Top 50 CTOs in Asia [2026]

Asia’s technology and innovation landscape has rapidly evolved over the past decade, positioning the region as a global powerhouse across industries like e-commerce, fintech, telecommunications, mobility, and semiconductors. Home to more than half the world’s population, Asia has become a fertile ground for digital transformation, with internet penetration exceeding 73% in East Asia and 67% in Southeast Asia. Countries such as China, India, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore are now hubs for unicorn startups, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation technologies. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region alone is projected to contribute over 40% to global tech spending by 2026, according to IDC, underscoring its increasing influence in shaping the future of digital economies.

Amid this rapid growth, the role of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) has become more critical than ever, driving innovation, scaling infrastructure, and steering product development in highly competitive markets. From pioneering 5G and AI research to revolutionizing mobile payments and cloud platforms, Asia’s CTOs are at the forefront of some of the world’s most transformative technological shifts. In this article, Digitaldefynd compiled a curated and ranked list of 50 of the most prominent CTOs from Asia, highlighting their leadership, achievements, and the impact they’ve made at leading Asian companies with global reach.

 

Top 50 CTOs in Asia [2026]

S.No.	Names	Highest Qualifications	Current Role/Organization	Achievements
1	Wu Zeming	Bachelor’s in Software Engineering	CTO, Alibaba Group	Led tech for 11.11 Global Shopping Festival; focus on AI, cloud scalability.
2	Wang Haifeng	Ph.D. in Computer Science	CTO, Baidu Inc.	Pioneered ERNIE LLM, autonomous driving, and Baidu’s AI strategy.
3	Xu Chenye	Bachelor’s in Computer Science	Co-founder & CIO, Tencent Holdings	Co-founded Tencent; key architect of QQ, WeChat, and cloud strategy.
4	Hiroaki Kitano	Ph.D. in Computer Science	CTO & Senior EVP, Sony Corporation	Led R&D across robotics, AI, PlayStation hardware, and consumer tech.
5	Hiroki Nakajima	Master’s in Engineering	Executive VP & CTO, Toyota Motor Corporation	Drives electrification, SDVs, hydrogen R&D, and Toyota’s global EV roadmap.
6	Song Jai-hyuk	Ph.D. in Semiconductor Engineering	CTO, Samsung Electronics (Device Solutions)	Leads memory chip R&D; pivotal in V-NAND, HBM, and AI chip innovation.
7	Yong Hwa Kim	Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering	President & CTO, Hyundai Motor Group	Oversees global R&D; driving electrification and software-defined vehicle strategy.
8	Ni Xingjun	Bachelor’s from Tsinghua University	CTO, Ant Group	Built Alipay’s fintech cloud; led blockchain (AntChain) and AI risk systems.
9	Wen Tong	Ph.D. in Wireless Communication	CTO, Wireless Networks, Huawei Technologies	Pioneered Huawei’s 5G and 6G architecture; leader in network AI and standardization.
10	Rajeev Rajan	B.Tech, IIT; MS in CS	CTO, Atlassian	Leads cloud transformation and AI integration; scales products like Jira and Confluence.
11	Taylor Man	Bachelor’s in Engineering	CTO, NTT Communications (East Asia)	Leads regional R&D in cloud, AI-driven services, and network infrastructure.
12	Jorge Fernandes	Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering	Group CTO, Singtel	Drives 5G rollout and edge computing innovations across Singtel’s markets.
13	Harrick Vin	Ph.D. in Computer Science	CTO, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)	Champions AI automation; leads IP creation and TCS’s tech innovation agenda.
14	Rafee Tarafdar	Bachelor’s in Engineering	CTO, Infosys	Heads AI-first strategy, Live Enterprise model, and tech incubation for clients.
15	Kalyan Kumar	MBA, INSEAD	Former Global CTO, HCL Technologies	Drove cloud partnerships, AI ops, and enterprise tech solutions globally.
16	Sandhya R. Arun	Master’s in Computer Applications	CTO, Wipro	Leads cloud-native, AI and cybersecurity transformation across Wipro’s services.
17	Shyam Mardikar	Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering	Group CTO (Mobility), Reliance Jio	Architect of Jio’s IP-based network; now steering 5G and Open RAN rollout.
18	Randeep Sekhon	Engineering Degree, India	CTO, Bharti Airtel	Oversees 5G deployment, network virtualization and digital platform innovation.
19	Sharad Sriwastawa	Bachelor’s in Engineering	Co-CEO & CTO, Rakuten Mobile	Pioneered world’s first cloud-native mobile network; leads global telecom innovation.
20	Suthen Thomas Paradatheth	Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering	Group CTO, Grab	Built scalable infrastructure across Grab’s super-app and optimized AI logistics.
21	William Xiong	Bachelor’s in Computer Science	Group CTO, GoTo	Unifies Gojek and Tokopedia platforms; drives cloud and AI integration.
22	Dr. Kevin Jou	Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering	CTO & Corporate EVP, MediaTek	Leads SoC design; advanced 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and IoT chip innovation.
23	Yang Gang	Master’s in Computer Science	CTO, Kingsoft Cloud	Built robust cloud, CDN, and enterprise infrastructure with AI support.
24	Dr. Yong Rui	Ph.D. in Computer Science	CTO & SVP, Lenovo Group	Drives edge AI, smart devices, and global R&D transformation.
25	Sun Huajun	Ph.D. in Battery Engineering	CTO, Battery Division, BYD	Leads innovation in solid-state EV batteries and safety-enhanced energy storage.
26	Sudipta Bhattacharya	MBA, Industrial Engineering	CTO, Adani Group	Leads digital & IoT transformation in ports, mining, and renewable energy.
27	Dr. Aspi Navroj Patel	Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering	CTO, Aditya Birla Group	Drives sustainability, green chemistry, and Industry 4.0 implementation.
28	Mohit Kapoor	Master’s in Business Administration	Group CTO, Mahindra & Mahindra	Oversees digitalization, cloud, and connected vehicle platform across group.
29	Dr. Shigetoshi Sameshima	Ph.D. in Engineering	CTO & VP, Hitachi Ltd.	Leads social innovation tech; co-develops Lumada IoT and quantum R&D.
30	Vivek Mahajan	Bachelor’s in Engineering	CTO & SVP, Fujitsu Limited	Drives Uvance portfolio; leads AI, quantum and global R&D.
31	Motoo Nishihara	Bachelor’s in Engineering	EVP & CTO, NEC Corporation	Leads 5G, biometrics, AI R&D and digital government projects.
32	Wang Xiyu	Bachelor’s in Engineering	EVP, CTO & CIO, ZTE Corporation	Leads 5G/6G network R&D, core virtualization and digital ops.
33	Jung Kyu-don	Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering	CTO, Kakao Corp	Strengthens cloud, data & AI across messaging, payments & content.
34	C.V. Raman	Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering	CTO, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.	Indigenized vehicle R&D; leads EV and safety platform dev.
35	Geena Malhotra	Master’s in Chemistry	Global CTO, Cipla Ltd.	Leads drug delivery innovation, smart manufacturing and green chemistry.
36	Nasir Darman	Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering	CTO, PETRONAS	Drives digital energy, carbon capture, and R&D partnerships.
37	Mark Diamond	Bachelor’s in Computer Science	Group CTO, National Bank of Kuwait	Leads digital banking transformation and fintech modernization.
38	Sham Arora	Bachelor’s in Engineering	CTO, Tech Mahindra	Accelerates cloud, platform engineering, and agile delivery.
39	Sanjay Suri	Master’s in Computer Science	CTO, Nykaa	Built scalable e-commerce tech, AI search & omnichannel solutions.
40	Deependra S. Rathore	Bachelor’s in Computer Science	CTO (Payments), Paytm	Manages core payments infra; leads UPI, AI fraud systems.
41	Aan Chauhan	Bachelor’s in Engineering	CTO, LTIMindtree	Drives IP, platform engineering and digital accelerators at scale.
42	Ankit Mathuria	B.Tech in Computer Science	CTO, OYO	Built OYO OS; enhanced personalization and room inventory AI.
43	Thuan Pham	M.S. in Computer Science	CTO, Coupang	Scales logistics AI, robotics, and personalized commerce at Coupang.
44	Dr. Cha Seon-yong	Ph.D. in Semiconductor Physics	CTO & Head of R&D, SK hynix	Champions advanced DRAM, NAND and AI memory chip design.
45	Hassan Khalil	Bachelor’s in Telecom Engineering	CTO, Ooredoo Qatar	Led world’s first 5G launch; drives smart city applications.
46	Dr. R.C. Chang	Ph.D. in Engineering	CTO, Acer Inc.	Directs R&D, sustainable design, AI in consumer devices.
47	Dr. Xuedong Huang	Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering	CTO, Zoom Video Communications	Leads AI innovation in real-time video, voice, and collaboration.
48	Bobby Murphy	B.S. in Mathematics & CS	Co-founder & CTO, Snap Inc.	Invented Snapchat Lenses; directs AR, app performance and infra.
49	Saurabh Dwivedi	B.Tech in Computer Science	CTO, MobiKwik	Oversees payments platform; integrates AI for fraud and GTM.
50	Li Cheng	Bachelor’s in Systems Engineering, Tongji University	CTO, Alibaba Group	Li Cheng scaled Alibaba’s cloud-native infrastructure, integrated AI in logistics and personalization, developed the City Brain platform, and shaped the company’s global tech strategy.

