Archives July 2023

More Indian employers consider apprenticeships as a strong Talent Development Strategy in India – TeamLease

Mumbai, 07th July 2023: TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, India’s largest privately owned Degree Apprenticeship program from the house of TeamLease Services, has unveiled a significant trend in the talent development landscape. Through a survey conducted with nearly 200 industry leaders, the company has identified that 65% of participants recognized apprenticeships as a Talent Development Strategy. This recognition showcases the profound impact apprenticeships have in nurturing and enhancing the skills of emerging professionals, solidifying their position as a transformative force in the current job market.

One of the standout advantages identified was the Optimized Talent Cost associated with apprenticeships. An overwhelming 42% of respondents acknowledged the remarkable cost-effectiveness of creating talent through apprenticeships compared to conventional talent acquisition methods. This cost optimization serves as a compelling incentive for businesses to embrace apprenticeships as a strategic approach to talent development.

 

Commenting on the significance of the analysis, Mr Sumit Kumar, Chief Business Officer at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, said, “In the last 2-3 years, India has witnessed a remarkable surge in the adoption of apprenticeships, with the number of organizations onboarding apprenticeships almost doubling from 3.5 lakhs to 7 lakhs. Additionally, the number of establishments actively engaging in apprentices has increased from 22,000 to 40,000, and the count of registered organisations in the apprenticeship pool has risen from 1,20,000 to 1,70,000. This upward trend is a testament to the evolving mindset of Indian companies, recognizing the immense potential apprenticeships hold in bridging the skills gap and fostering a talented workforce. When we compare this trend to the challenges faced by China, such as a shrinking workforce and an ageing population, India’s demographic advantage becomes evident. India has a relatively young population, with a median age of 28 years, as compared to China’s 39 years. 26% of the population is below the age of 14, 67% are between the ages of 15 and 64, and 7% are above the age of 65. In China, the ageing population, which is 60+, is almost double that of India. With a young and dynamic population comprising approximately 65% under age 35, we possess a substantial advantage over our counterparts. This advantage not only fuels our economic growth but also presents an opportunity to harness the untapped potential of our youth through apprenticeship programs.”

The analysis also sheds light on the invaluable role of apprenticeships in real-time talent engagement, with 30% of participants acknowledging their capacity to foster proactive and engaged employees. This underscores the transformative power of apprenticeships in shaping a motivated workforce that actively contributes to organizational success. Furthermore, 28% of respondents recognized the improved productivity resulting from apprenticeships, further highlighting their positive impact on both individual and organizational performance.

“Employers are not only acknowledging the immense value of apprenticeships but are also demonstrating their commitment by generously providing stipends that surpass the prescribed rates, offering a premium ranging from 40% to 82%. This investment translates into remarkable returns on investment (ROI), with apprenticeship programs yielding returns that are three to four times the initial investment. This significant willingness to invest in apprenticeships highlights their pivotal role in not only attracting but also retaining top talent,” Mr Kumar added.

Apprenticeships are not solely a talent development strategy; they serve as a comprehensive solution by seamlessly blending academic learning with practical on-the-job training. This symbiotic arrangement delivers a myriad of benefits, fostering not only individual growth but also driving broader social and economic objectives.

redRail by redBus Introduces Innovative ‘Confirm’ feature to Eliminate Wait-Listing Woes for Train Passengers

7th July 2023 – redRail by redBus, announces the launch of its innovative Confirm feature, which enables passengers struggling with seat availability in trains to evaluate alternate travel options and avoid wait-listing. This new addition to the redRail platform aims to maximize a passenger’s chances of getting a confirmed ticket and being able to undertake their planned journey.

The Confirm feature is specifically designed to address the long-standing challenge of wait-listed tickets, revolutionizing the process, and significantly improving the chances of passengers securing confirmed seats on their desired journeys. By harnessing the power of advanced technology and data-driven algorithms, redRail’s Confirm feature empowers passengers to effortlessly explore untapped seat availability within the same train or from nearby stations, all while aiming at improving one’s chances of getting a confirmed ticket.

