India has become a force to be reckoned with in the tech space. With more and more startups and MNCs operating from India, there is a clear trend of Indians moving into the industry.
However, given the complexities of the infrastructure in these large-scale companies, being a chief technical officer takes a lot of work. Especially when it comes to setting up processes and driving incremental improvements on already well-optimized systems.
While the CEOs get credit for driving the organization and CMOs for marketing, in this article we’ll be appreciating all the best CTOs driving innovation in tech throughout India.
40+ Top CTOs in Indian Industries
1. Shyam Mardikar
Chief Technical Officer to Reliance, Shaym Mardikar drives strategy and spectrum evolution of what is the world’s fastest-growing network. Aside from being exceptionally good at his job, Shaym was behind some initiatives like the launch of India’s first U900 and LT1800 networks.
With accolades like the Economic Times ET CTO of the year and TelecomLead CTO of the year, he’s noteworthy, to say the least. So when it comes to leading a muti-domain architecture team for Reliance, it’s no surprise he’s one of the most impressive Indian CTOs on this list.
2. K Ananth Krishnan
Ananth is one of our top tech CTOs for his tenure at TCS. Heading technical operations for one of the most impressive MNC tech companies in India, TCS generated over 28.8 billion USD in revenue as of 2023.
While there are many technical aspects to his role some of the few areas he drove include enterprise architecture, the performance of large applications, and software company-wide.
For those still skeptical, over his career at TCS he’s had a huge part to play in a wide portfolio of patents, partners, and startups TATA has accumulated since 1999.
Although now retired, we’ve added K Ananth to our list for him driving the world of systems software in India since 1999.
3. Rafee Tarafdar
Responsible for tech vision and strategy, Rafee Tarafdar from Infosys is one of the best CTOs in the industry. In the Indian tech world, Infosys is both a leader and inspiration for digital transformation and scaling strategies.
Besides incubating the Strategic Technology Group, he spearheaded the Live Enterprise program that helped drive digital transformation at Infosys. Co-authoring the book ‘The Live Enterprise’, his interest in enterprise-wide operations has shaped the growth of Infosys and industry norms followed in the world of SaaS.
4. Sudipta Bhattacharya
CEO of the Adani Group North America, Sudpita Battacharya made our list for his contributions as CTO. CTO for the full Adani group, before assuming the position he was CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) a 14 billion USD company on the Indian stock exchange.
Sudpita dealt with infrastructure for a conglomerate that dealt with ports, power generation, gas distribution, and even agri products for the largest private power producer in India.
5. Prem Thudia
Co-founder and CTO of Nestle Health Science company, Prem Thudia helped develop technology that analyses research collected from over 10,000 peer-reviewed journal articles.
With more than 20 years of experience in the IT industry, Prem Thudia has helped several companies and startups level up. With proficiency with technical solutions and thorough insight into automated technology solutions, he creates systems that can scale.
Aside from this, when working with CISCO, he also solved complex issues with database management systems and developed and implemented a partner web portal for Amadeus Global Travel Network.
5. Rahul Mulay
From Adani Capital, Rahul Mulay was CTO for a period of 4 and half years where he left a lasting impact leading the IT department. Currently Technology Head for the Commercial and SME Finance Division, his experience with the private banking and retail broking sector of IT is immense.
This is reinforced by his expertise in identifying and implementing various software solutions for companies he works for. With the capability to conceptualize designing and implement It enterprise applications in some of the largest financial institutions in this country, Rahul was undoubtedly one of the best CTOs in India for a good deal of time.
6. Randeep Sekhon
Another one of the more talented CTOs in India, Randeep Sekhon has been a key figure in the telecom industry. In the global telecommunications landscape, Airtel stands as a leader, driving economic growth and fostering digital transformation across various sectors.
In addition to steering the organization’s technology strategy, Randeep as CTO has played a pivotal role in initiatives that have advanced the telecom sector.
From implementing autonomous networks to ensuring secure and resilient infrastructure, Randeep's work has over the past 6 years been essential to the evolution of telecom in India.
7. Kalyan Kumar
Before his current role as CPO, Kalyan Kumar served as Global CTO of HCLTech until April 2024. During this team, he directed technology strategy and drove the building of partner ecosystems. We’ve added him to this list of best CTOs in India for his spearheading cloud initiatives with major players like AWS, Google, and Microsoft.
With over two decades at HCL, KK has driven growth in IT and digital services, establishing the DRYiCE.AI Software Division and leading the world's first BSM SaaS Platform, MTaaS.
