Want to create a universe of Happy and satisfied souls

Umesh Ikhe, Group Chief Technology Officer, CARE Rating walks down the memory lane as he speaks about his career journey. Dataquest joins him in his flashback journey and his current role. Excerpts

Initial Days...

Graduated in Computer Science from Pune University in days when computer education was in its infancy. There was no major player active in development of software application and programs for business industry. Post graduating, forayed into the industry with range of work cutting across IT installation, hardware support and networking. Also indulged in training customers on operating systems and productivity programs.

Your First Job...

The first major breakthrough came when I got the opportunity to work with a mid-sized IT company specialized in development and implementation of core banking solution. The company had developed an application using Oracle RDBMS and UNIX platform-clearly for most of the IT companies it was a dream or would have never imagined or had a vision beyond providing branch banking on Microsoft platforms.

IT Connection...

I firmly believe in delivering IT-enabled business applications that will make difference to business and end users. I am a techno-functional CIO than pure IT CIO as I believe IT must have deeper understanding on business and operation to effectively deliver. So I followed this principal through all my career moves starting from Bank of Nova Scotia followed by Indigo Technology (niche player in delivering SWIFT platform and solution), then HDFC Bank and aurionPro solutions.

At CARE Rating...

In the last two years I streamlined and brought IT at CARE to a managed level. Implemented Unified communication across channels and devices using video/audio and combination of both. Brought in collaborative communication between business users and customers. Both these initiatives have visible difference in terms of business prospects and users satisfaction.Introduced mobility application delivery platform for internal field staff and customers as well.

SECOND CAREER OPTION...

I always liked to create a happy and satisfied customer experience with a disciplined and professional delivery mechanism. Although it is difficult question to answer if not IT then what...but my second career option will always be travel and hospitality industry with offering option of venturing in offbeat places and delivering out of world experience for customers.

YOUR WOW MOMENT...

I had multiple Wow moments during my career ... some of them are:
n Implementing most complex treasury solution at HDFC bank and getting awarded for same at APAC level.
n Getting awarded in US for best banking solution payments at IBM event.
n Delivering cross platform mobility app for internal business users and customers at CARE Ratings.

YOUR PASSION...

My passion is to deliver on time with innovative IT-enabled business solutions to users with focus is on banking, financial and insurance industry.

Apart from BFSI domain, I am continuously engaged in working on innovative solution for inclusive growth at reasonable investment and recurring cost to customers.

HOW DO YOU UNWINDing stress...

I find cycling a great way to unwind. I am actively engaged in cycling and cycling expedition. I am a movie buff as well.