 

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1. Wu Zeming – CTO, Alibaba Group

Wu Zeming leads technology strategy at Alibaba Group, one of Asia’s largest e-commerce and cloud computing companies. Joining Alibaba in 2002, he rose through the ranks to become a partner by 2017 and was appointed Chief Technology Officer in a 2022 management reshuffle. Wu has overseen major technical initiatives, including the infrastructure behind Alibaba’s record-breaking 11.11 Global Shopping Festival and advancements in Alibaba’s Local Services division. With a background in software engineering, Wu champions customer-centric innovation. He focuses on scalable cloud architecture and AI-driven solutions that have been pivotal to Alibaba’s global e-commerce success. Under his leadership, Alibaba’s R&D efforts (such as the DAMO Academy) continue to push boundaries in areas like fintech, logistics, and smart retail.

 

2. Wang Haifeng – CTO, Baidu Inc.

Dr. Wang Haifeng is the Chief Technology Officer of Baidu, China’s leading search engine and AI company. He earned a Ph.D. in computer science and joined Baidu in 2010, later becoming Vice President of the AI department by 2013. Appointed CTO in 2019, Dr. Wang has spearheaded Baidu’s artificial intelligence and deep learning initiatives. He leads Baidu Research and was instrumental in developing Baidu’s ERNIE large language model and autonomous driving platform. Under his technical leadership, Baidu launched the ERNIE-ViLG and Ernie Bot, positioning Baidu at the forefront of China’s AI race. Wang Haifeng’s visionary work in AI has not only enhanced Baidu’s core search and recommendation algorithms but also driven innovations in conversational AI, smart assistants, and self-driving cars, significantly transforming the transportation and internet services industry in Asia.

 

3. Xu Chenye (Daniel Xu) – Co-founder & CIO, Tencent Holdings

Xu Chenye, also known as Daniel Xu, is a co-founder of Tencent and serves as its Chief Information Officer, effectively acting as the tech chief of the company. He co-founded Tencent in 1998 alongside CEO Pony Ma, and has guided the company’s technological development from its early QQ messaging platform to the multi-ecosystem giant it is today. With a computer science background, Xu oversaw the architecture of Tencent’s core platforms (including QQ and WeChat) and the expansion into cloud services and gaming. As CIO, he remains responsible for Tencent’s IT infrastructure and strategic technological planning. Xu Chenye’s leadership has ensured Tencent’s platforms scale to over a billion users. He has played a key role in implementing cutting-edge technologies (like big-data analytics and fintech innovations) that underpin Tencent’s social networks, online games, and digital payment services, cementing Tencent’s global reputation in tech innovation.

 

4. Hiroaki Kitano – CTO & Senior EVP, Sony Corporation

Dr. Hiroaki Kitano is the Chief Technology Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of Sony Corporation, the Japanese electronics and entertainment giant. With a Ph.D. in computer science, Kitano is a renowned AI researcher and joined Sony to drive its research & development across electronics, gaming, and media. As CTO, he oversees Sony’s R&D ecosystem spanning semiconductors, AI, robotics, and entertainment technologies. Hiroaki Kitano is credited with fostering a culture of innovation at Sony – he has championed projects in artificial intelligence (he is known for his work in robotics and OpenAI collaborations), autonomous sensors, and PlayStation’s advanced hardware development. Under his technical leadership, Sony has advanced in areas like image sensors for smartphones, AI-powered photography, and next-gen video game technology. Kitano’s visionary approach (combining science and consumer products) keeps Sony at the cutting edge of consumer electronics and interactive entertainment.

 

5. Hiroki Nakajima – Executive VP & CTO, Toyota Motor Corporation

Hiroki Nakajima is the Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Toyota, Japan’s largest automobile manufacturer. A veteran at Toyota, he joined the company in 1987 and holds a Master’s degree in engineering. Over a 35+ year career, Nakajima has held key roles in vehicle engineering and product development – he was chief engineer for several Toyota models and led product planning for innovative vehicle platforms. In April 2023, he was appointed CTO of Toyota Motor Corp, tasked with driving Toyota’s technology strategy in an era of electrification and smart vehicles. He now oversees R&D for electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel-cell technology, and software-defined vehicles – aligning Toyota’s engineering teams toward carbon-neutral and connected car solutions. Nakajima played a pivotal role in developing Toyota’s TNGA platform and autonomous driving initiatives. His deep technical expertise and leadership ensure Toyota remains a global innovator in automotive engineering, from next-gen batteries to AI-powered driver assistance systems.

 

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6. Song Jai-hyuk – CTO, Samsung Electronics (Device Solutions)

Song Jai-hyuk is the Chief Technology Officer at Samsung Electronics for its Device Solutions (semiconductor) division. A distinguished semiconductor engineer, Song holds a Ph.D. and has spent his career in Samsung’s memory chip R&D. As CTO and President of Samsung’s memory business, Dr. Song drives the development of cutting-edge memory technologies like high-density DRAM and 3D NAND flash. He played a key role in Samsung’s breakthroughs in V-NAND and SSD (solid-state drive) innovations. In public forums such as SEMICON Korea 2025, Song Jai-hyuk emphasized industry collaboration to advance AI-driven chips and high-bandwidth memory for the AI era. Under his leadership, Samsung has pushed semiconductor performance to new heights, enabling faster and more energy-efficient chips critical for smartphones, data centers, and AI applications. Dr. Song’s visionary efforts in chip packaging and process technology have helped Samsung maintain its global leadership as the world’s largest memory chipmaker, fueling the tech ecosystem’s growth.

 

7. Yong Hwa Kim – President & CTO, Hyundai Motor Group

Yong Hwa Kim is President and Chief Technology Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, the South Korean automotive conglomerate (Hyundai and Kia). With decades of experience in vehicle R&D, he was promoted to CTO to lead a revamped research organization aimed at accelerating Hyundai’s shift to electric and smart vehicles. Yong Hwa Kim oversees Hyundai’s global R&D centers, focusing on electrification, software-defined vehicles (SDVs), and robotics. He spearheaded an agile reorganization of Hyundai’s engineering divisions into a startup-like structure to respond faster to emerging mobility trends. “While the previous organization focused on efficient vehicle development, the new dynamic structure will meet ongoing changes in global consumer demands…and deliver solutions in future mobility, electrification, software, and robotics,” Kim explained. Under his guidance, Hyundai has accelerated the development of long-range electric cars (such as the Ioniq series), autonomous driving systems, and advanced car software platforms. His leadership ensures Hyundai/Kia can compete with tech-savvy rivals by blending automotive engineering with cutting-edge digital technology.

 

8. Ni Xingjun – CTO, Ant Group (Alipay)

Ni Xingjun is the Chief Technology Officer of Ant Group, the fintech affiliate of Alibaba known for Alipay, the world’s largest digital payments platform. A graduate of Tsinghua University, Ni Xingjun has been with Ant/Alipay for over a decade, previously serving as head of the Ant Financial Cloud division. As CTO, Ni leads Ant Group’s technology strategy in payments, blockchain, and financial services. He has overseen the development of Ant’s distributed financial-grade Blockchain platform (AntChain) and the AI-powered risk control systems that handle hundreds of millions of transactions daily. Ni Xingjun also drives Ant’s research into privacy-preserving computation and database technologies that enable secure, scalable fintech innovations. Under his leadership, Ant Group implemented its next-generation distributed core banking system and extended Alipay’s tech infrastructure to serve over 1.3 billion users globally. Ni’s contributions have been critical in Ant Group’s ability to process vast transaction volumes and maintain trust, making Alipay a fintech benchmark worldwide.