The newly launched ‘Confirm’ feature also comes with powerful features inside the PNR status section within redRail by redBus that revolutionizes the way waitlisted ticket holders can manage their bookings and increase their chances of securing confirmed seats. Below is a closer look at the notable benefits and functionalities offered:

  1. Real-time PNR status through WhatsApp updates:

Regardless of where the ticket was booked, any waitlisted train ticket holder can now visit redBus or redRail and enter their PNR number to instantly check the status of their waitlisted ticket and the probability of its confirmation. They can also subscribe to WhatsApp alerts that will keep them informed of any changes in their PNR status eliminating the need to check for updates again and again. This ensures that passengers stay updated on any progress in their ticket’s confirmation process wiping out anxiety and stress associated with booking waitlisted tickets.

2. Accurate prediction of confirmation probability for waitlisted users:

Leveraging advanced data science, redRail by redBus provides users with accurate predictions of the confirmation probability for each waitlisted ticket, right at the time of booking. The probability of confirmation gets updated daily based on real time updates to add more value to the user. This feature empowers travelers to make informed decisions based on their chances of securing a confirmed seat.

3. Alternate travel solutions for tickets with low confirmation chances:

In the case of tickets with low chances of confirmation, the redRail Confirm feature allows users to discover available seats on an extended route within the same train’s schedule, while retaining their boarding and dropping station preferences.

Using enhanced cluster search logic, it also suggests trains departing from or arriving at stations that are close to the passenger’s preferred boarding and destination station, that have confirmed ticket availability or a much higher chance of the ticket getting confirmed. Additionally, leveraging the vast network of buses available on redBus, redRail Confirm within the redBus app’s PNR section even suggests available bus options on the same route, in order to further maximize the passenger’s chances of travelling as planned. Given that, this unique offering provides travelers with an assurance to travel, using an alternative mode of transport while ensuring their journey remains uninterrupted.

Travelers can also conveniently access information on their PNR status updates, live train whereabouts, station updates, platform numbers, and coach positions, all in one place. This integration ensures that passengers stay well-informed throughout their journey.

“We understand the frustrations and uncertainties involved when dealing with wait-listed tickets. With redRail’s commitment to making train travel in India more hassle-free, we believe redRail Confirm will significantly reduce dilemmas associated with waitlisting, by providing reliable means to boost one’s chances of securing a confirmed ticket. In the event of a certain train ticket having a low probability of confirmation, our systems provide other available train and bus options, to provide the user with a definitive travel solution. This new feature also helps optimize seat occupancy for Indian Railways and is a win-win for both, the passenger as well as the railways.”, stated Prakash Sangam, Chief Executive Officer of redBus.

The launch of redRail Confirm comes at the perfect time, with the Diwali booking window opening soon. Passengers can take advantage of this offering from redRail by redBus and increase chances of getting confirmed train tickets for Diwali. To celebrate this launch, redRail by redBus is offering exclusive discounts up to Rs 100 on tickets booked on its platform.

CII Karnataka announces its Thrust areas for growth & development in 2023-24

Mr Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan

06 July 2023 Bengaluru: CII Karnataka hosted a Media Interaction today with Mr Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan, Chairman, CII Karnataka State Council & Managing Director, Kennametal India Ltd and Mr Venu Nuguri, Vice Chairman, CII Karnataka State Council and Managing Director & CEO, Hitachi Energy India Ltd, the elected leadership for CII Karnataka State 2023-24 addressing the media captains. During the interaction, the leadership highlighted the key focus areas for the State of Karnataka– being Growth, Inclusiveness, Globalisation & Building Trust. CII Karnataka will be taking forward the initiatives for the year 2023-24 aligned to the theme “Towards a Competitive and Sustainable Karnataka@100: Growth, Inclusiveness, Globalisation, Building Trust” through a strategy on Beyond Bengaluru towards enhancing competitiveness, promoting inclusiveness & facilitating sectoral growth initiatives. CII being the B20 Secretariat, has been hosting a lot of critical interventions and engagements in Karnataka and shall continue to contribute to the larger agenda of being a global powerhouse.

“As a part of our agenda this year, CII has been working closely with the Karnataka Government on key growth areas such as, ease of doing business, taxation policies, adoption of clean energy and alternative fuels, skilling and up-skilling initiatives as well as driving industrial growth beyond Bengaluru and development of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities”, said Mr Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan. Highlighting the Vision for the state, Mr Vijaykrishnan mentioned, “Focus on Beyond Bengaluru towards enhancing competitiveness, promoting inclusiveness & facilitating sectoral growth initiatives for the State of Karnataka”. Further elaborating on the MSME focussed initiatives, Mr Vijaykrishnan also said, “CII Karnataka has been extensively promoting growth and development for MSMEs as well as converging on policy related interventions as MSME outreach has been a key focus area for the state.” He also mentioned about the persistent focus on Sustainability, Manufacturing & Operational Excellence, Emerging Sectors and Entrepreneurships & Startups and create an enabling ecosystem for the industries to thrive in the state of Karnataka especially through conducive policy frameworks. The state has also initiated taskforces to deliberate on sectoral interventions under Tourism and Hospitality and Healthcare, considering the growth potential of the state.