Kalyan Kumar is also a member of the Wall Street Journal CIO Network, the CNBC Technology Executive Council, and even co-authored eight books in the tech domain.
8. Rajesh Chavan
Rajesh Chavan is currently the Chief Technology Officer at Avenue Ecommerce, DMartReady. However he was also previously a Senior Director of Technology (Digital) at Publicis. Rajesh has led large-scale digital programs, focusing on Omni-channel commerce platforms like Oracle Commerce/ATG, Hybris, and Demandware.
Having worked with top global retailers including Tesco Apparels/FnF, JCPenney, and Belk, delivering innovative solutions is a regular part of his skill set. With expertise that spans solution architecting and delivery excellence, he’s a note-worthy CTO in retail and e-commerce. Moreover, by leading global teams across retail, telecom, and technology sectors his industry insight is extensive, to say the least.
9. Anurag Jain
Anurag Jain is CTI and CIO of Bajaj Finserv. Being a seasoned leader in IT with over 25 years of experience, he’s excelled in driving efficiency. Aside from this, he’s also good at managing technology, and analytics functions like cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. Having led innovative enterprise IT projects, Anurag’s scope and portfolio include projects around AI, ML, RPA, and cloud infrastructure.
Additionally, as a member of executive committees for IT strategy and governance, he has overseen multi-million dollar deals and complex system integrations. Recognized with awards like the Bajaj Finserv Group Leadership Award and CIO100 Honoree, Anurag's contributions are industry-leading.
10. Raman C V
CTO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Raman CV, earns recognition for his significant contributions to product design and development in the passenger car industry.
Before becoming CTO, he led multiple product development teams and managed projects from concept to SOP.
Raman's expertise extends to vendor development and supply chain management, where he has driven supplier upgrades through joint ventures and technical collaborations. With strategic direction in product innovation, Raman CV has been fundamental in shaping Maruti Suzuki's offerings. And on the whole, he’s made a notable impact on the automotive market.
11. Dr. Aspi N. Patel
CTO of the Aditya Birla Group, Dr. Aspi N. Patel, stands out for his 30+ years of expertise in technical, manufacturing, and marketing functions across global markets.
Before assuming his current role, he led cross-functional teams in the research, development, and commercialization of innovative products in industries like flooring, automotive, and construction materials.
Dr. Patel has a proven track record of working with multiple stakeholders and excels in identifying key technology acquisitions and scientific opportunities, as well as mitigating competitive threats. Dr. Patel’s leadership has significantly influenced the group's technological advancements.
12. Mohit Kapoor
Group Head of Technology for Mahindra Group, Mohit Kapoor, is recognized for his 30 years of experience in business technology.
With a focus on innovation and digital transformation for the past 20 years, he has been essential in advancing Mahindra's digital initiatives.
An electronics engineer with advanced certifications from Cornell University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Mohit excels in global technology operations. He also hasa strong understanding of risk management, and data analytics which has served him well over the years.
Having led the digital transformation strategy, his overall skill set includes enhancing process quality and company culture. His most significant contribution, however, is improving customer experience which helped solidify Mahindra's position in the market.
13. Gunjan Patidar
CTO of Zomato India, Gunjan Patidar, is recognized for overseeing all technology verticals at the company. His influence plays a huge role in nurturing tech talent and enhancing the design, development, and deployment of innovative products for customers.
Under his leadership, Zomato expanded strategically, acquiring stakes in Grofers and Blinkit, and most recently acquiring Paytm's event ticketing subsidiaries. His efforts have significantly contributed to Zomato's growth in the tech and e-commerce sectors.
Zomato also achieved a Guinness World Record by training 4,300 delivery partners in a single first aid lesson, reflecting Gunjan's commitment to impactful initiatives.
14. Girish Nayak
Leading the tech vision at ICICI Lombard, Girish Nayak is recognized as one of the top CTOs in the insurance industry. ICICI Lombard stands as a pioneer in digital transformation within the sector.
Girish joined ICICI Group in 1994, initially contributing to Project Finance and Oil & Gas financing. In 1999, he played a key role in ICICI's e-commerce ventures, driving investments and innovations. Later, he led the Technology Management Group, focusing on technology strategy and emerging opportunities. His extensive experience in strategy and technology has significantly influenced ICICI Lombard's growth and digital evolution.
15. Venkateswaran Krishnamoorthy
Venkateswaran Krishnamoorthy, CTO of Dairy Day, is a prominent figure in IT leadership with a focus on technology-led transformation and IT strategy.
With over two decades of experience, he has been instrumental in driving digital transformation and implementing large-scale programs in data analytics, route-to-market solutions, and cloud migration.
