A crucial role in driving digital transformation

Bal Singh, a dynamic leader, has made significant strides in the professional landscape, working with Shahi Exports as Vice President & Corporate Head IT. He plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation and Industry 4.0 initiatives in the organization. His visionary approach and innovative mindset have consistently positioned him at the forefront of the ever-evolving tech industry.

He has more than two decades of experience and has worked with various technologies. He holds a Master's in Computer Science from Kurukshetra University. . In addition to his formal education, he has also obtained few other certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt from Advanced Innovation Group Pro Excellence and Introduction to Cybersecurity from Cisco Networking Academy.

He began his career as a Software Programmer at Shahi Exports in 2000 and steadily climbed the ranks, holding various positions such as General Manager, Senior General Manager and Associate Vice President of IT. His dedication and expertise have led him to his current role as Vice President & Corporate Head - IT.

His journey began in the year 2000 when he first entered the professional world. Over the years, he has tackled various challenges and achieved numerous milestones that have shaped his career

Professional Journey and Key Milestones:

• Early Career : Bal’s professional journey began with a focus on IT and technology. He spent the initial years honing his skills in application development, systems administration and IT infrastructure management. The rapid technological evolution during these years helped shape his understanding of how crucial digital transformation is for businesses.

• Leadership Roles: He gradually moved into more leadership-focused roles, where he was responsible for managing IT departments, overseeing digital transformation projects, and implementing cybersecurity solutions in the organization. His ability to adapt to change has been a hallmark of his career.

• Awards & Recognition : He was being selected for the prestigious CIO100 award, recognizing him as one of the top 100 Indian CIOs. He has also been honored with several other prestigious awards including the CIO Power List, NEXT100, Big CIO, Man of Excellence Award by Indian Achievers, and DT Tech Leadership Award. These honors highlight his contributions to innovation, digital resilience, and leadership.

Challenges Overcome:

• Transition to Digitalization: Bal successfully navigated the complexities of transitioning traditional business models to digital platforms. He tackled challenges such as resistance to change and integration of new technologies by fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. Bal’s strategic approach, which included phased rollouts and tailored training, ensured seamless adoption across teams. Bal's ability to keep learning and applying new technologies helped him overcome these hurdles.

• Cyber Resilience : Bal’s interest in cyber resilience and IT management reflects his drive to ensure business continuity in the face of evolving cyber threats. Implementing systems such as Advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and asset & patch management have been essential in keeping his organization secure. One significant challenge was achieving the ISO 27001:2013 certification for the Corporate office and Datacenter. This certification is a rigorous standard for information security management systems and obtaining it required a comprehensive overhaul of security protocols and practices.

Significant Achievements:

• Innovative Implementations: His track record includes the successful deployment of transformative technologies such as RPA, IoT, AR/VR solutions, Digital Twins, and ECM for invoice automation, as well as QR code-based track and trace solutions.

• Automation with RPA: One of the most significant achievements in his career has been the successful implementation of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) at Shahi Exports. RRP is our mantra in process automation where we plan to automate those processes first that are Repetitive, Rule-based and Predictable and at the same time we work to transform other processes into this model by minimizing exceptions and deviations. This initiative has significantly transformed our operations, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.

• Cybersecurity: Bal has successfully led his team in building a robust cybersecurity posture through a combination of advanced security solutions like implementing advanced endpoint protection (EDR) and asset & patch management systems which have mitigated the risks of cyber threats. Additionally, they achieved the ISO 27001:2013 certification for our corporate office and data center, further reinforcing our commitment to information security.

Future Aspirations:

Looking ahead, Bal aspires to continue driving digital transformation and strengthening cybersecurity resilience. His focus will remain on staying ahead of the curve with emerging technologies, sustainability, and cyber resilience. This includes adopting innovative digital solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and promoting environmentally friendly practices. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we can drive productivity, reduce environmental impact, and create long-term value, ensuring a sustainable future for the organization and its stakeholders.

Further strengthening cybersecurity frameworks is essential to address evolving threats and future challenges. By integrating advanced technologies, enhancing threat detection, and fostering a culture of security awareness, organizations can proactively mitigate risks. Continuous monitoring, regular updates, and adaptive strategies ensure resilience and safeguard critical assets against emerging cyber threats