 

9. Dr. Wen Tong – CTO of Wireless Networks, Huawei Technologies

Dr. Wen Tong is the Chief Technology Officer of Huawei’s Wireless Network solution, and a Huawei Fellow, playing a key role in the Chinese telecom giant’s R&D. An expert in wireless communications with a Ph.D., Dr. Wen Tong spearheads Huawei’s 5G and 6G research initiatives. He has led the development of advanced wireless technologies, including Massive MIMO antenna systems and network AI, which made Huawei a leader in 5G infrastructure worldwide. Wen Tong is a prolific inventor with dozens of patents and has been a driving force behind industry standards in 4G/5G. At Huawei, he founded the Ottawa Research Centre and later oversaw all wireless research, guiding products that serve billions of mobile users. He advocates for cloud-based, intelligent networks and has recently been exploring 6G applications. Wen Tong’s pioneering work in ultra-fast, low-latency wireless networks helped Huawei roll out 5G in over 170 countries. His leadership ensures Huawei’s wireless solutions continue to push boundaries, from enabling autonomous driving communication to the Internet of Things on a massive scale.

 

10. Rajeev Rajan – CTO, Atlassian Corporation

Rajeev Rajan is the Chief Technology Officer of Atlassian, the Australian-born global software company best known for collaboration tools like Jira, Confluence, and Trello. An alumnus of IIT and a former Engineering VP at Meta (Facebook), Rajan joined Atlassian as CTO in 2022. He now leads Atlassian’s engineering and IT teams, driving the company’s cloud-first transformation and AI integration across its products. Rajeev Rajan has focused on scaling Atlassian’s SaaS platforms to serve over 240,000 enterprise customers, emphasizing reliability and “developer joy” in the process. He champions the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve team productivity – for example, embedding machine learning to automate workflows in Jira and enhance DevOps practices. Under his guidance, Atlassian has dramatically expanded its cloud offerings and navigated the challenges of operating at a global scale. Rajan’s cross-industry experience and strategic vision are helping Atlassian innovate faster, maintain high availability, and meet the evolving collaboration needs of millions of users worldwide.

 

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11. Taylor Man – CTO, NTT Communications (East Asia)

Taylor Man is the Chief Technology Officer at NTT Com Asia (the East Asia arm of NTT Communications), part of Japan’s NTT Group. As CTO based in Hong Kong, he leads NTT’s regional R&D and technology initiatives, particularly focusing on cloud computing, data center infrastructure, and network services. With over two decades of experience, Taylor Man has overseen the deployment of large-scale submarine cable networks and high-speed fiber connectivity across Asia. He also drives NTT’s innovation in enterprise solutions – from software-defined networking (SDN) to AI-driven managed services – to support digital transformation for businesses. Under his leadership, NTT Com Asia has built advanced Tier-IV data centers and launched cutting-edge services like AI-powered network analytics and smart city connectivity. Taylor Man’s strategic vision has been crucial in maintaining NTT’s reputation as a leading telecommunications provider in Asia. He is also an active advocate for sustainability in tech, steering NTT’s green data center designs and energy-efficient networks to meet the region’s growing demand for reliable, eco-friendly digital infrastructure.

 

12. Jorge Fernandes – Group CTO, Singtel

Jorge Fernandes is the Group Chief Technology Officer of Singtel (Singapore Telecommunications Limited), one of Asia’s largest telecom groups with operations across Asia, Australia, and Africa. A veteran telecom executive, Fernandes was appointed Group CTO in 2023 after serving as CTO for telecom operators in Europe and the Middle East. In his role at Singtel, he leads the overall technology strategy, network transformation, and 5G rollout across the Singtel Group’s markets. Jorge Fernandes is driving Singtel’s initiatives in 5G Standalone networks, edge computing, and network virtualization to enhance mobile broadband and enterprise services. He emphasizes innovation in areas like AI for network optimization and advanced cybersecurity for the telecom infrastructure. Under his leadership, Singtel has accelerated its 5G deployment in Singapore (achieving nationwide coverage) and launched new digital services such as 5G MEC (Multi-access Edge Compute) for low-latency applications. Fernandes’ international expertise and focus on next-generation technologies are instrumental in Singtel’s evolution into a digital communications and ICT solutions provider, maintaining its competitiveness on the global stage.

 

13. Harrick Vin – CTO, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Dr. Harrick Vin is the Chief Technology Officer of Tata Consultancy Services, India’s largest IT services and consulting company. With a Ph.D. in computer science (distributed systems) and a background as a professor at the University of Texas, Harrick Vin joined TCS in 2005 as Chief Scientist. He was appointed CTO in 2023, succeeding longtime CTO K. Ananth Krishnan. As CTO, Dr. Vin oversees TCS’s technology vision and innovation agenda across its global operations. He has been instrumental in incubating new technology practices at TCS – including the ignio™ AI Ops platform for IT automation – and has authored over 125 research papers and 45 patents. Harrick Vin chairs the TCS Corporate Technology Board and guides investments in AI, cloud, and blockchain solutions for enterprise clients. Under his leadership, TCS has expanded its suite of intellectual property and frameworks that help Fortune 500 companies accelerate digital transformation. Known for bridging academic rigor with industry needs, Dr. Vin ensures TCS remains at the forefront of emerging tech, from agile software development to machine learning, cementing its position as a global IT leader.

 

14. Rafee Tarafdar – CTO, Infosys

Mohammed Rafee Tarafdar is the Chief Technology Officer of Infosys, a leading global IT services and consulting firm based in India. A longtime Infosys technologist, Rafee has over 20 years of experience and was appointed group CTO in 2022. He is responsible for defining Infosys’s technology vision and strategy, particularly in sensing and scaling emerging technologies across the company’s services. Rafee Tarafdar heads the Strategic Technology Group at Infosys, which focuses on incubating next-generation offerings in areas like artificial intelligence, automation, and cloud-native development. He was a chief architect of Infosys’s acclaimed Live Enterprise initiative, which applied AI and automation internally to make Infosys’s operations hyper-productive. Co-author of a book on this transformation, Rafee has demonstrated thought leadership in enterprise agility. Under his guidance, Infosys has launched innovative platforms for its clients, including AI-driven IT operations, blockchain-based supply chain solutions, and immersive digital experience frameworks. His blend of deep technical expertise and business understanding helps Infosys clients navigate rapid tech changes and has reinforced Infosys’s reputation for technological excellence.

 

15. Kalyan Kumar (KK) – Former Global CTO, HCL Technologies

Kalyan Kumar, popularly known as “KK,” served as the Global Chief Technology Officer of HCL Technologies (a top Indian IT services company) until 2023. He is now the Chief Product Officer at HCLSoftware, but earns recognition for his impactful tenure as CTO. As Global CTO, KK led HCL’s technology strategy and built a robust partner ecosystem for cloud and digital solutions. He was the driving force behind HCL’s Cloud Native Labs and the development of the HCL DRYiCE™ automation suite. During his time as CTO, Kalyan Kumar championed enterprise adoption of hybrid cloud, AI, and cybersecurity solutions, helping HCL’s clients modernize their IT landscapes. He also represented HCL in industry forums and was instrumental in forging alliances with hyperscalers (AWS, Microsoft, Google) to expand HCL’s cloud services portfolio. KK’s leadership in nurturing innovation and IP creation (including numerous patents) has been pivotal for HCL’s growth. Now, as Chief Product Officer, he continues to influence HCL’s software product strategy, but his legacy as Global CTO – spearheading cloud initiatives and partner ecosystems – firmly established HCL as a trusted digital transformation partner.

 

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16. Sandhya Ramachandran Arun – CTO, Wipro

Sandhya R. Arun is the Chief Technology Officer of Wipro Limited, one of India’s largest IT consulting and services companies. She was appointed CTO of Wipro in August 2024 as part of a leadership transition, succeeding the previous CTO. With over 25 years of experience in technology, Sandhya Arun leads Wipro’s technical vision and innovation charter. She is responsible for strengthening Wipro’s capabilities in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI engineering. Before this role, Sandhya headed various delivery and engineering units within Wipro, building a reputation for driving digital transformation projects for global clients. As CTO, she is focusing on modernizing Wipro’s solutions with automation, embracing next-generation architectures, and grooming top engineering talent. Sandhya emphasizes the integration of emerging tech like generative AI and blockchain into Wipro’s service offerings to add value for clients. Her appointment as CTO also highlights Wipro’s commitment to diversity in leadership. Sandhya Ramachandran Arun is playing a key role in repositioning Wipro as a more agile, cloud-native, and innovation-led organization, propelling the company in the competitive global IT services arena.