Venkateswaran has also led strategic initiatives, like sales and customer service transformations for this major conglomerate, and leveraging image recognition for enhanced market execution. His expertise in building scalable data platforms and revamping IT infrastructure has been huge. Not only did this significantly impact business performance but it’s also improved operational efficiency.
16. KVGK Raju
KVGK Raju, CTO of Gland Pharma Limited, has been instrumental in advancing the company's position in the pharmaceutical industry. Based in Hyderabad and established in 1978, Gland Pharma specializes in manufacturing, with a focus on injectables.
Under Raju's guidance, the company has developed cGMP-compliant facilities and integrated in-house API capabilities, ensuring seamless product development.
With a global footprint across 60 countries, his leadership has helped establish Gland Pharma as one of the fastest-growing generic injectable manufacturers worldwide.
17. Ashish Khushu
Ashish Khushu, CTO of L&T Technology Services Limited (LTTS), is a prominent figure in the digital engineering space. He leads the company’s technology roadmap, focusing on IP development, platforms, and solutions in high-growth areas like Semiconductors, Consumer Electronics, MedTech, Hyperscalers, and Next-Generation Communications.
Ashish's expertise in deploying cutting-edge technologies has been crucial in enhancing value generation and ROI for businesses. Under his leadership, LTTS's advanced AI capabilities and patents have accelerated sustainable new product development, solidifying its position in the industry.
18. Anup Nair
Responsible for leading digital technology strategies, Anup Nair, the CTO of Mphasis, stands out as one of the more notable leaders in the tech industry. In the Indian technology landscape, Mphasis is recognized for its client-centric digital transformations and innovative solutions.
Anup Nair has been essential in executing strategic digital initiatives, particularly in banking and capital markets. His work has driven revenue growth and improved client engagement.
His leadership in developing digital sales strategies and fostering partnerships has significantly enhanced client ROI and industry practices.
19. Suraj Prakash
Hailing from Edelweiss Asset Management Limited, Suraj Prakash has made significant contributions as CTO, especially in the BFSI domain. With over 20 years of experience, he has expertly managed large-scale IT projects, leaving a mark on both European and Asian financial sectors.
Suraj's expertise lies in identifying and implementing applications and infrastructure solutions that transform customer experiences. His ability to design and implement IT enterprise applications while handling critical areas like change management and cost optimization showcases his industry-leading skills.
His role in driving operational excellence has firmly established him as one of the top CTOs in India's financial technology sector.
20. VK Gupta
CTO of DishTV, VK Gupta boasts over 30 years of experience in IT, media distribution, and broadcasting. His diverse expertise includes digital transformation, automation, and data analytics, pivotal in shaping large-scale B2C businesses.
Gupta has a track record of leading early-stage businesses, and conceptualizing competitive market processes, products, and services.
Known for his hands-on approach, he has built extensive automation systems to optimize business processes and customer service. A change agent and customer champion, Gupta excels in managing large teams to drive strategic objectives and innovation across various industries.
21. Jeyandran Venugopal
As Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO) at Flipkart, Jeyandran Venugopal leads a talented team across product management, engineering, design, and data science. With Flipkart being India's leading e-commerce marketplace, he drives technology-led innovation to transform commerce and create value for customers and sellers.
Jeyandran oversees a variety of projects, from developing engaging user experiences to building ultra-high-scale systems and advanced data platforms.
His work is pivotal in implementing cutting-edge data science applications, reinforcing Flipkart's commitment to breakthrough innovations tailored for the Indian market.
22. Raghu Krishnananda
As CPTO at Myntra, Raghu Krishnananda has over 25 years of experience in e-commerce, consumer internet, and finance. Recognized for his strategic vision in product and technology development, Raghu Krishnananda has been focused on cloud platforms and machine learning for some time now.
On the whole however, it was his expertise in Agile methodologies and project management that’s has been key to Myntra's success over the years.
Beyond this, he excels in building and leading large teams, driving innovation while mentoring senior technical talent. Raghu’s leadership has significantly shaped Myntra's technological advancements and overall growth in the industry.
23. Venki Nishtala
As CTO of Rediff, Venki Nishtala has played an essential role in the internet industry, leading with expertise in e-commerce, product strategy, and mobile applications in India.
With a strong background in information technology, he has been instrumental in shaping Rediff.com into a leading platform for news, information, entertainment, and shopping.
Under his guidance, Rediff has continued to innovate and expand, maintaining its position as one of the earliest and most influential Indian web portals. Venki's strategic partnerships and management skills have been key to Rediff's growth and success in the digital space.
