Spotlight: CXO movements this week (Nov 23 - Nov 29)

The week of November 23-29, 2024, saw notable CXO changes in the tech industry, with significant appointments at companies like Google, Wipro, Sterlite Technologies, Securonix and Comviva. Non-tech firms, including Hindalco Industries and Tata AutoComp, also recruited senior tech leaders to enhance their digital strategies. Here's the roundup:

Wipro appoints Omkar Nisal as CEO of Europe

Wipro appointed Omkar Nisal as CEO of its Europe Strategic Market Unit. Nisal, who joined Wipro in 2012, previously served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the UK and Ireland. Nisal will report to Wipro CEO and Managing Director, Srini Pallia, and join the Executive Board. He succeeds Pierre Bruno, who is stepping down from the position. Europe, despite being Wipro's second-largest market after the United States, has been underperforming in recent years. Nisal, who has been with Wipro since 2012, is known for his leadership in driving digital transformation for clients, particularly in the banking sector across EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa). Wipro believes, Nisal’s strategic vision, combined with a strong understanding of the European market dynamics, well positions him to revive the market for further growth and expansion. (Read more)

Rahul Puri to lead Sterlite Technologies’ optical networking biz

Sterlite Technologies (STL), an optical fibre maker, has appointed Rahul Puri as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its Optical Networking Business (ONB), effective immediately. Puri previously held the position of Vice President and General Manager for the EMEIA and APAC regions. Puri brings over 24 years of experience to his job and has worked with global technology and telecom companies including Apple, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Reliance, and Airtel across various geographies. In his new role, Puri stated that his focus will be on expanding STL’s footprint in key markets such as the US, EMEA, and India, while pursuing sustainable and profitable growth. (Read more)

Securonix appoints former Kaspersky exec as head of India sales

Cybersecurity firm Securonix has announced the appointment of Dipesh Kaura as its new Head of Sales for India. With over 23 years of experience in cybersecurity and strategic sales, Kaura will drive Securonix’s growth in the region. In his new role, Kaura will focus on expanding Securonix’s footprint in India, building strategic alliances, and delivering innovative security solutions tailored to the region's evolving needs. Before joining Securonix, he was a key leader at Cyble Inc., where he spearheaded CXO-level engagements and developed growth strategies across South Asia. His career also includes significant tenures at Kaspersky and PwC, where he worked in account planning, channel development, and relationship management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology. (Read more)

Former Apple exec joins Google to lead smartphone biz in India

Former Apple executive Mitul Shah has been appointed the Managing Director of Devices and Services Business at Google India. Shah announced his appointment on LinkedIn on Wednesday, stating that he would be now leading Pixel’s sales and expansion in India. Shah joins Google after spending last nine years at Apple. His last held role at the iPhone maker was as the head of consumer sales in the company’s Gurugram unit for nearly three years. Apart from Apple, Shah worked with multinational companies such as Accenture and Infosys Technologies. He is a tech and retail sector veteran with a total experience of over two decades. Shah is an alum of Nirma Institute of Technology and Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies. (Read more)

Comviva appoints Raja Mansukhani to lead tech-led transformation

Comviva, a digital transformation solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Raja Mansukhani as its Chief Strategy, Technology, and Transformation Officer. In his new role, Mansukhani will oversee the implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at advancing Comviva’s transformation goals under its "Comviva 2.0" vision. Mansukhani has more than 20 years of experience in IT, telecommunications, fintech, and digital platforms. He has a background in leading large-scale business transformations, market expansion efforts, and the introduction of new products and technologies globally. Before joining Comviva, he served as CEO of a digital platform company within the Axiata Group. (Read more)

Rajesh Patil starts a new position as Chief Information Officer at Rajiv Plastic Industries

Rajesh Patil has joined Rajiv Plastics as Chief Information Officer. In his role as CIO, Patil will spearhead strategic IT initiatives to align technology with business goals. His focus will be on establishing robust IT infrastructure, driving innovation, and ensuring cybersecurity excellence to support the company's growth trajectory. Previously, he served as Chief Technology Officer at Asfaleia Information Systems LLP, where he led initiatives in cybersecurity, IT governance, and risk assessment. With a career spanning over 25 years, Patil has held key roles at renowned organisations such as DMart, Capgemini, and Infosys. His expertise includes IT strategy, digital transformation, project management, and innovation.

Ketan Karkhanis to lead enterprise IT at Hindalco Industries

Hindalco Industries Limited has announced the appointment of Ketan Karkhanis as its new Head of Enterprise IT & Smart Workplace. Karkhanis brings more than 20 years of experience in IT, specialising in digital transformation, cloud computing, data management, and workplace modernisation. Before joining Hindalco, he served as the Head of Information Technology at Hikal Limited and previously led IT operations for Clariant India. His expertise in aligning IT strategies with business objectives and driving operational efficiency positions him as an ideal leader for this role. In his new position, Karkhanis will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, fostering a culture of innovation, and integrating advanced technologies to build smart, collaborative workplaces.

Vinod Bhat starts a new position as CDO at TATA AutoComp

Vinod Bhat has joined Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd (TACO) as the Chief Digital Officer (CDO). In his new role, Vinod will spearhead digital transformation across the TACO group, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Gen-AI, IoT, IIoT, RFID, plant automation, and manufacturing excellence. With over three decades of experience across organisations like Vistara — TATA SIA Airlines and TCS, he brings a wealth of expertise in IT strategy, operational excellence, and digital innovation. Recognised with numerous awards for his leadership, Vinod is committed to driving impactful digital initiatives that align with TACO’s vision of technological advancement.