 

17. Shyam Mardikar – Group CTO (Mobility), Reliance Jio

Shyam Prabhakar Mardikar is the Group Chief Technology Officer for Mobility at Reliance Jio, India’s largest mobile network operator and a subsidiary of Reliance Industries. With over two decades in telecom, Shyam Mardikar has been a key figure in Jio’s rapid network expansion. He oversees strategy for Jio’s wireless networks, spectrum, and architecture evolution. Shyam was instrumental in Jio’s deployment of an all-IP 4G LTE network at an unprecedented scale, and is now driving the rollout of 5G across India. He previously introduced India’s first UMTS 900 MHz network and LTE 1800 MHz network. Known for his innovative approach, Shyam Mardikar focuses on autonomous networks, network virtualization, and enhancing customer experience through technology. He has received industry accolades, including ET Telecom’s CTO of the Year for his contributions. Under his leadership, Jio’s mobile network has become one of the largest and most advanced, offering affordable high-speed data to over 450 million subscribers. Shyam continues to push for new frontiers such as 5G use-cases (like AR/VR and IoT) and is pivotal in Jio’s vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society.

 

18. Randeep Sekhon – CTO, Bharti Airtel

Randeep Singh Sekhon is the Chief Technology Officer of Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator with operations in 18 countries across Asia and Africa. With a career spanning over 25 years, Randeep joined Airtel as CTO in 2017 and has since overseen its technological evolution. He is responsible for Airtel’s networks, IT platforms, and digital infrastructure. Randeep Sekhon has led the deployment of Airtel’s 4G and the ongoing rollout of 5G networks, focusing on network quality and innovation. He has championed the use of AI and automation in Airtel’s operations, implementing self-healing networks and advanced analytics to improve customer experience. Under his leadership, Airtel has pioneered initiatives like Open RAN (opening telecom equipment interfaces) and trials of 5G standalone networks in India. Randeep’s tenure also saw Airtel launch new services, including VoLTE, nationwide NB-IoT, and Airtel Cloud. His blend of technical and managerial expertise has been crucial in maintaining Airtel’s reputation for a high-speed, reliable network. A key voice in industry forums, Randeep Sekhon advocates for collaboration and standardization in telecom, and he has significantly contributed to advancing India’s digital connectivity goals.

 

19. Sharad Sriwastawa – Co-CEO & CTO, Rakuten Mobile

Sharad Sriwastawa is the Chief Technology Officer and co-CEO of Rakuten Mobile, the disruptive telecommunications arm of Japan’s Rakuten Group. An engineer by training, Sharad hails from India and held leadership roles at Nokia before joining Rakuten. As CTO of Rakuten Mobile, he has overseen the deployment of the world’s first end-to-end fully virtualized cloud-native mobile network. Sharad spearheaded Rakuten’s bold move to build a 4G/5G network with Open RAN technology, significantly reducing costs and increasing flexibility. In 2023, he was appointed acting President of Rakuten Symphony (Rakuten’s telco platform unit) and co-CEO of Rakuten Mobile, expanding his remit to commercialize Rakuten’s networking technology for global operators. Under his guidance, Rakuten Mobile launched 5G services in Japan and achieved a high degree of automation in operations. Sharad Sriwastawa’s visionary work earned him recognition as a telecom innovator who is breaking traditional norms. By blending IT and telecom, he has helped Rakuten Mobile offer competitive services and export its cloud-native telecom platform worldwide, signaling a new era of software-centric mobile networks.

 

20. Suthen Thomas Paradatheth – Group CTO, Grab

Suthen Thomas Paradatheth is the Group Chief Technology Officer of Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading super-app offering ride-hailing, food delivery, and digital payments. A founding team member of Grab, Suthen has been with the company since its early days and was promoted to Group CTO in October 2022. As CTO, he leads Grab’s engineering organization across multiple countries, overseeing the tech backbone that serves millions of users. Suthen has driven the development of Grab’s real-time marketplace platform – optimizing matching algorithms for rides and deliveries, and scaling systems to handle peak demands. He also heads Grab’s investments in map services, mobile payments, and AI-based fraud detection. Under his tenure, Grab established R&D centers in eight global locations, leveraging top talent to innovate in areas like route optimization and predictive analytics. Suthen Thomas is known for fostering a strong engineering culture and for his hands-on approach in solving complex technical challenges. His leadership has been crucial as Grab transformed from a startup to a NASDAQ-listed tech conglomerate. By continuously improving app performance and reliability, Suthen ensures Grab remains a platform of choice in the highly competitive super-app landscape of Asia.

 

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21. William Xiong – Group CTO, GoTo (Gojek Tokopedia)

William W. Xiong is the Group Chief Technology Officer of GoTo Group, Indonesia’s tech powerhouse formed by the merger of ride-hailing giant Gojek and e-commerce leader Tokopedia. With over 25 years of experience, William Xiong joined GoTo in 2023 as Group CTO, bringing expertise from his tenure as a Vice President at Alibaba Cloud. At GoTo, he is responsible for unifying and advancing the technology platforms that power Gojek’s on-demand services and Tokopedia’s marketplace for millions of users. William oversees GoTo’s engineering teams working on scalable microservices, payment systems, and big data analytics. He has prioritized cloud infrastructure optimization and the integration of AI/ML to enhance personalization and logistics efficiency. Under his guidance, GoTo is accelerating its product innovation – from improving Gojek’s driver allocation algorithms to strengthening Tokopedia’s search and recommendation engines. William Xiong also drives talent development, establishing best practices in agile development across the merged entity. His global experience (especially at Alibaba) is helping GoTo adopt world-class cloud architecture and security standards. As CTO, William plays a pivotal role in GoTo’s mission to create a seamless digital ecosystem in Southeast Asia, ensuring synergies across e-commerce, mobility, and fintech services.

 

22. Dr. Kevin Jou – CTO & Corporate EVP, MediaTek

Dr. Yuchuen “Kevin” Jou is the Chief Technology Officer and Corporate Executive Vice President of MediaTek, a leading semiconductor company from Taiwan known for its mobile system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. Kevin Jou earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and spent 20 years in the chip industry (including at Qualcomm) before joining MediaTek in 2011. As CTO, he directs MediaTek’s R&D in developing advanced chipsets for smartphones, IoT devices, and connectivity. He has overseen MediaTek’s rise in producing high-performance, affordable 4G/5G smartphone processors that power devices from top global brands. Under his technical leadership, MediaTek introduced cutting-edge innovations like 5G modems, multi-core AI processors, and ultra-low-power chip design. Kevin Jou led the development of the Dimensity series 5G SoCs, which helped MediaTek become the world’s #1 smartphone chipset supplier by volume. He also drives research in new areas such as Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth LE Audio, and automotive chip solutions. Known for a hands-on approach, Dr. Jou encourages a culture of continuous improvement in engineering. His work ensures MediaTek’s chips stay on the bleeding edge of performance and energy efficiency, enabling billions of consumers worldwide to enjoy smart devices with rich features at accessible prices.

 

23. Yang Gang – CTO, Kingsoft Cloud

Yang Gang is the Chief Technology Officer of Kingsoft Cloud, one of China’s leading cloud computing providers (and a subsidiary of Kingsoft Group). With a background in big data and cloud architecture, Yang Gang has been serving as CTO of Kingsoft Cloud since the company’s early growth phase. He is credited with building out Kingsoft’s core cloud platforms, which now offer services in IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS to enterprises globally. Yang Gang focuses on leveraging cloud computing, big data analytics, and AI technologies to improve Kingsoft Cloud’s offerings. Under his leadership, Kingsoft Cloud developed robust solutions for content delivery networks (CDN), online video streaming, and enterprise storage, becoming a strong competitor to Alibaba Cloud and Tencent Cloud in key sectors. He has also overseen Kingsoft Cloud’s expansion beyond China, setting up data centers in Asia, North America, and Europe. Yang Gang emphasizes security and reliability – he led initiatives to obtain top security certifications and to optimize cloud efficiency. His strategic direction has helped Kingsoft Cloud win major clients in gaming, video, and finance. By integrating AI for intelligent cloud operations and investing in edge computing, Yang Gang ensures Kingsoft Cloud remains at the forefront of innovation in Asia’s burgeoning cloud market.