As part of the larger exercise commenced by the CII India@75 Foundation at the National level, CII Karnataka had undertaken a visioning exercise at the State level to evolve a State Vision Document i.e., Karnataka@100 which encapsulates the aspirations of stakeholders to create a shared vision for the State. The tagline for the National vision has been – Morally, Economically & Technologically Advanced (META) India by 2047. CII Karnataka in collaboration with IIMB worked to curate this vision document in consultation with multiple stakeholders across the state. Karnataka@100 – A Document for 2047 outlines the vision for the state’s growth in the next 25 years – focussing on Governance, Investment, Participation of stakeholders, Innovation, and Industry 4.0.

The membership engagement plans highlighted enhancing competitiveness and enabling growth for the industry. This would be further supported through engagements with CII’s specialised services delivered by its 10 Centres of Excellence, international market development initiatives and exposing member companies to industry best and good practises on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Speaking to media persons, Mr Venu Nuguri said, “Emerging Sectors has been initiated as a new engagement plan, considering the membership strength of Karnataka, to catalyse the growth of the new age sectors like Aerospace & Defence, Electric Vehicles, ESDM etc. The Industry Institute Interaction, a new initiative from the last year’s agenda will be approached from an angle of building greater engagement between industry and academia to equip the youth with future-ready work and business skills emphasis. Considering the membership strength of institutes contributing to 11% of the overall membership, CII Karnataka will pursue this engagement effectively, contouring the nuances of upskilling and reskilling.

CII has been working with the Government of Karnataka on areas like Labour Codes, through IR experts, lobbying constantly for an effective and smooth implementation, Minimum wages, and other aspects related to labour relations. Decriminalisation under various acts will be another focus area under Policy advocacy for the state as this being a national agenda, to decriminalise minor offences and enhance ease of doing business. Skilling being a thrust area for the Government both at the Central and State levels, will be focussed along with the Industry Institute Interactions. CII proactively engages with various stakeholders including international consulates for business opportunities and initiatives like catalysing job creation through career fairs & internships and enhance sectoral competitiveness through focussed interventions such as the CII Indian Women Network and CII Young Indians.

Lord’s Mark Industries launch Lord’s Mark Microbiotech to pioneer Genome Testing in India

 

Mumbai |6th July 2023: Lord’s Mark Industries, a leading diversified business group, has launched a new wholly owned subsidiary – Lord’s Mark Microbiotech – to champion Genome Testing in India with their first online lab. The new subsidiary has been established as a part of celebrations to mark the successful completion of 25 years of excellence in business by Lord’s Mark Industries.

With the launch of Lord’s Mark Microbiotech, the company is also introducing saliva-based technology for genome testing through its brand MyDNA, which results in 99% accuracy. The saliva-based test does not require the extraction of blood or a phlebotomist. An individual can do it after reading the enclosed instructions in the kit at their home. Lord’s Mark Microbiotech will aim to make the products and technology for Genome Tests available to the common people nationwide through doctors and healthcare providers. Through the company’s website, people can order Genome testing kits online which will be delivered within 48 hours and reverse pick up after the test is conducted. Lord’s Mark Industries also has its patented algorithm called SNAPPY for calculating the Polygenic Risk Score (PRS), which estimates an individual’s genetic risk (predisposition) for a trait or condition. PRS takes the sum (aggregate) of all known common variants to calculate an overall genetic risk for a particular disease.

Speaking on occasion, Mr Sachidanand Upadhyay, Founder of Lord’s Mark Industries, said, “Genome testing is an exciting new area with the potential to revolutionise healthcare in India. In this context, it is a matter of great pride that the launch of this new subsidiary coincides with the completion of 25 years of excellence in business by Lord’s Mark Industries. Lord’s Mark Microbiotech will focus on preventive Genomic testing for early detection, screening, and personalised interventions for diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, or hereditary condition.”

