'Today’s CIO has to be a businessman first, and a techno-expert only after that'

Background



Ganesh is a BE in electrical engineering and a PGDM from IIM Calcutta. His
past experience includes three years with Asian Paints and 12 years with

Hindustan Lever.

Challenges at Work



"The CIO today has to be a businessman first and a technologist next.

This is perhaps the biggest change in the role as perceived by his employer. He

has to be able to make the technology choices that make a strategic difference

for his company. He also has to be able to look at IT spend as a portfolio

investment and ensure that the company gets solid ROI on it," says Ganesh.

"Making the correct investment in a complex and rapidly changing technology

landscape. IT in Talisma has a customer - facing role both in the product

business and in the outsourcing services business. The IT strategy/direction is

to ensure that the organization’s tools and processes are aligned to deliver a

superior customer experience, all in a cost efficient manner. We have been able

to showcase the quality of our IT infrastructure and processes and win

businesses from large enterprise level customers."

Turning Point



Getting responsibility for managing the IT infrastructure for the Central

Asia-West Asia region. "This brought me into a complex area involving

global processes and technology in a multi-cultural environment. It has been a

unique experience, and has molded me as an individual and a manager."

Paradigm shift



"I moved from a formal, brick and mortar, highly-structured (and

highly-effective) environment into one where there is no hierarchy. I am amazed

at the level of effectiveness that this environment fosters. I have the pleasure

of working with brilliant developers and managers who walk the bleeding edge of

technology.

Other Interests



Collecting commemorative coins and stamps.

Philosophy



India is at the threshold of greatness. What will get us there is not a step

but a huge leap , lets go for it!

As told to Amit Sarkar