 

24. Dr. Yong Rui – CTO & SVP, Lenovo Group

Dr. Yong Rui is the Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of Lenovo Group, the world’s largest PC maker and a global tech company spanning smartphones, servers, and AI. He holds a Ph.D. in computer science and is an IEEE Fellow, with a distinguished career including 18 years at Microsoft Research. Yong Rui joined Lenovo in 2016 as CTO and is responsible for Lenovo’s technical strategy and worldwide R&D directions. He oversees a $2.5+ billion R&D budget, directing innovation in areas such as edge computing, AI, 5G connectivity, and smart devices. Under Dr. Rui’s leadership, Lenovo established research centers in emerging fields and increased its patent output significantly. He has driven the development of Lenovo’s smarter IoT products, like AI-enabled ThinkPad laptops and AR/VR solutions, and guided Lenovo’s transformation into a customer-centric “Device + Cloud” and “Infrastructure + Cloud” architecture company. Yong Rui also chairs Lenovo’s Artificial Intelligence Council, ensuring AI is infused across products (for example, predictive self-healing in data center solutions). His global perspective and academic prowess have helped Lenovo diversify beyond PCs into services and solutions. Dr. Yong Rui’s stewardship keeps Lenovo at the cutting edge of innovation, bridging hardware with new software and cloud capabilities in the era of intelligent transformation.

 

25. Sun Huajun – CTO, BYD (Battery Division)

Sun Huajun is the Chief Technology Officer of the Battery Business Unit at BYD Company, a Chinese multinational known for its electric vehicles (EVs) and rechargeable batteries. As CTO of BYD’s battery division, Dr. Sun focuses on advancing battery chemistry and manufacturing for BYD’s cars and energy storage solutions. He holds a doctorate and has led BYD’s R&D efforts in all-solid-state batteries, which are seen as a game-changer for next-generation EVs. Sun Huajun announced that BYD is on track to commercialize solid-state battery technology in the coming years, aiming for improved safety and energy density. He also oversees innovation in BYD’s current lithium iron phosphate (LFP) “Blade Battery,” which gained worldwide attention for its slim form factor and enhanced safety. Under Sun’s technical leadership, BYD has become one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, supplying not only its electric buses and cars but also other OEMs. He has championed automation and AI in BYD’s battery factories to improve quality and output. Dr. Sun’s contributions are pivotal in BYD’s vertical integration strategy – his work on battery longevity and fast-charging capabilities helps BYD’s EVs compete globally. As the auto industry moves toward electric mobility, Sun Huajun’s innovations in battery tech significantly influence EV adoption worldwide.

 

Related: Are Chief Technology Officers Overpaid?

 

26. Sudipta Bhattacharya – CTO, Adani Group

Sudipta Bhattacharya is the Chief Technology Officer of Adani Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates with interests in ports, energy, mining, and infrastructure. He also serves as CEO of Adani’s North American operations. With an MBA and background in industrial engineering, Sudipta brings over 30 years of global experience. As Group CTO, he is tasked with steering Adani’s technological transformation across traditionally heavy industries. Sudipta earlier led Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone as CEO, where he introduced smart port technologies and digital supply chain systems. Now as CTO, he focuses on leveraging data analytics, IoT, and automation to improve efficiency in Adani’s operations – from smart grid solutions in Adani’s power business to autonomous haulage and drone surveillance in its mining and logistics divisions. He also oversees the Group’s IT and cybersecurity posture. Sudipta Bhattacharya’s initiatives include implementing renewable energy analytics for Adani’s solar and wind farms and blockchain-based platforms for commodity trading. Under his guidance, Adani Group has set up innovation labs and is partnering with startups to adopt cutting-edge tech. His strategic leadership ensures that even in sectors like transport and energy, Adani remains agile and tech-forward, which is vital as the conglomerate expands globally.

 

27. Dr. Aspi Navroj Patel – CTO, Aditya Birla Group

Dr. Aspi N. Patel is the Chief Technology Officer of Aditya Birla Group, a major Indian multinational conglomerate with businesses in metals, cement, textiles, and telecom. With over 30 years of expertise spanning manufacturing and marketing, Dr. Patel took on the Group CTO role to drive technology-led innovation across diverse industries. He holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and has been instrumental in introducing advanced process technologies in Aditya Birla’s manufacturing units. Aspi Patel’s responsibilities include fostering digital transformation – implementing Industry 4.0 practices like IoT sensors for plant maintenance, data analytics for supply chain optimization, and automation in production lines. He also guides the Group’s sustainability innovations, such as developing new low-carbon cement formulations and recycling technologies in aluminum and copper businesses. Dr. Patel’s leadership has led to the establishment of a central “Innovation Cell” that evaluates emerging tech (AI/ML, robotics, blockchain) for business applications. He encourages a culture of research and has forged partnerships with global tech firms and academia to keep the conglomerate at the cutting edge. Aspi N. Patel’s broad technical acumen ensures that even in traditional sectors, Aditya Birla Group companies remain competitive, efficient, and ready for future challenges.

 

28. Mohit Kapoor – Group Head of Technology (CTO), Mahindra & Mahindra

Mohit Kapoor is the Group Chief Technology Officer (Group Head of Technology) at Mahindra & Mahindra, one of India’s largest diversified groups spanning automotive, farm equipment, IT services, and more. With 30+ years in business technology (including leadership stints at DBS Bank and Citibank), Mohit was appointed as Mahindra’s Group CTO in 2021. In this role, he drives the digital and IT strategy across the Mahindra Group’s companies. Mohit Kapoor is recognized for championing enterprise digital transformation – he is implementing common technology platforms to harmonize operations across businesses, from connected vehicle tech in Mahindra’s automotive division to smart irrigation solutions in its farm equipment sector. He emphasizes the use of cloud computing, cybersecurity best practices, and data analytics to create value. For instance, Mohit has overseen the deployment of AI-driven customer service bots and Industrial IoT projects in Mahindra’s factories to enhance productivity. Additionally, he is fostering a startup mindset within the conglomerate by setting up innovation labs and agile development teams. Under his guidance, Mahindra Group has rolled out new digital offerings (like the “Hello tractor” app for farm equipment sharing) and strengthened its e-commerce and fintech ventures. Mohit Kapoor’s strategic and unifying approach to technology is helping future-proof Mahindra & Mahindra’s many businesses in the face of rapid digital disruption.

 

29. Dr. Shigetoshi Sameshima – CTO & VP, Hitachi Ltd.

Dr. Shigetoshi Sameshima is the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Hitachi, Ltd., the Japanese industrial and technology conglomerate. As CTO, Dr. Sameshima oversees Hitachi’s global R&D organization and innovation strategy. He earned a Ph.D. and joined Hitachi’s research labs in the 1990s, working on autonomous decentralized systems for social infrastructure. Rising through the ranks, he gained expertise in power systems, transportation, and smart city projects. Now, Shigetoshi Sameshima leads Hitachi’s Research & Development Group, guiding research in diverse fields: energy, mobility, industry, and IT. He is responsible for aligning cutting-edge technologies like IoT, AI, and quantum computing with Hitachi’s business goals. Dr. Sameshima has been instrumental in Hitachi’s Lumada IoT platform, which provides data analytics solutions for smart factories and urban infrastructure. He also spearheads collaboration initiatives – under his direction, Hitachi partners with startups, universities, and governments to co-create solutions (for example, smart grid innovations and electric vehicle charging infrastructure). Appointed CTO in 2025, Shigetoshi Sameshima is driving a company-wide push to integrate digital technologies (OT×IT) into Hitachi’s traditionally hardware-focused products. His vision is accelerating Hitachi’s transformation into a global leader of social innovation, delivering intelligent solutions for a sustainable society.

 

30. Vivek Mahajan – CTO & Senior EVP, Fujitsu Limited

Vivek Mahajan is the Chief Technology Officer and a Senior Executive Vice President at Fujitsu Limited, Japan’s leading ICT company known for IT services and computing products. With a rich background in the tech industry, Vivek (originally from India) became Fujitsu’s global CTO in 2021. He directs Fujitsu’s technology and innovation roadmap, overseeing a network of R&D labs worldwide. Vivek Mahajan’s mandate includes driving Fujitsu’s focus on digital transformation, AI, and quantum computing for its customers. He has been pivotal in formulating Fujitsu’s “Uvance” portfolio, which targets sustainable transformation in areas like manufacturing, healthcare, and finance through cloud, 5G, and advanced analytics. Under his leadership, Fujitsu has pushed forward with quantum-inspired computing (the Digital Annealer) and AI platforms for business applications. Vivek also emphasizes upskilling talent and fostering a culture of open innovation; he often highlights global hiring and ecosystem partnerships as key to accelerating R&D. He has spoken about the challenges of talent in AI and the importance of ethical AI deployment. As CTO, Vivek Mahajan ensures that Fujitsu stays at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge, trusted technology solutions that align with its vision of a human-centric, sustainable society.