The new subsidiary will aim to offer accessible and affordable Genome Testing in 48 cities nationwide. The initial focus will be on metro and Tier 1 cities and then Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns in the next 3-4 years. Using the cutting-edge technological expertise of Lord’s Mark Industries over the last 25 years and advanced scientific research, genome testing will help people get precise health risk insights through in-depth analysis and study of their genetic conditions.

Mr Subodh Gupta, CEO of Lord’s Mark Microbiotech Private Limited, said, “We already have the technology for Genome testing. With the new subsidiary, we will focus on preventive Genomic testing for early detection, screening, and personalised interventions. The focus will also be on pharmacogenomics which can help optimise drug selection and dosages.”

Through regular screenings and monitoring, preventive genomics can help in early detection, timely interventions, and improved prognosis of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, or hereditary conditions. The genome testing kits of Lord’s Mark Microbiotech will provide an end-to-end preventive genetic testing solution. The price range for the genome testing kits will be between INR 8000 to INR 16,000. Lord’s Mark Biotech has an impressive R&D team of biotechnologists, statisticians, geneticists, bioinformaticians and medical counselors with a technical expertise of 15+ years in genomics and big data domains. The company will also collaborate with leading scientific and research institutes to develop and deploy diagnostic tools for diseases like cancer and tuberculosis. It will make an initial investment of INR 20 crore to generate revenue of INR 100 crore in 5 years.

Wardwizard Foods and Beverages Ltd to Showcase QuikShef and Snack Buddy’s Retail and HoReCa Range at India HoReCa Expo 2023

Vadodara,6th July 2023 —Wardwizard Food and Beverages Ltd, one of the leading players in the food and beverage industry, is pleased to announce its participation in the highly anticipated India HoReCa Expo 2023. The event, which began today, will run from July 5th to July 7th, 2023, at the Codissia Trade Fair Complex in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

India HoReCa Expo is a premier exhibition dedicated to the Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering (HoReCa) industry, bringing together industry professionals, suppliers, and decision-makers from across the country. Wardwizard Food and Beverages Ltd is excited to be a part of this prestigious event and will be showcasing the extensive Retail and HoReCa product range of QuikShef and Snack Buddy, including the RTE Products, Frozen Products, Sauces and Condiments.

Speaking on the participation in India HoReCa Expo 2023, Ms. Sheetal Bhalerao, Chairperson, and MD of Wardwizard Foods and Beverages Ltd., said, “We are pleased to showcase our wide range of offerings at India HoReCa Expo 2023. It serves as an excellent platform for us to present our renowned QuikShef and Snack Buddy brands, along with the launch of our exciting widerange of HoReCaproducts. We are eager to introduce our innovative and high-quality products to the attendees, and we look forward to exploring new business opportunities. With this, the company is prepared to enter a new market and will soon make a variety of its products available in Coimbatore.”

Wardwizard Food and Beverages offers unparalleled convenience, ensuring that customers can savor mouth-watering meals without the hassle of extensive preparation. The diversity of the QuikShef offerings guarantees there’s something to suit every palate, while the Snack Buddy sauces add an extra layer of excitement and flavor to any dish. The HoReCa range will further enhance the company’s commitment to providing innovative and high-quality products to the industry.

By participating in India HoReCa Expo 2023, Wardwizard Food and Beverages aims to connect with industry professionals, build new partnerships, and expand its business reach. The company looks forward to contributing to the event’s success and looks forward to a fruitful exhibition.

Ex- MPL, Ranaq Sen joins WorkIndia as Head of People

6th July 2023: WorkIndia, a leading tech-enabled blue-collar recruitment company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ranaq Sen as Head of People. Having a remarkable tenure in the HR industry, Ranaq joins WorkIndia with a mission to drive the company toward sustained growth and continued success.

Prior to joining WorkIndia, Sen spearheaded the People analytics and digitization functions at MPL. A prominent multinational technology company. He has been instrumental in driving the transformation of the People function and implementing industry-leading practices in the organization. His strategic approach to People management and his ability to create a positive work environment make him a valuable addition to WorkIndia’s leadership team.

In his new position as Head of People, Sen will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources at WorkIndia, including talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, people analytics and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. He is also playing a crucial role in expanding the leadership team and enhancing employee benefits and programs, including health policies such as introducing mental health leave, period leave, and other initiatives that prioritize employee well-being.

