The technology has revolutionized every industry sector through multiple applications in communication, data analytics, cyber security, business management, quality control, supply chain, CRM and more. These tech applications are indeed the essential pillars of modern organizations, and they are skilfully managed by a well-trained team of technologists headed by the chief technology officer (CTO).

The role and importance of an active and dynamic CTO influence efficiency and growth prospects. Modern CTOs help identify opportunities, bridge needs with applications, support mitigating risks, and enhance customer engagement with the right solutions.

Leading the teams with his visionary approach and passion, R. Ramasubramaniam, the Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO) at TTK Prestige Limited, has emerged as an inspiring solution provider for the organization and its clients.

In an engaging rendezvous with CIO LOOK India magazine, Mr R. Ramasubramaniam unfolded his journey of entry in the tech sector, challenges faced, innovations initiated and how he guided the organization to the level of success it is today. The highlights of the same are as follows…

As an influential CTO in your industry, could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to step into this dynamic ecosystem?

Reflecting on the beginning of my journey as a Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO) in the industry brings back memories of curiosity, passion, and a thirst for innovation.

I began my career as a Manufacturing Engineer responsible for Manufacturing operations in a leading and renowned organisation. As a normal and regular consumer of Data and Technology, my expectations were high and large. This experience motivated me to switch from Manufacturing to Information Technology.

From Technology Consumer to Technology Provider!

Whatever I expected as a Technology Consumer has taught me to focus on “Customer First” and Design user-friendly solutions that are Simple, Standard, and Robust.

My journey into the tech world began during my formative years when I developed a fascination for computers, coding, and technology in general. I was drawn to the endless possibilities that technology offered in terms of solving complex problems, improving efficiency, and enhancing people’s lives.

Although I am a Mechanical Engineer, I progressed and pursued my education with Master’s degrees in Management, Technology and consulting, Information Security, and Digital Strategy and Transformation.

I am always eager to deepen my knowledge of technology and its applications. During this time, I had the opportunity to work on various academic and personal projects that allowed me to hone my skills and explore different facets of technology, from software development to network architecture to data analysis to cybersecurity to Digital Strategy and Transformation.

What truly motivated me to step into the dynamic ecosystem of being a CITO was the desire to make a tangible impact with technology. I was inspired by technology’s transformative potential to drive innovation, disrupt industries, and create positive change in the world. I saw the role of a CITO as a bridge between cutting-edge technology and real-world solutions, leading teams to develop innovative solutions and services that address pressing challenges and meet customers’ needs.

Moreover, the fast-paced nature of the tech industry appealed to my innate curiosity and desire for continuous learning. The ever-evolving landscape of technology presented endless opportunities for growth, exploration, and discovery, motivating me to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and advancements.

Stepping into the role of a CITO was not just about pursuing a career but embarking on a fulfilling journey where I could leverage my passion for technology to drive meaningful impact and contribute to shaping the future of the digital world. This journey continues to inspire me every day as I collaborate with talented teams, navigate complex challenges, and strive to push the boundaries of what is possible with technology.

TTK Prestige Limited has emerged as India’s leading company in its niche. Could you share the guiding philosophy that has propelled your organization’s success?

Innovation is in our DNA. Our vision is to “Delight Home Makers” through innovation.

Our Technology Vision is to partner with stakeholders for their success. We connect with stakeholders and enable technology and solutions to innovate, achieve and transform progressively!

The essence of technology lies in innovation, disruptions, and enhancing the end-user experience. How does your company strike a balance between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction?

Balancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction is indeed crucial for any Customer-focused company. Here’s how we approach it within our organization:

*Customer-Centric Approach:

A deep understanding of our customers’ needs, preferences, and pain points is at the core of our operations. We invest significant time and resources in gathering feedback, conducting user research, and analyzing market trends to ensure that our products and services address the specific requirements of our target audience.

*Agile Methodologies: 

We embrace agile methodologies in our process, allowing us to respond quickly to changing customer demands and market dynamics. By breaking down projects into smaller, manageable tasks and iterating rapidly based on feedback, we can deliver value to customers more efficiently while maintaining high-quality standards.

*Streamlined Operations: 

We continuously optimize our internal processes and workflows to enhance operational efficiency without compromising the quality of our products or services. This involves leveraging automation, adopting best practices, and eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy to streamline decision-making and execution.

*Innovation and Disruption: 

We foster a culture of innovation and creativity within our organization, encouraging team members to think outside the box and explore new ideas. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and industry trends, we can identify opportunities for disruptive innovation that improve operational efficiency and enhance the end-user experience.

*Robust Infrastructure: 

We invest in building and maintaining a robust infrastructure that can support our operations at scale while ensuring high performance, reliability, and security. This allows us to deliver a seamless and consistent experience to our customers, regardless of the volume of transactions or interactions.