 

Related: Top Books for CTOs and Technology Leaders

 

31. Motoo Nishihara – EVP & CTO, NEC Corporation

Motoo Nishihara is the Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of NEC Corporation, the Japanese IT and network technology leader. A veteran at NEC, Nishihara has decades of experience in NEC’s R&D, particularly in computing and networking. He was appointed CTO in 2020 and also serves as President of NEC’s Global Innovation Business Unit. In this capacity, Motoo Nishihara manages NEC’s worldwide research labs and steers the development of emerging technologies like biometric security, 5G/6G networks, and AI analytics. He has championed NEC’s breakthroughs in facial recognition (ranked among the world’s most accurate) and the company’s role in open 5G initiatives. Nishihara is leading NEC’s contributions to national digital transformation projects (such as smart city infrastructure and digital government platforms in Japan). Under his guidance, NEC has intensified open innovation – collaborating with universities and startups – and invested in fields like quantum computing and space communications. He emphasizes leveraging NEC’s rich patent portfolio and pushing “co-creation” with clients to solve societal challenges through technology. Motoo Nishihara’s leadership as CTO is key to NEC’s mission of orchestrating a brighter world – he aligns NEC’s tech strengths in computing and networks to deliver solutions from public safety to telecom that are used globally.

 

32. Wang Xiyu – EVP, CTO & CIO, ZTE Corporation

Wang Xiyu is the Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Information Officer of ZTE Corporation, a major Chinese telecommunications equipment and mobile device manufacturer. A longtime technologist at ZTE, Wang Xiyu joined the company in 1998 and rose to the CTO position in 2018. He is responsible for ZTE’s overall product and technology strategy, overseeing R&D of wireless networks, wireline, and device technologies. Wang Xiyu has led ZTE’s push into 5G – guiding the development of its 5G NR base stations, core network solutions, and specialized chipsets. He has also been pivotal in ZTE’s efforts in 5G Open RAN and virtualization, which aim to make telecom networks more flexible and cost-effective. Internally, as CIO, he has driven the digital transformation of ZTE’s operations using its own ICT solutions. Despite challenges (such as international sanctions), Wang Xiyu has kept ZTE at the cutting edge. Under his technical leadership, ZTE has developed innovative Sub-6 GHz and mmWave equipment and contributed significantly to global 5G standards. He also spearheads research into future 6G technology and green telecommunications (energy-efficient network gear). Wang Xiyu’s dual role as CTO and CIO uniquely positions him to align ZTE’s tech development with operational excellence, reinforcing ZTE’s position as a key global telecom player.

 

33. Jung Kyu-don – CTO, Kakao Corp

Jung Kyu-don is the Chief Technology Officer of Kakao Corporation, the South Korean internet conglomerate known for KakaoTalk (the country’s dominant messaging app) and services spanning fintech, gaming, and entertainment. Formerly the CTO of Kakao Bank, Jung Kyu-don was appointed Group CTO of Kakao in 2021. In this role, he oversees Kakao’s technology units and infrastructure as the company expands its ecosystem. Jung has extensive experience in scalable system design – at Kakao Bank, he built the mobile-only bank’s IT architecture to serve millions of users reliably. Now, as Kakao’s CTO, he is focusing on strengthening Kakao’s cloud infrastructure, data centers, and AI capabilities to support services like KakaoTalk (with its 50 million+ user base), Kakao Pay, and Kakao’s e-commerce and content platforms. He also leads efforts to improve security across Kakao’s services after past outages, implementing fail-safe systems and distributed architectures. Jung Kyu-don’s tenure hasn’t been without controversy – his earlier stock sales at Kakao Bank drew public scrutiny, but he continues to push forward Kakao’s tech agenda. Under his leadership, Kakao is investing in next-gen tech like conversational AI, blockchain (Klaytn), and mobility platforms. Jung’s goal is to ensure Kakao’s many services run on a unified, robust tech foundation that can flexibly accommodate growth and deliver seamless experiences to users.

 

34. C.V. Raman – CTO, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

C.V. Raman is the Chief Technical Officer of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, India’s largest automaker (majority-owned by Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corporation). A mechanical engineer by training, Raman has been with Maruti Suzuki for over 30 years and has led engineering for some of the company’s most popular car models. As CTO (appointed in 2021), C.V. Raman oversees all product engineering, design, and R&D operations at Maruti Suzuki. He has been instrumental in indigenizing vehicle development in India – under his guidance, Maruti established its state-of-the-art R&D center and has designed cars tailored to Indian conditions. Raman played a key role in developing models like the Vitara Brezza and Ertiga, and in Maruti’s efforts toward greener technology, such as CNG and smart hybrid vehicles. In his CTO tenure, he is spearheading Maruti’s push into electric vehicles and connected car tech, aligning with Suzuki’s global initiatives. He also champions safety enhancements, having driven the rollout of advanced safety features to meet global NCAP standards. Known for a hands-on leadership style, C.V. Raman frequently engages with young engineers and suppliers to foster innovation. His deep experience ensures Maruti Suzuki continues to deliver affordable, reliable, and updated vehicles, maintaining its dominant market share while preparing for future mobility shifts.

 

35. Geena Malhotra – Global CTO, Cipla Ltd.

Geena Malhotra is the Global Chief Technology Officer of Cipla Limited, a top Indian multinational pharmaceutical company with a presence in over 80 countries. She made history as the first woman in Cipla’s management council and now leads the company’s technology and innovation strategies. With a Master’s in chemistry and nearly three decades at Cipla, Geena rose through roles in production and technical development to become Global CTO in 2019. She oversees Cipla’s R&D centers, focusing on developing affordable medicines and next-generation drug delivery systems. Under her leadership, Cipla has leveraged cutting-edge pharmaceutical technologies – such as inhalation therapy devices, biosimilars, and novel formulations – to maintain its edge in respiratory, HIV/AIDS, and oncology segments. Geena Malhotra has driven automation and data analytics in manufacturing (implementing Industry 4.0 in Cipla’s plants) to improve quality and efficiency. She also leads efforts in green chemistry to make processes more sustainable. A firm believer in continual learning, Geena mentors scientists and spearheads collaborations with academic institutes for drug innovation. Her contributions have been vital in launching key products, including world-first combinations in HIV treatment. As Global CTO, Geena Malhotra ensures that Cipla’s technical capabilities align with its vision of “Caring for Life,” delivering accessible healthcare solutions and meeting stringent global regulatory standards.

 

36. Nasir Darman – CTO, PETRONAS

Nasir Bin Darman is the Chief Technology Officer of PETRONAS, Malaysia’s national oil and gas company and a Fortune Global 500 energy firm. With a career at PETRONAS spanning over 25 years, Nasir Darman has extensive experience in petroleum engineering and research. He became CTO in 2020 and is responsible for PETRONAS’s overall technology strategy – from upstream exploration and production technologies to downstream refining and new energy solutions. Nasir leads the PETRONAS Group Technical Solutions team and steers the company’s innovation in areas like enhanced oil recovery (EOR), drilling automation, and asset integrity. He has been a key driver of PETRONAS’s push into cleaner energy, championing investments in carbon capture, hydrogen fuel, and digitalization of operations. Under his guidance, PETRONAS set up its FutureTech accelerator and University R&D collaborations to foster innovation. Nasir Darman’s notable achievements include overseeing a successful offshore CO₂ capture project and implementing advanced analytics for predictive maintenance across PETRONAS’s facilities. He also guided PETRONAS’s tech response to industry shifts, such as deploying remote operations during the pandemic. As CTO, Nasir emphasizes sustainability and efficiency, ensuring PETRONAS develops the technological capabilities to remain competitive and meet its net-zero emissions ambition while continuing to fuel industries and communities worldwide reliably.

 

37. Mark Diamond – Group CTO & Transformation Officer, NBK (Kuwait)

Mark Diamond is the Group Chief Technology and Transformation Officer at the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), one of the Middle East’s leading banks. With over 30 years of global IT experience in financial services, Mark joined NBK to spearhead its digital transformation. In his dual role, he oversees the bank’s technology strategy as well as its broader business transformation initiatives. Mark Diamond has led NBK’s implementation of modern core banking systems and the adoption of cloud technologies to improve agility. He has been instrumental in rolling out NBK’s new digital banking platforms, including a revamped mobile app and online banking system that offer enhanced user experiences. Under his guidance, NBK has also invested in cybersecurity upgrades and data analytics to personalize services for customers. Mark focuses on introducing fintech innovations – such as open banking APIs and instant payments – to keep NBK competitive regionally and globally. He is known for driving a cultural shift towards agile methodologies within the bank’s IT teams. Additionally, as Transformation Officer, Mark Diamond works on reengineering processes across retail and corporate banking to be more customer-centric and efficient. His efforts have been recognized as pivotal in NBK’s evolution into a more innovative, digitally-enabled bank, aligning with global banking trends while maintaining the bank’s legacy of trust.

