In today’s day and age, any CIO worth his salt must know how to leverage technology to create value for the business. No longer are CIOs department heads of a support function. Instead, they are in the driver’s seat and need to be more than just subject-matter experts.
Over the years, the role of the CIO has morphed from backroom IT employ into strategic partners. CIOs are marching alongside their C-suite peers, driving innovation & revenue-generation with their unique skill set.
According to International Data Group (IDG)’s “State of the CIO Study 2022,” 58 percent of workers outside of IT describe their company’s CIO as a “strategic advisor who proactively identifies business opportunities and makes recommendations.”
In this special feature, IMAGES Business of Fashion showcases the torchbearers of retail technology. This week, the spotlight is on Rajesh Verma, VP-Information Technology, Indian Terrain Fashions.
Rajesh Verma is an industry veteran with over 20 years of IT leadership experience. He has held various positions of prominence over the years including CTO, CIO and HEAD IT.
Roles & Responsibilities
Verma’s specialty includes oversight of project implementations, infrastructure, application development & support, cyber security & IT policies. Over the years, he has been dedicated to customer satisfaction with focused delivery of technical solutions. He is also highly adept in proposal development, technology needs assessments and staff training.
He is a proven leader in directing operations, maintenance, and support of complex systems. At Indian Terrain Fashions, he is in charge of creative business solutions, leveraging diverse methodologies and delivering engineering solutions for leading organizations.
Career History & Experience
- Indian Terrain Fashions: Vice President Information Technology, March 2021-present
- Retail Solutionz: Chief Technology Officer, Sep 2019- March 2021
- Marks and Spencer India Ltd. (Reliance Retail): Head of Information Technology, Jul 2018- Sep 2019
- Blackberrys: Head of Technology | CIO, Nov 2014- Jul 2018
- Café Coffee Day: Head IT, Jun 2010- Oct 2014 & Sr Manager IT, Oct 2004- May 2010
- Bisleri International Pvt Ltd: IT, Oct 2021- Oct 2004
Education
Verma completed a Certification in Strategic Leadership (June 2021-Jul 2021) from the Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai.
Prior to that, he completed a course in AI and ML (2020) from IBM, Watson. Alongside tihs, he did a Digital Transformation course (2020) from the Indian School of Business.
He completed his MBA in IT (2011-2012) from Amity University. He also did a course in Computer Certification in System Management from National Institute of Information Technology (1996-1999).
He completed his graduation from Ludlow Castle in General Business Administration and Management (1990-1993).
Skills
His special skills include:
- Vendor management
- IT operations
- Team management
- ERP
- Social Collaboration
- IT management
- IT strategy
Verma says he is “passionate about exploring distant lands, getting lost in a good book, capturing moments, feeling the music, and engaging in various sports”.