24. Vishal Arya
As CTO of Tata Play and formerly Tata Sky, Vishal Arya is a distinguished CTO known for his strategic vision and technological prowess.
With a strong track record in transforming enterprise applications and broadcast technologies, Vishal has significantly advanced OTT services and set-top box hardware strategies.
His expertise extends to driving operational improvements and fostering innovation, delivering substantial returns for Fortune 500 companies. Vishal's commitment to mentoring and adapting quickly to new technologies highlights his exceptional ability to lead and inspire within the industry.
25. Sadashiv Deshmukh
As CTO of Telenor India, Sadashiv Deshmukh brings 28 years of expertise in the telecom industry. With advanced degrees in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and Management Science, he excels in strategic planning and execution of telecom projects.
Sadashiv is proficient in managing and maintaining diverse network infrastructures, including NLD fiber, CDMA, and 2G to 4G mobile networks.
His expertise also extends to deploying Wi-Fi hotspots and designing telecom solutions for corporate clients. Operating multi-vendor equipment across various technologies. His strategic approach enhances value and margins in telecom services.
26. Harvansh Singh Sagar
Harvansh Singh is a leading figure in technology and innovation. Currently serving as CVP & Head of IT Infrastructure and Digital Operations at Max Life Insurance, Harvansh’s career showcases his expertise in shaping IT strategy and operations.
Previously, as Sr. Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for SBI Card & Payment Services Ltd, Harvansh was instrumental in establishing Centers of Excellence.
That said, he also currently oversees IT acquisitions and mergers and enhances IT service delivery and process automation. Harvansh's ability to drive technological advancements and optimize operations highlights his significant impact on the industry when was CTO at SBI Card & Payment Sertvices.
27. Manoj Kumar Mauni
Another notable CTO in India, Manoj Kumar Mauni has been instrumental in leading the IT transformation at Bandhan Bank. In the banking and financial services sector, Bandhan Bank is a key player in driving digital innovation and operational excellence.
As CTO, Manoj has been pivotal in shaping IT strategy and managing comprehensive IT transformations. His expertise spans IT service management, enterprise data lakes, and risk management.
With a background in BE (Hons) from BITS Pilani and a Master in Financial Management from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute, Manoj’s leadership and adherence to best practices like CMM and PMP have earned him multiple accolades in technology.
28. Dr. Mukul Saxena
When it comes to impressive CTOs in India, Dr. Mukul Saxena has made significant strides in the R&D sector. At Havells India, he drives technological innovation and product development with a focus on local and regional markets. With over 35 years of experience, including 14 years in the US, Dr. Saxena has previously led global R&D teams at GE and Siemens. His work spans renewable energy, healthcare, and industrial automation.
Committed to fostering innovation and supporting 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,' Dr. Saxena's leadership continues to shape cutting-edge solutions and drive advancements in technology.
29. Deepak Prasad
With 30 years of experience, Deepak Prasad is expertise in production planning, plant maintenance, and operations. He also excels in driving operational excellence and strategic improvements.
As CTO, Deepak has been essential in optimizing resource utilization and driving productivity in . His leadership has led to successful market expansions, cost reductions, and compliance with quality and environmental standards. Deepak's dynamic approach ensures efficient project completion and supports the company's growth and sustainability goals.
30. Anish Nair
Another leading CTO in India, Anish Nair has made significant strides at JSW One Platforms Limited. With extensive expertise in e-commerce, product development, and engineering leadership, Anish is known for delivering large-scale technical initiatives that enhance customer experience through innovation, performance, scalability, and reliability.
As CTO, Anish has excelled in building talented cross-functional teams and fostering a strong tech culture. His leadership in program management and Agile processes has been instrumental in driving the company’s technological advancements and maintaining high standards in engineering excellence.
31. Kastubh Dabral
Formerly the Global Chief Information Officer for Dabur Limited, Kastubh Dabral played a pivotal role in driving digital and technology transformations for one of India's largest CPG companies.
At Dabur, he spearheaded initiatives across strategy, platform selection, and solution design. Notable achievements include establishing a Data Lake for advanced analytics, and enhancing operational efficiencies with a Digital Factory operations system.
He also played a role in implementing a D2C platform for Dabur. Kastubh’s expertise in building digital asset management and content solutions has significantly advanced the company's digital capabilities.
32. Madhukar Srivastava
Madhukar Srivastava stands out as a leading figure in the telecom and ICT sectors, with a distinguished career spanning 39 years. As the former Chief Technical Officer at Larsen and Toubro, he drove technology strategy and innovation, contributing significantly to projects in collaboration with C-DOT, L&T, and Sterlite, among others.
Madhukar has played a key role in launching major consortium projects, including advancements in 5G and 6G technologies. His extensive experience also includes leadership positions at Bharti Airtel, Tata VSNL, and Reliance Jio, where he managed network planning and service delivery. In general, however, his expertise in telecom business operations and solution engineering has solidified his reputation as a top technology executive.
33. Ravi Pichan
As the Chief Information Officer at RBL Bank, Ravi Pichan continues to drive technology strategy and transformation with notable impact. Previously, as Chief Technical Officer at HDFC Life, Ravi excelled in managing intricate IT portfolios and implementing strategic technology solutions.
With 30 years of experience, Ravi has consistently demonstrated a strong track record in optimizing IT investments and delivering results across diverse organizational and geographic contexts. His technology leadership has significantly advanced the capabilities and efficiencies within the financial services industry.
34. Sanjay Suri
Sandeep Suri is a notable figure in the tech industry, having previously served as Chief Technical Officer and Chief Product Officer at Nykaa.
During his tenure, Sandeep played a pivotal role in transforming Nykaa from an early-stage startup to a leading e-commerce platform with a successful IPO.
His contributions spanned product development, platform evolution, and marketing optimizations, all while managing the complexities of scaling operations. From navigating funding rounds to handling flash sales and system outages, Sandeep's leadership was integral to Nykaa’s growth and success.
35. Bhavesh Lakhani
Bhavesh Lakhani stands out as a prominent global CIO, currently steering technology for Firstsource across North America, Europe, and Asia. With a vast team under his leadership, he is instrumental in shaping technology strategy, driving digital transformation, and ensuring enterprise architecture and information security.
Previously, as CTO at Indusind Bank, Bhavesh led technology initiatives for SBI Mutual Fund, overseeing core platforms, software development, and IT infrastructure. His efforts in digital transformation and leveraging advanced technology have significantly impacted business value and operational excellence.
36. Geena Malhotra
Geena Malhotra is a distinguished leader in the pharmaceutical industry. Formerly the Chief Technical Officer at Cipla, she played a crucial role in advancing the company’s technical capabilities and product innovations over a 38-year career.
Geena’s extensive experience and deep industry knowledge continue to drive excellence in pharmaceutical excipients. As she moves forward, her legacy of leadership and innovation remains influential in the industry.
37. Arun Jaura
Arun Jaura is a prominent figure in the automotive industry, currently serving on the European Advisory Committee. Previously, as Chief Technical Officer at Hero Motorcorp, he led the transformation of their R&D and Innovation centers in India and Germany.
Arun also drove significant advancements in product development, focusing on speed to market and quality through the Global Center for Innovation and Tech Center. His leadership facilitated the launch of groundbreaking products such as the VIDA EV and XOOM 110 cc.
He also spearheaded the development of connectivity solutions and digital frameworks, positioning Hero Motorcorp at the forefront of new-age mobility solutions and EV technology.
38. Shashank Kumar
Shashank Kumar is a visionary leader in the fintech space. As the Founder and Chief Managing Officer of Razorpay, Shashank has driven the company's remarkable growth, propelling it to process over $150 billion in payments.
As Chief Technical Officer, his foresight into the digital payments landscape has positioned Razorpay as a key player in transforming how businesses handle transactions.
Shashank’s approach emphasizes long-term vision and bold thinking, challenging traditional limitations and embracing technological shifts. His leadership at Razorpay exemplifies how forward-thinking can shape industries, making a significant impact on the future of digital payments.
39. Lokesh Chauhan
Lokesh Chauhan is a standout tech leader with a significant impact on the OTT industry. Formerly the Chief Technology Officer at ErosNow, Lokesh was instrumental in shaping the strategic direction and scaling the technology platform for one of India’s largest OTT services.
With over 15 years of experience, Lokesh has excelled in developing and managing extensive technology platforms, spanning fintech, food tech, and delivery sectors. His leadership at ErosNow underscores his expertise in driving technological advancements and operational excellence.
40. Jagbir Singh
Currently, the CTO of Vodafone Idea, Jabir Singh is a distinguished tech leader with a profound impact on the telecom industry. Even As the former Group CTO for Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, Jabir brought over 28 years of expertise to one of India's leading telecom operators.
His extensive background encompasses key telecom technologies including LTE, IMS, IP-MPLS, Wi-Fi, and GSM. Jabir's strategic vision and leadership were pivotal in managing the entire network lifecycle, from planning to engineering.