 

38. Sham Arora – CTO, Tech Mahindra

Sham Arora is the Chief Technology Officer at Tech Mahindra, a global IT and consulting company and part of India’s Mahindra Group. He joined Tech Mahindra as CTO in mid-2023, bringing over 30 years of experience in the Banking and Financial Services IT domain (including senior roles at Standard Chartered Bank). As CTO, Sham Arora leads Tech Mahindra’s internal technology strategy and oversees the development of advanced solutions for clients. He is focusing on accelerating digital transformation within Tech Mahindra and for its customers by leveraging cloud migration, AI/ML, and platform engineering. Sham is a strong proponent of agile delivery and DevOps practices, driving their adoption to improve project outcomes. At Tech Mahindra, he plays a key role in aligning the company’s offerings with emerging trends like 5G for telecom, blockchain for enterprise, and the metaverse. Sham Arora’s banking tech background also bolsters Tech Mahindra’s fintech and digital payments consulting capabilities. In addition, he is involved in upskilling initiatives, ensuring Tech Mahindra’s 160,000+ technologists worldwide are trained in the latest technologies and tools. Sham often collaborates with Tech Mahindra’s innovation labs and startup partners to co-create new services. His leadership as CTO helps Tech Mahindra deliver cutting-edge, scalable solutions to clients across industries, reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s premier IT services providers.

 

39. Sanjay Suri – CTO, Nykaa

Sanjay Suri is the Chief Technology Officer of Nykaa, India’s leading omnichannel beauty and fashion retail platform. A seasoned technology leader, Sanjay joined Nykaa in 2020 after stints in companies like Amazon and Net-a-Porter. As CTO, he has been pivotal in scaling Nykaa from an e-commerce startup into a publicly-listed retail tech powerhouse. Sanjay Suri oversees Nykaa’s engineering teams that manage its high-traffic e-commerce website and mobile apps, which serve millions of customers. He has led the revamp of Nykaa’s tech stack to ensure reliability during peak sales and to personalize shopping experiences using data science. Under his leadership, Nykaa implemented AI-driven product recommendations and enhanced its search algorithms, resulting in improved conversion rates. Sanjay also guided the launch of Nykaa’s omnichannel tech, integrating inventory and sales across its online platform and 100+ physical stores, using cloud-based ERP systems. He focuses strongly on mobile optimization, as a majority of Nykaa’s traffic is via the app. Moreover, Sanjay Suri has championed cybersecurity and payment security improvements to protect customer data. By fostering a culture of rapid experimentation (A/B testing new features frequently), he keeps Nykaa’s digital experience fresh and competitive. His contributions as CTO were vital as Nykaa navigated an IPO and continues to expand into new product categories, ensuring technology remains a key differentiator for Nykaa in India’s booming e-commerce market.

 

40. Deependra Singh Rathore – CTO (Payments), Paytm

Deependra Singh Rathore is the Chief Technology Officer for Payments at Paytm (One97 Communications), India’s largest digital payments and fintech company. Appointed in 2023, he took on the mantle as Paytm’s CTO for the payments business when the previous CTO transitioned to focus on AI projects. Deependra has been with Paytm for several years, formerly as Senior Vice President of Technology, and carries over 20 years of industry experience. As CTO – Payments, he is responsible for the technology behind Paytm’s core offerings: mobile wallets, UPI transfers, and merchant payment solutions. He leads a team ensuring that Paytm’s platform handles billions of transactions securely and seamlessly each month. Deependra Singh Rathore has driven efforts to scale Paytm’s infrastructure further using cloud and microservices, and to reduce transaction latency. He is also integrating advanced AI to bolster fraud detection and develop personalized financial products. Under his watch, Paytm has continued rapid innovations such as Paytm Lightning (fast UPI payments) and soundbox devices for merchants. Additionally, Deependra is focusing on the reliability of Paytm’s systems, which has significantly improved uptime despite surging volumes. His technical leadership helps Paytm maintain its edge as a fintech pioneer in India, expanding into areas like Paytm Bank, insurance, and stock trading, all built on a robust, tech-driven foundation.

 

41. Aan Chauhan – CTO, LTIMindtree (Mindtree)

Aan Chauhan is the Chief Technology Officer of LTIMindtree (formerly Mindtree Ltd.), a prominent Indian IT services and consulting firm that is part of the Larsen & Toubro group. With over two decades in technology, Aan Chauhan has led world-class product development across healthcare, banking, and retail sectors. As CTO, he is responsible for crafting Mindtree’s technology vision and ensuring the adoption of emerging technologies in client solutions. Aan has been instrumental in driving cloud-native application development, AI integration, and enterprise DevOps at Mindtree. He has also spearheaded the creation of Mindtree’s intellectual property assets, such as accelerators for cloud migration and data analytics platforms. Known for his hands-on approach, Aan Chauhan encourages innovative thinking – he has set up internal “Brainstorm” sessions and hackathons to surface new ideas. Under his guidance, Mindtree delivered complex digital transformation projects, like building a unified e-commerce platform for a global CPG company and developing a smart inventory system for a major retailer. Aan’s expertise in system architecture and his ability to lead high-performance teams have been crucial for Mindtree’s growth. He ensures that Mindtree’s technical capabilities – spanning AI, IoT, blockchain, and more – align with client needs and market trends. As CTO, Aan Chauhan strengthens LTIMindtree’s reputation as a go-to partner for innovation and agile delivery in the IT services industry.

 

42. Ankit Mathuria – CTO, OYO

Ankit Mathuria is the Chief Technology Officer of OYO Rooms, one of the world’s largest hospitality tech startups, based in India. With a background that includes leadership roles at Amazon and Lenskart, Ankit joined OYO in 2019 to helm its technology division. As CTO, he oversees the development of OYO’s digital platforms that connect millions of travelers with small hotels and homes worldwide. Ankit Mathuria has focused on making OYO a tech-driven hospitality company – he led the creation of OYO’s proprietary hotel management system and pricing engine that uses AI to adjust room rates and occupancies dynamically. He also drove improvements in the consumer app and website, enabling seamless booking and a customized user experience. Under his guidance, OYO implemented robust analytics to assist partner hotels in improving service quality and launched IoT initiatives like voice-assisted check-in at some properties. Ankit played a key role in OYO’s pandemic response by quickly deploying features like sanitized stay listings and contactless operations to ensure guest safety. Additionally, he is investing in cloud infrastructure and automation to support OYO’s rapid expansion in markets across Asia, Europe, and the US. Ankit Mathuria’s leadership as CTO has helped OYO transform from a startup into a global hospitality chain powered by efficient, scalable technology, enabling it to manage tens of thousands of rooms in a highly fragmented industry.

 

43. Thuan Pham – CTO, Coupang (Former Uber CTO)

Thuan Pham is the Chief Technology Officer of Coupang, South Korea’s largest e-commerce platform, often dubbed “the Amazon of Korea.” He is internationally recognized for his previous role as Uber’s CTO, where he scaled the platform during its hyper-growth years. Born in Vietnam, Thuan Pham moved to the US as a refugee and earned degrees from MIT. After leaving Uber, he joined Coupang in late 2020 as CTO to strengthen its technology backbone. At Coupang, Thuan Pham is focusing on reinventing the urban logistics and delivery ecosystem globally, much as he did at Uber, but now in e-commerce. He oversees thousands of engineers working on Coupang’s end-to-end supply chain systems, from its consumer-facing app to warehouse automation (including robotics in fulfillment centers) and last-mile delivery optimization. Under his leadership, Coupang has invested in highly scalable cloud infrastructure and real-time data analytics to enable features like next-day (and even same-day) delivery, which are central to Coupang’s customer promise. He is also driving improvements in search relevance, personalized recommendations, and the launch of new services (like Coupang Eats food delivery). Known for his hands-on and motivational leadership style, Thuan fosters a culture of continuous improvement and talent development. His extensive experience in Silicon Valley helps infuse Coupang with global best practices in engineering, aiding its emergence as a world-class e-commerce player beyond South Korea.

 

44. Dr. Cha Seon-yong – CTO & Head of R&D, SK hynix

Dr. Cha Seon-yong is the Chief Technology Officer and Head of Research & Development at SK hynix, one of the world’s largest memory semiconductor manufacturers (based in South Korea). Joining SK hynix in 1995, Dr. Cha has devoted his career to memory chip innovation. As CTO, he leads SK hynix’s R&D in developing cutting-edge memory technologies, including DRAM and NAND flash. Cha Seon-yong has been integral to SK hynix’s achievements in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI and graphics, and in scaling 3D NAND to hundreds of layers. He often presents SK hynix’s technology roadmap at international conferences – for instance, highlighting future DRAM innovations at IEEE VLSI forums. Under his guidance, SK hynix has accelerated its adoption of EUV lithography in DRAM production and pioneered next-gen DDR5 and LPDDR5 memory solutions that power modern data centers and 5G devices. He also oversees materials research and packaging innovation to improve memory performance and energy efficiency. Described as having a meticulous and forward-looking approach, Dr. Cha established a ‘C-level’ R&D structure at SK hynix to streamline decision-making and shorten development cycles. His efforts ensure SK hynix remains at the forefront of the memory industry, supplying advanced chips that enable progress in cloud computing, smartphones, and artificial intelligence.

