Tag: global

  • Baba Kalyani Becomes the 2nd Indian to Receive the U.S.I.B.C Global Leadership Award

    PUNE:  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) recently held its India Ideas Summit and 49th Annual General Meeting, where Babasaheb “Baba” N. Kalyani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, received the Global Leadership Awards. This annual recognition honors business leaders from both the U.S. and India who are passionate about enhancing the bilateral economic relationship and making impactful contributions to the development of the U.S.-India commercial corridor.

    USIBC President Ambassador (Retd.) Atul Keshap said, “Baba Kalyani is an exceptional global business leader with a long-term vision to create the building blocks of critical infrastructure. As a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Baba exemplifies the power and dynamism of an Indian entrepreneur who has dedicated his life’s work to transform India into a globally-competitive center for advanced manufacturing. While Bharat Forge is an established name in the global automotive and industrial sectors, Baba’s astute leadership and passion for technology-driven innovation is rapidly positioning the company as one of India’s largest defense manufacturers and at the forefront of driving India’s aspiration to become a net defense exporter. USIBC is honored to confer its 2024 Global Leadership Award to Baba N. Kalyani.”

    In his acceptance speech, Baba Kalyani expressed his gratitude for the recognition and said, “I am humbled and greatly value this prestigious honor conferred upon me today. As the largest democracies, India and the United States share a strong global strategic relationship and we at Bharat Forge take pride in contributing to growing bilateral trade and enhanced business engagement between the two countries. As India lives up to the scale of its colossal economic potential, Bharat Forge will continue pushing the boundaries of innovation with AI, Industry 5.0 and advanced defense technologies and products. For decades, the USIBC has not only been Bharat Forge’s trusted partner in business, but also shares our commitment to free enterprise, fair trade, unlocking opportunity, and solving challenges in our countries’ economic relationship.”

    Previous articleXiaomi India Set to Launch Redmi Fire TV 4K

  • Tottenham Hotspur Announces Ant International as Global Payment Solutions and Digital Wallet Partner

    Tottenham Hotspur Announces Ant International as Global Payment Solutions and Digital Wallet Partner

    September 13, 2024,London, United Kingdom : Tottenham Hotspur has today announced a new three-year strategic partnership with Ant International, a digital payment and financial technology leader.

    The partnership sees Ant International, together with its business brands Alipay+, Antom and WorldFirst, become the exclusive Official Global Payment Solutions and Digital Wallet Partner of Tottenham Hotspur, and Alipay+ the first Official Training Wear Sleeve Partner for both the men’s and women’s teams.

    The Club will be working with Ant International, through its digital technology solutions brand Alipay+ and merchant payment services brand Antom, to provide a seamless payment experience for fans at our Stadium and on e-commerce platforms, using payment methods widely used in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

    Ant International will also support the Club on activations to drive growth of and engagement with our fanbase in the APAC region via its partner digital payment apps, including Alipay. Ant International has a rich portfolio of experience in driving digital engagement through football, having sponsored both the UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024 tournaments.

    Yang Peng, Chief Executive Officer, Ant International said: “Football is a game that can be enjoyed by everyone and has the power to transcend borders, bringing people together. This aligns with Ant International’s mission in our globalization – leveraging technological innovation to provide individuals and small businesses with greater access to inclusive financial services.

    Tottenham Hotspur has the forward-looking vision of leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance fan experience. We resonate with the Club’s ‘To Dare is To Do’ spirit and look forward to working closely with Tottenham Hotspur to engage with its global fanbase through our innovative payment and digitalisation solutions, inspiring the 1.6 billion consumers served by Alipay+ and its partners through the sport and the Club.”

    Daniel Levy, Chairman, Tottenham Hotspur said: “The Club and Ant International are fully aligned as we look to deepen connections with our football fans through digital interactions. We shall also be supporting the growth in awareness of the Ant International brand across our extensive global platforms as an elite Premier League Club.

