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 are more than just subject-matter experts.
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”.
CIOs today have taken their rightful among their C-Suite peers, helping companies transition to the digital age and generate revenue through technology and innovation.
In this special feature, IMAGES Business of Fashion showcases the torchbearers of retail technology. This week, the spotlight is on Sarfaraz Miller, Head – IT Apparel Group India Pvt. Ltd.
About Sarfaraz Miller
Sarfaraz has extensive knowledge of the retail industry with over 15 years of experience in retail IT. He started his career in IT in 2007, since then has grown multiple times through the opportunities received at work with multiple projects /applications. Over these years, he has implemented new projects within stipulated timeline.
His ability to explore potential features of applications which help business users work seamlessly and his excellent learning ability that helps him improve his own skill set in all domains set him apart. He also has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A good team player who knows how to work in and manage a team, Sarfaraz’s role includes defining a strategic digital roadmap, driving transformation, setting benchmarks (execution and implementation for better customer experience), strengthening of data security controls, standards and cyber security posture for the brand, spearheading supply chain and optimize warehouse operations.
His ability to adapt to situations helps him in providing end-to-end solutions which help businesses in reaching their goals.
Career History & Experience
Sarfaraz Miller is Head – Information Technology at Apparel Group India Pvt. Ltd. (December 2022 – Present). Before this, he was Head Information Technology & Supply Chain at Celio India (May 2021- Dec 2022). Before he was promoted to Head IT & Supply Chain, he was heading IT at Celio India from September 2015 – April 2021.
Prior to this, he was Manager IT at HyperCITY Retail India Ltd. (Jan 2007- Sep 2015).
He says his strengths are making complex ideas simple, thinking ahead and eye to detail. He also says that he has some aspirations to fulfill one of them being making a positive impact to the environment and be a person worth following.
Game Changing Retail Technologies
He says that some of the top technologies that will make a huge impact on the retail industry in the coming time include:
- AI & ML combination
- Metaverse
- In-store digitization (cashier less store/Interactive Digital mirrors)
- Self Checkouts
Miller says some of the biggest lessons and learning he’s had over the years are: “Focus on the objective and keep an eye to detailing” and that “Technology enables endless capabilities; one only needs to explore ways and means of doing it the right way.”
“Retail is very dynamic in nature and as an industry has seen many folds. It is on a track to reach new heights and set new benchmarks. Technology as an underlying layer has taken over a very critical position in the growth of business operations,” he adds.
He concludes with his tech mantra for life, which is, “Automation and change are the key levers. It gives an opportunity to explore more and enhance the current landscape.”
