 'The trick lies in removing friction. With GenAI, on-demand is more powerful. We are enabling our people to use more on-demand data.' A Redefined Mandate The takeaway from Goa was clear: The CIO's role is no longer confined to the back office. As expectations evolve and transformation accelerates, CIOs are rewriting the rules—not just for IT, but for the enterprise itself.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- 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.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025: Redefining CIO's journey from technology steward to enterprise leader
ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025 The Economic Times CIO (ETCIO) announces its landmark 7th Annual Conclave, themed " CIO 3.0 : Transforming innovation into business reality," taking place May 29 to June 1, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt, Goa. This invitation-only gathering will bring together over 200 of India's most influential technology leaders to explore the evolving role of the CIO from technology enabler to business strategist and potential CEO. In an era where AI, automation, and data analytics are fundamentally reshaping business landscapes, the 2025 conclave addresses the critical evolution of the CIO role. No longer confined to technical implementation, today's CIOs are increasingly becoming architects of growth, drivers of customer experience, and shapers of enterprise strategy. "The modern CIO stands at a pivotal crossroads," said Amit Kumar Gupta, business head, ET business verticals. "This year's conclave is designed as a blueprint for technology leaders who are ready to translate their innovation capabilities into tangible business outcomes and position themselves for the highest levels of corporate leadership." The ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025 delivers an unparalleled experience crafted specifically for technology leaders at the pinnacle of their fields. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Lost Their Money - Learn From Their Lesson Expertinspector Click Here Undo Attendees will engage with Dr Ram Charan's exclusive masterclass on the CIO-to-CEO journey, participate in 25+ visionary sessions spanning multiple formats, and connect during 1,000+ minutes of strategic networking opportunities with peers from India's most prestigious organizations. Technology visionaries from ICICI Bank, Ola, Akasa Air, Zepto, Hero MotoCorp, NSE, Adani Group, and other industry titans will lead critical conversations on AI as the new enterprise operating system, strategies for leading through constant disruption, data democratization across organizations, and next-generation infrastructure approaches. This carefully orchestrated convergence of India's top technology minds creates not merely a conference but a transformative leadership laboratory where today's innovations become tomorrow's competitive advantages. Setting this conclave apart are the carefully crafted evening experiences featuring conversations with prominent figures from Bollywood, business, and sports, complemented by performances from India's most celebrated musical artists, creating an environment where intellectual stimulation meets cultural enrichment. The ETCIO Annual Conclave isn't just an event; it's where the future of technology leadership is defined. Attendees don't just leave with new ideas—they leave with transformed perspectives on their role in shaping enterprise futures. For more information about the ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025 or to request an invitation, visit . About ETCIO The Economic Times CIO (ETCIO) is India's premier platform for technology leaders, providing insights, analysis, and community engagement for chief information officers and technology decision-makers across industries. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From CIO to CEO: ETCIO annual conclave 2025 empowers tech leaders to shape what's next
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 from 29th May - 1st June 2025. In 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 Reality This 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 200+ of India's most influential & visionary CIOs , tech leaders, and digital strategists to explore how this evolution plays out in real-world leadership. A Bigger, Bolder, Brighter Edition 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: 25+ future-forward sessions blending keynotes, panels, workshops, and live 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 storytelling formats like CIO Spotlight: My Big Win in 8 Minutes and Cracking the Boardroom Code. Conversations That Will Shape the Future: The agenda will spark deep discussions around the most urgent shifts facing today's CIOs:The Three Arcs of the Modern CIOAI is the New OS: Are You Ready to Trust Your Enterprise to Think?The CIO Paradox: Leading When the Future Won't Sit StillData Democracy: Why IT Must Lose Control for Businesses to WinEvery Customer, One Journey: Radical Personalization at ScaleCloud 3.0: Is Your Infrastructure Agile or Fragile? Inspiration Beyond the Boardroom 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. When Visionaries Gather, the Landscape Changes 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. Lead the Future. Be the Future. 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:
