Sushil Kumar
Sushil Kumar IBTimes US

In the dynamic world of technology leadership, there exist a select few whose names echo with profound resonance. Among them stands Sushil Kumar, a beacon of innovation and influence in the realm of digital transformation. From the steadfast fortresses of defense to the bustling corridors of banking, Sushil Kumar's impact transcends boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on every facet of his path.

Unveiling a Visionary

Sushil Kumar is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in conceiving, strategizing, and executing large-scale information technology programs. He has been inspiring consistently with a stellar track record characterized by innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to driving transformative change. He has been widely recognized for his leadership and achievements. For instance, he was recently awarded the 'Global Indian 2023 Award' for his outstanding contributions in the field of Technology Program Management and Digital Transformation. Previously he has been the recipient of many professional awards like the IBM Hall of Fame Award, IBM Blue Captain Award, Client Certificate of Achievement, Chief of Army Staff Commendation (Indian Army), and academic awards such as the Gold Medals in both his MBA and M. Tech. programs and the Admiral Dawson Trophy in his B. Sc. program.

Early Innovations: Pioneering Military Solutions

GPS-based Vehicle Tracking System

In the early 2000s, Kumar had spearheaded the development of a groundbreaking GPS-based vehicle tracking system for the Indian Army. This tracking system provided real-time tracking and monitoring of military vehicles using GPS technology. This system gave commanders precise knowledge of the location and movement of their assets. It also enhanced command, control, and synergy of logistical operations. By utilizing GPS receivers and military communication devices, the system ensured secure and accurate tracking, even in remote or hostile environments and it significantly improved situational awareness, operational planning, and decision-making capabilities, ultimately leading to more effective, efficient, and successful military operations. This system was also utilized and extensively tested using the military and civil vehicles employed during the 4th Military World Games held at Hyderabad, India, where it proved to be a huge success.

Establishment of an Advance Technology Center

Undeterred by challenges, Kumar also established an Advance Technology Center in the forward military zone to swiftly address both long-persisting and emerging problems related to field and technical equipment encountered by the Indian Army units and formations. It served as a hub for innovative problem-solving, leveraging inputs from a diverse group of experts and stakeholders. This collaborative, crowd-sourced approach facilitated the rapid development and implementation of quick in-house solutions tailored to the unique needs of remote military operations. By harnessing collective expertise and creativity, the center greatly enhanced operational efficiency and troop comfort, ensuring that both soldiers and commanders had access to timely and effective solutions, even in excruciatingly difficult and uncertain environments.

Trailblazing Corporate Initiatives

Digital Banking Transformation

In the realm of corporate endeavors with IBM, Kumar spearheaded programs for a transformative digital banking initiative for the National Australia Bank. This endeavor marked a pivotal shift towards modernizing banking operations and services. Through adept coordination among various teams and the adoption of a robust cloud-first strategy, Kumar was able to propel the organization into the digital era.

This digital transformation brought forth several benefits. Firstly, it streamlined internal processes, fostering greater efficiency and agility within the organization. By embracing cloud technology, the institution gained stability, security, compliance, scalability, cost optimization, and flexibility, enabling it to adapt swiftly to evolving market demands. Moreover, the initiative revolutionized the customer experience, offering enhanced convenience and accessibility through digital channels. From mobile banking to online transactions, customers enjoyed seamless and intuitive interactions, thereby redefining their banking journey. Additionally, the digital transformation facilitated improved data management and analytics capabilities. By harnessing the power of data, the institution gained valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences, enabling personalized services and targeted marketing initiatives. This digital banking transformation not only propelled the institution to the forefront of technological innovation but also revolutionized banking experiences for customers, driving growth and competitiveness in the digital landscape.

Airline Modernization Program

Similarly, while also with IBM (and later on Kyndryl - a new company resulting from IBM's spin-off of its technology services unit), Sushil Kumar embarked on a monumental endeavor—the modernization of Qantas Airways legacy systems through the migration of crucial operations to latest technologies and the cloud. This ambitious initiative aimed to revolutionize how airlines managed their operations and services. Despite encountering significant hurdles, such as the need to ensure uninterrupted services (zero downtime), Kumar tackled the transition with remarkable skill and precision. By meticulously planning and executing the migration process, he led his program team to overcome challenges and emerge triumphant. The modernization effort yielded numerous benefits. Firstly, it enhanced operational efficiency by leveraging the agility offered by state-of-the-art systems and cloud infrastructure. Airlines could now handle fluctuating demands more effectively, ensuring optimal performance during peak periods.

Furthermore, the transition to the cloud bolstered reliability and resilience in airline operations. With data and applications hosted on robust cloud platforms, the risk of downtime due to hardware failures or maintenance disruptions was significantly reduced. This ensured uninterrupted service delivery, enhancing customer satisfaction and trust. This remarkable effort exemplifies Kumar's ability to tackle complex challenges head-on, driving transformation and setting new standards for efficiency and reliability in the aviation sector.

Driving Social Impact: Citizens-centric Applications Modernization

Backed by a commitment to societal progress, Kumar joined AgreeYa Solutions and embarked on a Technology Modernization project for citizens-centric applications for a county government in CA, USA. The primary objective of this endeavor is to improve the delivery of public services, thereby enhancing the overall experience for government employees and citizens. By revitalizing outdated applications and systems, the project intends to help streamline government services and make them more accessible and efficient for all members of society. The modernization effort aims to achieve several key objectives.

Firstly, it seeks to leverage the latest technology to simplify and automate business processes, reducing manual interventions, paperwork, and wait times for users. It replaces the archaic systems to overcome inherent drawbacks such as obsolescence risk, escalating support costs, scarcity of required resources, and a resulting inability to evolve in step with the government businesses and public needs. It also moves away from the tightly coupled nature of the existing solutions that makes it challenging to incorporate new features without undesirable impacts; simultaneously ensuring high levels of information sharing, and business process integration amongst the organizations that are involved.

By embracing user-centric design principles and ensuring compatibility with diverse devices and emerging platforms, these modernized applications are designed to be inclusive, and easily accessible to citizens. Furthermore, this modernization program would facilitate the integration of innovative features and functionalities, such as online portals for accessing information, submitting applications, and tracking requests. This not only would improve convenience for all users but also foster greater transparency and accountability within government agencies. This initiative underscores Kumar's commitment to harnessing technology as a catalyst for positive change in society.

Conclusion

In the rich tapestry of technology leadership, the narrative of our Digital Transformation expert emerges as a captivating tale of innovation, resilience, and a steadfast pursuit of excellence. From reshaping the landscape of military operations to orchestrating groundbreaking corporate metamorphoses, Kumar's journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the extraordinary and lasting impact of visionary leadership in driving transformative change across industries and global boundaries. Sushil Kumar will continue to be a well-known expert and a guiding force for future tech workers throughout the world thanks to his dedication to pushing limits and bringing about significant positive change as the tech sector continues to evolve.