'I have to develop newer channels, whilst supporting a company in expansion mode'

Background



Ram passed out in 1978 with a degree in electrical engineering from IIT

Chennai. He then worked in Tata Steel from 1979-80 as a graduate trainee.

Following this, Ram completed a PGDM in IIM-Ahmedabad from 1980-82. He then

worked in the Bank of America from 1982-1994. Ram joined HDFC Bank in 1994 as

head (IT).

Current job profile



Ram’s current responsibilities include managing information technology

(IT) for HDFC Bank. He says, "Besides coping with rapid technological

change, I have to develop newer channels (Mobile, Internet) and ensure 24 X 7

availability, whilst supporting an organization in a rapid expansion mode,

enabling new products using technology and supporting business and making

customer calls."

Challenges at work



Heading the IT infrastructure at HDFC Bank involves multiple tasks. Ram

says, "Managing infrastructure through outsourcing; managing creativity and

innovation; completing projects on time; supporting new product development and

deployment; assimilating technology and understanding trends; managing change

etc prove very challenging."

Turning point in life



Joining HDFC Bank as the 4th employee, leaving a cushy job with a foreign

bank; building the bank’s infrastructure from scratch without involving any

consultants.

Professional experience



When I first joined the Bank of America, my American boss used to take great

pride in introducing me as someone who spoke in "bits and bytes"!

Personal interests



Listening to old film songs, watching films, reading books on fiction,

religion etc

Philosophy of Life



"Satyam brooyath, priyam brooyath, na brooyath sathyamapriyam."

As told to Amit Sarkar