RAM RAMACHANDRAN says it is crucial to build a strong team of high-performing and motivated professionals having the right mix of technology and soft skills . Most of Ramachandran ’ s efforts are directed towards achieving this .

The move to Dubai as Head of Middle East and Africa for Tech Mahindra was a memorable accomplishment for me professionally . After spending more than 16 years across geographies including Singapore , Atlanta , Sydney and Kuala Lumpur , we shifted to the UAE with a bundle of optimistic caution . With seven years gone by , me and my family feel more than satisfied to have taken that leap of faith .

An organisation ’ s biggest asset is its employees . The world of IT and digital is constantly evolving and improving for the better . Over 4,000 employees work in Tech Mahindra ’ s MEA region , which includes eight countries in the Middle East and 14 countries in Africa .

In order to provide better and futuristic services for our customers , it is crucial to build and sustain a strong team of highperforming and motivated professionals having the right mix of tech and soft skills . Most of my efforts are directed towards achieving this .

What are your strengths and abilities that you bring to the above role ?

My management style is a mix of transformational , with shared vision across teams and democratic , freedom to act , perform and grow .

The region with its ever positive outlook , immense investment opportunities , vibrant dynamics , and an amalgamation of rich and varied culture , presents a welcoming vibe . During this tenure , I have had the honour of being ranked by Forbes in the Top 100 Global Locals for four consecutive years and also being among the Top 50 Indian Executives in the Arab world .

During my formative years , I was fortunate to have seen punch cards , early weather prediction modelers , and statistical computers that my father used . He was a PhD in Statistics working with the Government of India , and as early as the 80s and 90s was leveraging computers for the development of the nation . I think the fascination with technology rubbed on from him .

After completing my Engineering in the Mechanical stream , my passion and love for technology remained intact as I worked on all my final projects related to technology . In the year of Y2K , when I completed my MBA in Information Management , I knew I wanted to pursue both management and technology careers .

My dedication to technology only grew stronger during my MBA , where I truly understood and appreciated the immense potential it had to change the world . It defined my future , and I ’ m glad I took that step .

Which technologies and innovations can make a difference to the channel market dynamics in the near future ?

I do not think ever before , there have been so many game – changing and radical technologies hitting the industry simultaneously . My top 5 picks for technologies in vogue are AI , Generative , Cognitive , Autonomous ; Omni-verse Ecosystem , Meta , Digital Twins , Blockchain ,

Ram Ramachandran , Senior Vice President and Head MEA , Tech Mahindra

INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS 67