On joining WorkIndia, Ranaq Sen, Head of People, WorkIndia commented, “I am thrilled to be part of WorkIndia’s journey as a leader in the field of blue-collar recruitment solutions. I’m eager to make my contribution towards the company’s ongoing expansion and achievements. With the formidable talent pool at WorkIndia, I have unwavering confidence in our capacity to soar to unprecedented achievements, fostering an environment where team members can flourish & bring their best selves at work. By investing in our people, we are not only driving their success but also fuelling the continued development and prosperity of our organization.”

Commenting on the appointment, Nilesh Dungarwal, CEO and Co-Founder of WorkIndia said, “We are delighted to welcome Ranaq Sen into our leadership team. His deep understanding of human resources, along with a strong focus on talent development and creating a culture of high performance, will be crucial in advancing our expansion goals. Ranaq’s appointment further reinforces our commitment to attracting top talent and building a workplace that empowers our employees to excel.”

WorkIndia plays a crucial role in simplifying and digitizing the blue-collar recruitment process in India. By leveraging technology and providing a user-friendly platform, it helps bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, making it easier for both parties to connect and fulfil their respective needs.

Tenon FM provides housekeeping services for Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru

6th July 2023: Tenon FM, one of the leading global facilities management companies with a strong foothold in India, Singapore, and the UK, has been selected to provide housekeeping services at Terminal 2 of Kempegowda Airport, Bengaluru. Inaugurated in November 2022, this terminal handles the domestic operations of the airport.

Tenon FM, part of Tenon Group of Companies, has deployed over 300 specialized staff responsible for performing housekeeping services that meet international standards. This includes housekeeping, safe cleaning chemicals and consumables, waste management services, along with other ad-hoc services as and when required under the contract.

Commenting on this, Mr. Angad Rajain, Global IFM Head & CSO at Tenon Group, said, “We are honoured to be providing our services to Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport. We look forward to a successful and fruitful association, where over 300 of our experienced staff will be providing housekeeping services and management at the terminal. Our staff has undergone rigorous training so as to be able to provide services of international standards.”

Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport is a garden terminal built to help accommodate the increase in passenger traffic. The airport is also one of the biggest airports in India and is India’s first greenfield airport built under a public-private partnership.

SonicWall holds one of its kind Partner Technical Advisory Council (PTAC) Meet in Bangkok

 

Bangalore 6th July 2023 – SonicWall, a global leader delivering Boundless Cybersecurity, today announced that it held its first one of its kind Partner Technical Advisory Council meet at Bangkok between June 21-23rd 2023.

PTAC is an initiative of a broader direction laid out by SonicWall’s CEO Bob Vankirk as “Outside in Approach”.

The event was attended by around 49 participants of which around 32 of them were partners from 12 markets in APJ region, namely; India, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Korea, Hongkong and Malaysia.

Around 17 participants were internal SonicWall team members comprising executives and leadership team members from HQs and APJ.

Debasish Mukherjee, Vice President, Regional Sales, APJ at SonicWall said, “The primary goal of PTAC is to foster stronger commitment, enhance relationships, and strengthen business alliances with the invited partners. This meet of almost two full days was all about brainstorming and sharing strategic insights, product roadmaps, future strategies, round tables and panel discussions.”

Debasish further added “SonicWall is a 100% channel partner driven company. With more than 17,000 strong and active partners worldwide of which 2500 partners are based in India, our partners form the extended arm in protecting customers businesses every day. It is incredibly humbling to work alongside this diverse and talented ecosystem of distributors and partners, helping our customers create agile workflows that can absorb the unpredictable nature of today’s cybersecurity challenges. Such events will further strengthen the bond we share with this large partner family of ours to stay on top of our game and drive the cybersecurity business environment as world leaders.”

“Looking at the success of the very first PTAC meet, we are excited to make this a regular feature going forward, Debasish concluded.

Some of the key notes and sessions of the meet across the 2 days comprised customer success case studies, strategic market insights, updates & developments, MSSP Insights – Current and New (Virtual Session) and open house discussions and mock sessions around Cross-selling, managing competition and successful executions and management etc.

Quick Heal Technologies Ltd. Appoints Former Infosys Executive, Vishal Salvi as the Ceo

Quick Heal

Mumbai, 6th July 2023 – Quick Heal Technologies Ltd., a leading global cybersecurity solutions provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vishal Salvi as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, effective immediately. Salvi, a former executive at Infosys, brings with him over 29 years of experience in driving excellence in the cybersecurity and information technology domains in India and globally.