    Ant International, together with its ecosystem associates, brings a wealth of experience in digital fan engagement in football following its partnerships during the two most recent UEFA European championships. We are excited to work with them to enhance the digital experience for our fans in-Stadium and online – and further engage our fanbase across the APAC region.”


    Praveen

  • PM Modi wants to go more aggressive on making India a global chip hub: SEMI’s Ajit Manocha

    PM Modi wants to go more aggressive on making India a global chip hub: SEMI's Ajit Manocha

    PM Modi wants to go more aggressive on making India a global chip hub: SEMI’s Ajit ManochaIANS

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is crystal clear about his vision for semiconductors and their usefulness for humanity and he wants to become “even more aggressive” in taking this journey further, Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of global industry association SEMI, said on Thursday.

    Speaking to IANS, Manocha, who addressed the gathering at the inauguration ceremony of the three-day ‘Semicon India 2024’ here in the presence of PM Modi and top leadership, noted that India is on the right path to becoming a global leader in the semiconductor industry.

    “PM Modi clearly understands that semiconductors are the foundation for every device, and he saw how the chip helped develop the COVID vaccine faster. Similarly, once we begin to manufacture chips in the country, it will help several sectors such as defence, automotive, mobile devices and practically every industry,” said Manocha on the second day of the mega event.

    According to him, the Prime Minister always wanted to see India become the top semiconductor nation.

    India's position set to rise in global supply chains with huge chip investments

    India’s position set to rise in global supply chains with huge chip investmentsIANS

    “He was very clear about the importance of semiconductors and its strategic need for the country. And he has been very consistent since I met him. Yesterday, when I met him for the third time, PM Modi said he wanted to go even more aggressive in taking this journey further,” Manocha told IANS.

    On Wednesday, PM Modi said this is the right time and place to be in India when it comes to semiconductor manufacturing, as the country provides an integrated ecosystem for the global players, along with ease of doing business and a large talent pool.

    Manocha said that a lot of work has to happen on the chip manufacturing front in India and the vision and policy are clear.

    “The foreign companies and other partners are starting to see India as a potential partner for the electronics and semiconductor supply chains. We have more than 100 CEOs and CXOs from all over the industry and ecosystem companies here. They all gave a word of confidence in working with India to make sure that the country becomes the next powerhouse of semiconductors industry in Asia,” Manocha emphasised.

    He said that the ‘Semicon India 2024’ has proved that India is ready to take a bigger share in the global semiconductor industry.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • Apple’s India Production to Hit 25% of Global Shipments by 2025

    iPhone production in India to reach 25 pc of global shipments by 2025: Jefferies

    IANS

    Apple’s manufacturing footprint in India is set to expand significantly, with projections indicating that the country will account for 25% of global iPhone shipments by 2025. This development is a witness to the success of the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which have collectively stimulated Apple’s local manufacturing capabilities.

    In 2017, iPhone production in India accounted for less than 1% of global output. However, by 2023, this figure had risen to 10%, demonstrating the rapid growth of India’s electronics manufacturing sector. The PLI scheme, in particular, has played a pivotal role in this expansion, offering financial incentives to companies that increase their manufacturing capacity in the country.

    Apple’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing footprint in India is further evidenced by its preparation for the launch of the latest iPhone models in the country. The tech giant is set to make its ‘Make in India’ iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models available in the country immediately after the global launch.

    The expansion of Apple’s manufacturing operations in India is also expected to create significant employment opportunities. Industry sources predict that Apple will create between 500,000 and 600,000 direct and indirect jobs in the country over the next 1-2 years. This job creation is facilitated by the government’s PLI scheme, which has incentivized Apple and its suppliers to increase manufacturing in the country.

    iPhone production in India to reach 25 pc of global shipments by 2025: Jefferies

    IANS

    The growth of Apple’s operations in India is also reflected in the sharp increase in iPhone exports from the country. In the fiscal year 2023-2024, iPhone exports surged to $12.1 billion, up from $6.27 billion in the previous fiscal year. This growth underscores India’s emerging role as an export hub for Apple’s devices.

    The Indian government’s PLI scheme has not only boosted the electronics manufacturing sector but also aims to foster the growth of the semiconductor and display manufacturing industries. The government is providing financial incentives across 14 sectors worth Rs 2 lakh crore, with an additional Rs 70,000 crore earmarked to boost the semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem.

    However, the growth of the electronics manufacturing sector is not without challenges. The sector is grappling with issues such as information asymmetry, where government bureaucrats often lack the knowledge to effectively allocate subsidies and protectionist policies. There is also the risk of crony capitalism, where politically connected firms secure government support for reasons unrelated to their technological and managerial competence.

    Despite these challenges, the electronics manufacturing sector in India and the broader Asia-Pacific region is poised for continued growth. With the right policies and incentives in place, these regions can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the global shift towards digitalization and smart manufacturing.

  • PM Modi’s vision hailed by global semiconductor industry leaders at SEMICON India 2024

    SEMICON India 2024: Top semiconductor CEOs laud PM Modi's vision

    SEMICON India 2024: Top semiconductor CEOs laud PM Modi’s visionIANS

    The recent SEMICON India 2024 event, held at the India Expo Mart, served as a platform for global semiconductor industry leaders to acknowledge and appreciate Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision for the sector. The event saw the participation of top CEOs from the industry, including Ajit Manocha of SEMI, Randhir Thakur of Tata Electronics, Kurt Sievers of NXP Semiconductors, Hidetoshi Shibata of Renesas Electronics, and Luc Van Den Hove of IMEC. Ajit Manocha, the President and CEO of SEMI, opened his address with an expression of admiration for the magnitude of the event. He described the scale of SEMICON India 2024 as unprecedented and exponential, starting his address with the word WOW. Manocha went on to praise PM Modi’s exceptional leadership, stating that it has inspired not just India, but the entire world.

    He highlighted the rapid progress India has made in the semiconductor sector, attributing a significant part of this growth to PM Modi’s pivotal role in kickstarting the industry. We were walking earlier, now we are running… Opportunities are there, he added, emphasizing the potential for further growth. Randhir Thakur, the CEO and MD of Tata Electronics, expressed his gratitude to PM Modi for making the exhibition possible. He highlighted India’s significant strides in establishing its first commercial fab in Gujarat and an Indigenous semiconductor plant in Assam. Thakur noted that both projects received approval from the Government of India in record time, setting a global benchmark.

    He emphasized Tata’s collaboration with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor, which provides access to proprietary technology to address markets such as AI, automotive, and data storage. Kurt Sievers, the President and CEO of NXP Semiconductors, underscored the importance of collaboration, ambition, and trust. He described India’s progress as a big milestone on the transformational journey of India. Sievers noted that NXP has been operating in India for 50 years and praised the country’s combination of innovation, democracy, and trust, which attracts businesses like his to work in India. He reiterated NXP’s commitment to India, stating, NXP is here to stay and committed to boosting the semiconductor ecosystem in India.

    Semicon India 2024' event in Greater Noida from September 11-13

    Semicon India 2024′ event in Greater Noida from September 11-13IANS

    Hidetoshi Shibata, the CEO of Renesas Electronics, spoke about the company’s partnership with CG Power to establish one of India’s first semiconductor assembly facilities in Gujarat. He added that Renesas is expanding its operations in India, including doubling its headcount in Bengaluru and Hyderabad by next year. Shibata shared insights into Renesas’ role in bringing sophisticated semiconductor technologies to the global market and praised India’s potential in the sector. Luc Van Den Hove, the CEO of IMEC, emphasized the importance of a long-term R&D strategy for semiconductor development, calling it a marathon rather than a sprint. He praised India’s commitment to semiconductor manufacturing and expressed IMEC’s readiness to form strategic partnerships with India. The world needs a reliable supply chain, and who can be a better-trusted partner than the world’s largest democracy, Van Den Hove said, pledging IMEC’s support for India’s ambitious plans.

    SEMICON India 2024 underscored India’s growing influence in the semiconductor industry. The event highlighted the rapid strides India has made in the industry and the potential for future growth. The leaders’ addresses underscored the importance of collaboration, ambition, and trust in the industry, and their commitment to supporting India’s journey in becoming a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain. This is reminiscent of the 1990s when India emerged as a global IT hub, attracting multinational companies and fostering homegrown tech giants. The current developments in the semiconductor sector seem to be a repeat of that history, with India poised to become a significant player in the global semiconductor industry.

  • Sensex trades flat amid weak global cues, with 69 points up

    sensex

    India equity indices were trading flat following weak global cues from the US and Asian Markets. At 9.45 a.m., Sensex was up 69 points or 0.09 per cent at 81,990 and Nifty was up 29 points or 0.12 per cent at 25,070.

    In early trade, buying was seen in the midcap and smallcap stocks. Nifty midcap 100 index was up 291 points or 0.49 per cent at 59,330 and Nifty smallcap 100 index was up 88 points or 0.46 per cent at 19,405.

    In the Sensex pack, Asian Paints, Sun Pharma, Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel, Ultratech Cement, HUL, SBI, Power Grid, HCL Tech, ITC and Kotak Mahindra Bank were top gainers. Tata Motors, Wipro, ICICI Bank, JSW Steel, Infosys, Titan, HDFC Bank and Tech Mahindra were the top losers.

    According to the market experts, “The Fed will kick off its rate-cut cycle this month. In India, too, we can expect two rate cuts by the MPC in FY25. Banking stocks, which are attractively valued, are good buys now for medium to long-term investors. The investor preference of defensives like Pharma and FMCG is likely to continue.”

    Sensex snaps 3-day losing streak on rebound in FMCG and Pvt Bank shares

    Among the sectoral indices, PSU Bank, pharma, FMCG, infra and IT were top gainers. Auto, metal, realty, energy and pvt bank were top laggards. Deven Mehata, Derivative Analyst of Choice Broking, “Nifty can find support at 25,000 followed by 24,900 and 24,800. On the higher side, 25,150 can be an immediate resistance, followed by 25,250 and 25,300.”

    Almost all Asian markets were trading in the red. Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Bangkok fell the most. The US markets closed mixed on Wednesday. The foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their buying as they bought equities worth Rs 2,208 crore on September 10, while domestic institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 275 crore on the same day.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • India Poised to Become Global Semiconductor Hub; $30 billion investment in 3 years

    India's position set to rise in global supply chains with huge chip investments

    India’s position set to rise in global supply chains with huge chip investmentsIANS

    India is on the brink of a significant transformation, with the potential to become a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing. Industry experts predict a massive investment of up to $30 billion in the sector over the next three to five years. This influx of capital is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global supply chain, marking a significant shift in the country’s industrial landscape.

    The Maharashtra government recently approved four major projects, including a semiconductor manufacturing project to be jointly set up by Israel’s Tower Semiconductor and the Adani Group. This project, located in Panvel, Raigad district, is expected to see an investment of Rs 58,763 crore in the first phase and another Rs 25,184 crore in the second phase. The initiative is projected to create at least 15,000 jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy.

    Prabhu Ram, VP-Industry Research Group, CyberMedia Research (CMR), believes that India’s strategic investments in the semiconductor industry aim to bolster its domestic manufacturing capabilities and elevate its position within global supply chains. This perspective underscores the country’s commitment to becoming a major player in this strategically vital sector.

    PM Modi's Cabinet approves ₹3,300 crore for 'Made in India' semiconductors

    India’s push into the semiconductor sector comes at a time when the global supply chain is facing significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemicIANS

    During Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘s recent visit to Singapore, both countries announced a partnership to cooperate in the field of semiconductors. This collaboration aims to leverage the complementary strengths of their semiconductor ecosystems and tap into opportunities to build resilience in their semiconductor supply chains.

    The partnership will include government-led policy exchanges on ecosystem development, supply chain resilience, and workforce development. In addition to the Maharashtra project, the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, has also approved the proposal of Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd to set up a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, with an investment of Rs 3,300 crore. This unit will produce nearly 60 lakh chips per day, further strengthening India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. The Indian government’s initiatives, such as the Semicon India Programme and the India Semiconductor Mission, are focused on capturing a significant share of the global market, driving innovation, and stimulating economic growth through job creation and technological advancement. These initiatives have played a pivotal role in attracting investments by offering a supportive policy framework, financial incentives, and infrastructure development.

    The semiconductor industry is a strategically vital sector, and India’s efforts to become a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing are reminiscent of similar initiatives in other countries. For instance, in the 1980s, Japan made significant investments in semiconductor manufacturing, leading to a boom in the country’s electronics industry.

    Similarly, South Korea and Taiwan have also invested heavily in this sector, becoming global leaders in semiconductor production. India’s push into the semiconductor sector comes at a time when the global supply chain is facing significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s strategic investments in this sector aim to reduce its dependence on imports and enhance its self-sufficiency.By doing so, India seeks to establish itself as a key player in the global semiconductor industry, driving innovation, stimulating economic growth, and creating jobs by fostering a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

    India’s efforts to become a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing represent a significant step towards achieving technological self-reliance. The country’s strategic investments in this sector, coupled with supportive government policies and initiatives, are expected to drive innovation, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs. As India continues to attract significant investments in the semiconductor sector, it is poised to become a major player in the global market, contributing to the resilience of the global supply chain. This development marks a significant shift in India’s industrial landscape, positioning it as a key player in the global semiconductor industry.

  • Need to invest in air pollution solutions for global prosperity: UN

    Need to invest in air pollution solutions for global prosperity: UN

    Need to invest in air pollution solutions for global prosperity: UNIANS

    The world marked the fifth annual International Day of Clean Air for blue skies on Saturday, with calls for investment in clean air solutions as air pollution is increasingly causing public health, environmental, and economic problems.

    More than 99 per cent of humanity is now breathing polluted air, leading to more than eight million annual deaths, including more than 700,000 children under five.

    Dirty air disproportionately affects more vulnerable populations such as women, children and older people.

    Air pollution has become the second leading risk factor for early death globally, overtaking tobacco for adults and second only to malnutrition for children under five. Yet despite the already high and still rising economic, environmental and existential impact of air pollution, which each year costs the world $8.1 trillion in health damages alone, less than one per cent of international development funding is dedicated to tackling it.

    In addition to this silent killer’s toll on human health, “pollution is also choking economies and heating up our planet, adding fuel to the fire of the climate crisis,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message for the day, which the UN General Assembly designated as a day to champion clean air causes in 2019.

    Study links air pollution with infertility in men

    Air pollution has become the second leading risk factor for early death globallyIANS

    Led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), this year’s theme focuses on amplifying global calls to invest in #CleanAirNow to ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for people and the planet.

    “Investing in clean air requires actions by both government and businesses to phase out fossil fuels, strengthen air quality monitoring, enforce air quality standards, boost renewable energy, transition to clean cooking, build sustainable transport and sustainable waste management systems, clean up supply chains, and reduce harmful emissions, including methane,” the UN Secretary-General said.

    Ahead of Clean Air Day, the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) launched AQMx, a global air quality management platform, on September 5 in response to calls from countries for greater regional knowledge sharing and action on improving air quality that led to a resolution at this year’s UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) talks.

    UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen used her Clean Air Day message to call for greater investment in air pollution solutions in all societies, and an end to the violation of every human being’s fundamental right to breathe clean air.

    “We are asking nations, regions and cities to establish robust air quality standards by backing renewable energy and sustainable transport, holding industry to account with strict emission standards, and integrating air quality into climate action,” she said.

    “We are asking for strong funding through redirecting fossil fuel subsidies, through grants or microloans for cleaner cooking technologies, and through serious private sector engagement and investment,” she said.

    “We are asking for collective action, from international development initiatives to individuals that can make small changes in their own lifestyles,” she added.

    Events across the world marked the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies: South Africa held a two-day conference, and UNEP supported a webinar to highlight how African cities can avoid open burning of waste.

    There were high-level discussions in Asia featuring youth voices from across the continent, and a celebration on the site of a former steel mill in Beijing that was transformed into an outdoor Olympic Games area to tackle air pollution.

    The good news is that air pollution is preventable, and people around the world are stepping up to address the crisis.

    Proving that change is possible, some cities have slashed air pollution levels, while countries have committed to reducing methane — a potent air pollutant also driving global warming — through the Global Methane Pledge and developed integrated plans to comprehensively tackle air pollution.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • India’s Beauty Market Set to Outpace Global Giants

    India's Beauty Market Set to Outpace Global Giants

    IANS

    India is on track to become a global powerhouse in the beauty and personal care market, surpassing other major markets such as China, the US, Japan, and South Korea. A report by online beauty and fashion marketplace Nykaa predicts a growth rate of 10-11% by 2028, taking the market value to $34 billion, a significant leap from the current $20 billion. This growth rate is considerably higher than other countries, with China expected to grow at 4-5%, the US at 2-4%, Japan at 2-3%, and South Korea at 2-3%.

    The report attributes this rapid growth to several factors, including the rise of e-commerce. E-commerce is expected to be the biggest driver of this growth and the fastest-growing segment, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 25%. This reflects a shift in consumer shopping preferences and the expansion of online platforms like Nykaa, which have made beauty products accessible to consumers across the country, including those in remote areas.

    nykaa

    IANS

    Another significant factor contributing to the growth of the Indian beauty and personal care market is the increasing aspirations and higher incomes among Indian consumers. This is driving demand for premium beauty products, which are expected to reach $3-3.2 billion by 2028. This trend is fueled by a growing middle class and higher disposable incomes, which allow for more investment in personal grooming and self-expression through premium brands.

    The report also highlights the role of social media in influencing consumer choices and democratizing beauty expertise. With 520-560 million users expected by 2023, social media platforms are playing a crucial role in shaping consumer preferences and trends in the beauty and personal care market.

    However, the growth of the online market is not without its impact on the offline trade sphere. The report indicates that the share of unorganised offline trade channels, which held an estimated 55% in 2023, is expected to reduce to 35% by 2028. This shift suggests a consolidation and formalisation of the market, likely due to the growth of e-commerce and the expansion of organised retail, which is outpacing the traditional, unorganised sector.

  • Guru Raghavendra, A Berkeley MBA Graduate, Shapes Global Cloud Architecture Strategies

    Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah

    Photo courtesy of Guru Raghavendra

    Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah is an engineering leader with more than 20 years of software engineering experience. He has used his MBA from the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business to drive significant advancements in cloud architecture. Over the course of his career, he has held key roles at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Nordstrom, and Oracle, where his expertise in software engineering has made a major impact. His work has not only propelled these organizations but has also left a lasting influence on the broader field of cloud computing, driven by his commitment to excellence and strategic thinking.

    From Classroom to Cloud Architecture

    At UC Berkeley, Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah built the foundation for his success in cloud architecture. One of the most influential courses he took was “Turnarounds,” which focuses on strategies to help struggling businesses recover. He has noted, “The principles I learned in ‘Turnarounds’ directly apply to cloud architecture. You need to identify risks in advance, optimize efficiency and performance, and ensure systems can scale as as the business grows.” This course resonated with him deeply, as it mirrored his passion for transforming challenges into opportunities, a theme that has guided his career.