*Continuous Improvement: 

We are committed to continuously improving all aspects, including operational processes and customer-facing interactions. By regularly measuring key performance indicators, gathering feedback, and conducting reviews and analyses, we identify improvement areas and implement actionable steps to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

By striking a balance between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, we can not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations, driving long-term success and sustainable growth!

IT is your organization’s strategic function; you must face critical uncertainties and key challenges. Could you share how you and your team were highly resilient to these challenges and Uncertainties?

As the Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO), navigating critical uncertainties and key challenges are a fundamental aspect of my role. Here’s how my team and I have demonstrated resilience in the face of these challenges:

~Cybersecurity Threats:

Cybersecurity is a constant concern in today’s digital landscape, with cyber threats evolving rapidly. To address this challenge, my team and I have implemented a multi-layered approach and cyber-secured practices. We have a special focus on cyber training programs and innovatively imbibing cyber awareness among employees and stakeholders. We consistently learn and stay vigilant against emerging threats. We regularly review and update security measures and address vulnerabilities proactively!

~Digital Transformation: 

Embracing digital transformation presents both opportunities and challenges. My team and I have spearheaded Digital initiatives to Process, automate, and modernize our IT infrastructure and Software systems, Upgrade legacy systems and adopt agile methodologies in our Technology processes.

We Explore, Experiment and Onboard suitable modern Digital Technologies for Productive use.

By fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability, we have successfully navigated the complexities of Digital transformation, ensuring that our organization remains competitive and future-ready!

~Data Governance and Compliance: 

With the proliferation of Data Governance regulations, ensuring compliance has become our priority. My team and I work on compliance matters to implement robust Data Governance practices such as policies, procedures, and Controls.

We conduct regular audits and provide training on Data Governance best practices. By prioritizing governance and compliance, we build trust with our customers and mitigate the risks.

~Resource Constraints: 

Like many organizations, we often face resource constraints, whether talent shortages or time constraints. To address these challenges, my team and I prioritize resource allocation based on strategic objectives, Value-generating strategic initiatives, leveraging automation, and outsourcing where appropriate to maximize efficiency.

We invest in employee training and development to upskill our team members and ensure we have the expertise to tackle emerging technologies and trends.

~Vendor and Partner Management: 

Managing relationships with IT vendors and partners can be challenging, particularly when dealing with complex contracts, service level agreements, and varying expectations. My team and I maintain open lines of communication with our vendors and partners, setting clear expectations, conducting regular performance reviews, and resolving any issues promptly. By fostering strong partnerships built on trust and collaboration, we enhance our organization’s resilience and agility in the face of uncertainty.

Overall, resilience in IT requires a combination of proactive risk management, strategic planning, effective communication, and a culture of continuous improvement. By embracing these principles, my team and I confidently navigate challenges and uncertainties, ensuring our organization remains resilient, adaptable, and poised for success in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Looking to 2024, what is your vision for TTK Prestige Limited? How do you aspire to continue making a significant impact on India’s transformational, tech-powered, innovative future landscape?

In 2024, our vision is to continue being a driving force in India’s transformational growth story with a tech-powered innovative landscape.

As a Technology Leader, here are some of my key aspects and vision for 2024:

*Innovation and Technological Leadership: 

I aspire for our company to remain a leader in innovation, leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, ML and other leading Technologies to develop cutting-edge solutions that address key challenges and drive positive change.

We will continue to Explore, identify productive technologies, and invest in them. We will foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, and forward-thinking to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate future trends.

*Digital Transformation: 

We will play a pivotal role in driving Digital transformation across the company, empower businesses to embrace the principles and harness the power of technology to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.

By providing comprehensive digital solutions and strategic guidance, we will help you navigate the complexities of digital disruption and thrive in the digital age.

*Sustainable Development: 

Sustainability and social responsibility will be integral to our company’s mission and operations. We have prioritised sustainability in our practices, incorporating eco-friendly initiatives, reducing our carbon footprint, and promoting responsible resource use. Additionally, we continue contributing to social impact initiatives, leveraging technology to address societal challenges.

*Ecosystem Collaboration and Partnerships: 

Collaboration will be key to achieving our vision. We have strategic partnerships with startups and industry players to foster an innovation ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship, knowledge sharing, and talent development.

By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, we can co-create solutions, drive synergies, and amplify our impact on India’s tech-powered future landscape.

Talent Development and Diversity: 

Investing in talent development and diversity will be paramount to our success. We will continue to attract and retain top talent, nurturing a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the rich tapestry of India’s cultural and intellectual diversity. By providing opportunities for learning, growth, and advancement, we will empower our employees to unleash their full potential and drive innovation across all facets of our organization.

My vision for our company in 2024 is to be a beacon of innovation and sustainability, enhance Organizational excellence and be resilient using Technology. Thereby contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a global powerhouse in technology and innovation!

Through our unwavering commitment to excellence, collaboration, and responsible leadership, we will continue to significantly impact India’s transformational tech-powered future landscape.