Prior to joining Quick Heal Technologies, Salvi held the position of Global Chief Information Security Officer, Business Head of Cybersecurity Service Line & Senior Vice President at Infosys Ltd. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping the information and cyber security strategy across the Infosys Group. Salvi’s extensive expertise in cybersecurity and information technology has been honed through various leadership roles at renowned organizations such as PwC, HDFC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Global Trust Bank, Development Credit Bank, and Crompton Greaves.

Dr. Kailash Katkar, Chairman and Managing Director, Quick Heal Technologies Ltd., will continue the role of Chairman and Managing Director. Dr. Katkar’s exceptional leadership has been instrumental in the company’s remarkable growth and success. Under his visionary guidance, Quick Heal expanded its presence in the enterprise cybersecurity space in 2015 with the introduction of the acclaimed brand ‘SEQRITE’ while retaining a dominant market share in the retail segment. With his proactive direction, the company embraced a goal to make ‘Cybersafety a fundamental right for all’ and continue to make significant efforts to address the awareness gaps that have left billions of individuals, businesses, and governments vulnerable to cyber-threats worldwide.

Expressing his confidence in the new leadership appointment, Dr. Kailash Katkar stated, “I warmly welcome Vishal Salvi to the Quick Heal family. Our team has tirelessly worked to deliver robust cybersecurity solutions, and I take immense pride in the significant business value we have created for all stakeholders. With customer centricity and innovation as our driving forces, I am confident that Quick Heal will continue to secure individuals, organizations, and nations. Together with Vishal Salvi as our CEO, we are fully committed to transforming the cybersecurity ecosystem in India and solidifying our position on the global map.”

In response to his appointment, Vishal Salvi commented, “I am deeply honored to assume the role of CEO at Quick Heal Technologies Ltd. Quick Heal has earned a solid reputation as a trusted leader in the cybersecurity industry, and I am incredibly excited to lead this exceptional team into the future. In the face of constantly evolving cyber threats and the critical importance of prioritizing digital security, I am fully committed to the shared goal of making ‘Cybersafety a fundamental right for all.’ I am eager to drive growth, cultivate a culture of innovation, and provide unmatched value to our customers and stakeholders. Together, we will strive to create a cyber-secure world for everyone.”

The appointment of Vishal Salvi as the CEO and with Dr. Kailash Katkar as the Chairman and Managing Director marks a significant milestone for Quick Heal Technologies Ltd. Their combined expertise, leadership, and industry knowledge will further fortify the company’s position as a global leader in cybersecurity.

Lloyds Banking Group announces Sirisha Voruganti as CEO and Managing Director of Lloyds Technology Centre in India

Bangalore, 05th July 2023 – Lloyds Banking Group, one of the leading UK-based financial services groups has announced the appointment of Sirisha Voruganti as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of its new Lloyds Technology Centre, based in Hyderabad, India. Ms Voruganti, a globally renowned technology and innovation leader joins from JCPenney, where she has served as the Managing Director and member of the Board for JCPenney in India.

Ms. Voruganti has extensive experience in IT architecture, data engineering, and fintech innovation and has held several senior technology positions in multiple global firms. She was the first woman Managing Director for JP Morgan Chase in Technology in India and has served as an Executive Vice President of Architecture, Data and Shared Services for Mastercard.

Ms. Voruganti is passionate about building a high-performing engineering organisation as well as being committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within technology roles. Her impressive track record includes steering organisations through significant transformation and has been an inspiration for women in technology, exemplified by her creation of India’s first safety device for women’s protection.

Sirisha Voruganti

Sirisha Voruganti said: “I am thrilled to be leading Lloyds Technology Centre during this pivotal phase of Lloyds Banking Group’s digital transformation. The new technology centre will allow us to tap into the extraordinary technology talent and expertise in India. It presents an incredible opportunity for brilliant and enthusiastic people looking to enhance their skills to drive innovation for Lloyds Banking Group’s customers.”

Commenting on the appointment, Ron van Kemenade, Group Chief Operating Officer at Lloyds Banking Group said: “Welcoming Sirisha Voruganti marks a significant stride forward in our plans to establish our new technology centre. With her outstanding background, extensive experience and leadership qualities, I’m delighted that she’s chosen to join Lloyds Technology Centre and excited about her passion for using technology and innovation to deliver great experiences for our customers.”

Sirisha Voruganti will assume her role as CEO and Managing Director of Lloyds Technology Centre later this month, overseeing its establishment and longer-term growth strategy.