    In addition to “Turnarounds,” his studies in technology strategy, operations and supply chain management, and financial analysis for technology companies equipped him with the skills to design cloud systems that are both technically & financially sound and aligned with business goals. These skills have enabled him to develop methods in cloud architecture that are recognized and adopted across the industry. His strategic planning for cloud expansion has set new standards for scalability and efficiency, showcasing his foresight and ability to think beyond the immediate needs of the project.

    Leadership and Technical Expertise

    Before joining AWS, where one of his responsibilities is the rollout of Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL, Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah held key roles at Nordstrom, Ascena Retail Group, and Infosys Ltd. At Nordstrom, he led engineering teams, modernized software systems, and achieved significant cost savings while enhancing reliability. His leadership on these projects set new standards for efficiency in the industry. “For instance, his work on critical systems overhaul at Nordstrom significantly increased merchandising systems efficiency and reduced downtime, directly contributing to a significant increase in online and in-store sales during peak periods.

    His technical expertise includes AWS, Python, SQL, NoSQL, Kubernetes, and various DevOps tools. He is also certified as an AWS Developer, TOGAF Enterprise Architect, and Oracle Developer. These qualifications have empowered him to create cloud architecture frameworks that are widely regarded as benchmarks in the industry. His pioneering efforts have inspired other cloud architects to adopt similar methods, further extending his influence.

    Achievements and Recognitions

    While studying at UC Berkeley, Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah led investment discussions for his classmates, earning the nickname “investments guy.” He was also nominated to the National Society of Leadership and Success and participated in the Inclusive Leadership Institute Program from Pneumosis LLC, which focused on diversity and inclusion. These experiences shaped his leadership style, emphasizing mentoring and developing talent. Guru’s dedication to fostering growth in others stems from his belief that true leadership is not just about guiding projects but about empowering people to reach their full potential.

    Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in the mentorship program he created, which has helped engineers advance in their careers. This program has not only benefited individuals within his organizations but has also contributed to the broader engineering community by cultivating a new generation of leaders who are making their own marks in the field. Several of his mentees now lead significant projects in cloud architecture, further amplifying his impact. His mentorship is driven by his personal philosophy that nurturing talent is essential to driving long-term success in any industry.

    Enhancing Cloud Architecture at AWS

    Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah has effectively applied the knowledge gained during his MBA to advance cloud architecture at AWS, particularly in the implementation of Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. His strategic and analytical skills have boosted release efficiency and expanded the service to new regions with zero-touch rollouts. “The skills I gained from my MBA have been invaluable in my role,” he shared.

    While his contributions have been vital to AWS, their impact extends beyond the company. His work on Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL has influenced best practices in cloud architecture, particularly in release efficiency and scalability, setting new industry benchmarks. For example, his methodologies for zero-touch rollouts have been studied and implemented by cloud teams at other leading tech companies, underscoring his role as a thought leader in the field. Guru’s approach to problem-solving is characterized by his ability to foresee challenges and design solutions that not only meet current needs but also pave the way for future advancements. His efforts at AWS have contributed to the company’s position as a leader in managed PostgreSQL database offering, surpassing competitors like Google’s AlloyDB and Microsoft’s PostgreSQL on Azure.

    Shaping the Future of Cloud Architecture

    As cloud architecture continues to evolve with new technologies and business needs, Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah emphasizes the importance of resilience, performance optimization, and scalability. “Cloud architecture must be resilient and adaptable,” he said. “It’s about building systems that can handle disruptions and support strategic goals.”

    Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah’s contributions have shaped modern cloud architecture, preparing systems to meet future demands. His frameworks anticipate and mitigate disruptions, a concept he’s championed throughout his career. He credits his time at Berkeley for his creativity and leadership. From Berkeley to AWS, he highlights the value of a strong educational base and practical knowledge, with his work poised to inspire future engineers and leaders.