 

45. Hassan Khalil – CTO, Ooredoo Qatar

Hassan Khalil is the Chief Technology Officer of Ooredoo Qatar, the leading telecommunications operator in Qatar and part of the international Ooredoo Group. He is credited with driving Ooredoo’s network to global leadership in 5G deployment. Under Hassan’s technical stewardship, Ooredoo Qatar became the world’s first operator to launch commercial 5G services in 2018, showcasing Qatar’s commitment to telecom innovation. With deep expertise in mobile networks, Hassan Khalil oversees Ooredoo’s network strategy, including the rollout of nationwide 5G coverage, fiber broadband expansion, and the introduction of IoT services. He has implemented robust 5G use-cases in Qatar – from smart city sensors to high-speed wireless broadband for consumers – helping various industries adopt digital solutions. Hassan also focuses on network optimization and capacity upgrades to handle massive traffic growth (for example, during global events like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022). Before Ooredoo, he contributed to Ericsson’s technology projects, which explains his strong foundation in telecom infrastructure. Khalil emphasizes cybersecurity and has worked to safeguard Ooredoo’s critical networks through advanced threat monitoring systems. His achievements, particularly in pioneering 5G, have made Ooredoo Qatar a reference point in the Middle East for telecom excellence. Hassan Khalil continues to steer Ooredoo’s technological evolution, including exploring 5.5G/6G and cloud-native network transformations to keep Qatar at the forefront of connectivity.

 

46. Dr. R.C. Chang – CTO, Acer Inc.

Dr. R. C. Chang is the Chief Technology Officer of Acer Inc., the Taiwanese multinational known for its PCs, laptops, and electronics. As CTO, Dr. Chang heads Acer’s Value Lab and oversees all research and development efforts company-wide. He holds a doctorate and has been instrumental in Acer’s technical direction, particularly as the PC industry navigates new trends. Dr. R.C. Chang’s role involves exploring innovative product designs (he also leads Acer’s Design Center), developing next-generation computing devices, and integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and cloud services into Acer’s hardware. He has overseen the creation of Acer’s gaming line, Predator, thin-and-light Swift laptops, and Acer’s foray into new categories such as mixed reality headsets and IoT gadgets. Under his leadership, Acer has also embraced sustainable design – for instance, using post-consumer recycled materials in its Vero series of eco-friendly laptops. Dr. Chang works closely with component partners (like Intel and NVIDIA) to ensure Acer’s products leverage the latest processors and graphics capabilities. By leading Acer’s R&D, he ensures the company can quickly adapt to consumer needs, whether it’s designing rugged Chromebooks for education or high-performance notebooks for creators. With decades of experience, Dr. R.C. Chang’s guidance helps Acer remain a top-five global PC brand, known for reliable, innovative computing devices that appeal to a broad range of customers.

 

47. Dr. Xuedong Huang – CTO, Zoom Video Communications

Dr. Xuedong “XD” Huang is the Chief Technology Officer of Zoom Video Communications, the US-based but globally ubiquitous video conferencing platform. Born and educated in China (Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering), Dr. Huang is a world-renowned expert in speech recognition and previously led Microsoft’s speech and language labs. He joined Zoom as CTO in 2020 to help scale its technology during unprecedented growth. As CTO, Xuedong Huang is responsible for Zoom’s overall technical direction, ensuring the platform’s reliability, security, and innovation as usage skyrocketed (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic). He has focused on fortifying Zoom’s infrastructure to handle hundreds of millions of daily meeting participants, moving much of Zoom’s workload to cloud data centers for elasticity. Dr. Huang has also driven AI-powered enhancements in Zoom, such as background noise suppression, virtual backgrounds, real-time transcription, and translation features, many derived from his speech AI expertise. Under his leadership, Zoom has introduced end-to-end encryption options to bolster privacy, and new products like Zoom Apps and Zoom Events to diversify its offerings. Xuedong Huang is known for staying on top of emerging tech; he actively integrates machine learning to improve video and audio quality continually. His cross-cultural background and deep technical chops have been invaluable in Zoom’s evolution from a meeting app to an essential communications ecosystem, helping the world stay connected.

 

48. Bobby Murphy – Co-founder & CTO, Snap Inc.

Bobby Murphy is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Snap Inc., the American company behind Snapchat – one of the world’s most popular social media platforms. As a Filipino-American tech leader (and one of the youngest self-made billionaires), Bobby co-created Snapchat in 2011 with Evan Spiegel while at Stanford. Since Snap’s founding, he has served as CTO, architecting the app’s core features and overseeing its engineering teams as the platform grew to over 375 million daily users globally. Bobby Murphy is credited with developing Snapchat’s early technical innovations, such as the ephemeral “Stories” format and augmented reality (AR) Lenses. He remains deeply involved in Snap’s product development, focusing on advanced AR experiences, mini-apps (Snap Minis), and the evolution of the Snap Map. Under his technical leadership, Snap Inc. built a robust infrastructure to handle billions of snaps and videos created each day. Bobby also spearheads Snap’s investments in machine learning for content personalization and computer vision for AR – his team launched the powerful Lens Studio for creators to make their own AR effects. Despite Snap being a US-based company, Murphy’s success and influence are a source of inspiration in the Asian-American community, showcasing the global impact an Asian-origin tech leader can have. His continuing role as CTO ensures that Snap Inc. stays at the cutting edge of social technology and fun user experiences that resonate with the youth worldwide.

 

49. Saurabh Dwivedi – Chief Technology Officer, MobiKwik

Saurabh Dwivedi currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at MobiKwik, a leading Indian fintech company headquartered in Gurugram. He was promoted to this role in June 2025, having previously held the position of Senior Vice President of Engineering for the payments division since August 2023. Dwivedi brings over two decades of experience in building and scaling complex, consumer-facing digital platforms. Before joining MobiKwik, he was the Vice President of Engineering at MakeMyTrip, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the company’s technical infrastructure. He holds a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in Delhi. In his current role at MobiKwik, Dwivedi oversees engineering efforts across four key verticals: Payments, Financial Services, Core Platform, and Infrastructure & Information Security. He is spearheading initiatives focused on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to drive product innovation, improve system resilience, and enhance customer experience. His leadership is instrumental in MobiKwik’s strategic emphasis on AI-assisted product development, efficient collections, and customer satisfaction, aiming to accelerate the company’s go-to-market strategy and expand its market share in the competitive fintech landscape.

 

50. Li Cheng – Former CTO, Alibaba Group

(Honorable Mention – Former CTO) Li Cheng was the Chief Technology Officer of Alibaba Group before Wu Zeming. An alumnus of Tongji University with extensive experience in systems engineering, Li Cheng led Alibaba’s technology infrastructure through a period of massive growth (circa 2016–2022). He championed Alibaba’s shift to a cloud-native architecture and the infusion of AI into e-commerce, logistics, and customer service. Under Li Cheng’s guidance, Alibaba developed its AI-powered recommendation engine and upgraded the Alipay payment technology. He also oversaw the expansion of Alibaba Cloud’s capabilities, making it the largest cloud provider in Asia. Li Cheng emphasized a customer-first, data-driven approach – one outcome being the creation of the “City Brain” urban AI platform implemented in cities like Hangzhou. After a distinguished tenure, Li Cheng transitioned in late 2022 when Alibaba appointed Wu Zeming as CTO amid a management reshuffle. Li’s legacy includes a highly scalable IT infrastructure that enabled Alibaba’s global success and record sales events.

 

Conclusion

Asia’s top CTOs are driving groundbreaking innovation across diverse industries, playing pivotal roles in advancing technology, digital infrastructure, and global competitiveness. Their leadership not only powers some of the region’s most influential companies but also shapes the future of tech worldwide. This carefully curated list showcases the visionaries behind Asia’s digital rise, offering insights into their achievements and contributions. If their journeys inspire you and you aspire to lead at the forefront of technology, explore our exclusive CTO Executive Programs—specially designed to help current and aspiring tech leaders scale new heights in innovation, strategy, and digital transformation.