Redefining IT Leadership
Hariharan Veeramuthu
Director of IT
Gulf Asia Engineering & Projects
At a time when IT was considered a cost centre, Hariharan Veeramuthu transformed his organisation’s entire IT infrastructure to the cloud, redefining the role of technology in business. Willing to take risks, Hariharan embraced the emerging trend of cloud adoption despite the inherent uncertainties. Transitioning from a secure in-house system to a cloud-based infrastructure marked a pivotal moment, demonstrating Hariharan’s forwardthinking mindset and adeptness in navigating technological advancements. This decision not only reshaped the organisation’s perception of IT but also underscored his ability to foresee long-term benefits and secure the Board of Directors’ buy-in by highlighting potential business impacts alongside technical details. With extensive experience in enterprise IT management, Hariharan has refined his leadership acumen, particularly in developing robust and secure systems. His expertise in generative AI, consulting, IT infrastructure, information Security and programme management empowers him to effectively lead the IT function at Gulf Asia Engineering & Projects, aligning initiatives with strategic business objectives and translating technical complexities into tangible business value. Beyond his corporate achievements, Hariharan’s role as Secretary for the United Nations Defenders of Human Rights exemplifies his dedication to humanitarian causes, collaborating on critical initiatives with leaders and ambassadors across Asia to drive impactful programmes during crises. Hariharan shared with TradeFlock how his approach to technology and strategic leadership continues to drive significant impact across corporate and humanitarian domains.
How do you balance innovation with existing IT infrastructure in digital transformation leadership?
Balancing innovation with existing IT infrastructure challenges every CIO. I begin with thorough IT strategy planning: assessing current infrastructure, conducting gap analysis, and creating a roadmap for integrating innovative solutions while bridging gaps. I use phased execution, starting with pilot projects for testing new technologies before full deployment. Agile methodologies ensure iterative development and compatibility through APIs, middleware, and hybrid solutions. Modernising legacy systems via virtualisation and cloud migration enhances agility. Further, effective stakeholder engagement involves cross-functional teams and early enduser participation. Rigorous risk management includes regular assessments, contingency planning, and compliance with security protocols. Resource management focuses on maintaining infrastructure and investing in new technologies. Fostering an innovative culture prioritises customer needs for ongoing digital transformation.
Building and managing high-performance teams across borders requires a nuanced approach rooted in cultural sensitivity, effective communication, strong leadership, and robust organisational support.
Can you describe a mentoring experience that transformed you as a mentor?
Mentoring Karthik was transformative, reshaping my leadership and innovation approach. Initially hesitant in leadership and risk-taking despite technical prowess, Karthik often deferred to senior colleagues. My mentoring began traditionally, focusing on sharing experiences and encouraging responsibility. Realising Karthik needed more, I emphasised building internal confidence and reframing challenges as growth opportunities. Our breakthrough came when Karthik proposed an unconventional solution in a sprint meeting. Initially cautious, I encouraged him to develop the idea further. Together, we navigated challenges, brainstormed solutions, and crafted a strong business case. This experience not only delivered a successful project but also significantly bolstered Karthik’s confidence and leadership skills. Reflecting on this journey, I value creating a supportive environment where mentees can innovate and take risks freely. This shift emphasises fostering creativity and independent thinking, empowering mentees to embrace challenges as avenues for personal and professional growth.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? How are you preparing yourself for the same?
Over the next five years, I anticipate significant technological advancements and evolving business landscapes, positioning myself to lead with innovation and strategic foresight. My vision encompasses pioneering initiatives integrating AI, ML, blockchain, and IoT to optimise operations and elevate customer experiences. Emphasising a culture of continuous improvement and digital innovation will be paramount. Robust cybersecurity strategies will be pivotal in safeguarding data and infrastructure against emerging threats through cutting-edge security technologies. I aim to promote data-driven decision-making with advanced analytics and big data solutions, ensuring data governance and integrity for informed strategic business decisions. Building a resilient IT infrastructure involves enhancing scalability, flexibility, and reliability with cloud-first strategies and hybrid cloud solutions. Encouraging agile and DevOps practices will enhance project delivery and cross-functional collaboration. Talent development remains central; I am committed to nurturing a skilled IT workforce through ongoing learning and development initiatives. Aligning a strategic IT roadmap with long-term objectives and conducting regular SWOT analyses will guide proactive planning and adaptation. Strengthening our cybersecurity posture with comprehensive training and updated protocols is crucial. Prioritising customer experience, I aim to leverage technology for enhanced interactions and satisfaction, driven by continuous customer feedback to drive innovations. By aligning these strategies, I am poised to lead through the technological advancements and evolving business demands of the next five years confidently.
How are you creating the next line of technology leaders within your organisation?
Creating the next line of technology leaders within an organisation involves several strategic approaches. I prioritise mentorship and coaching by pairing experienced leaders with emerging talent and conducting regular one-on-one meetings to discuss career goals and development opportunities. Leadership development programmes offer technical training, leadership skills workshops, and soft skills development. Clear career roadmaps and personal development plans are essential for aligning employees’ aspirations with organisational goals. I also expose employees to new challenges through job rotation and project leadership opportunities, enhancing their experience and leadership skills. Encouraging innovation through labs, hackathons, and competitions fosters creative problem-solving. Building a collaborative culture involves forming cross-functional teams and promoting open communication. Recognising performance through recognition programmes and regular feedback motivates and values employees. Promoting diversity and inclusion within leadership programmes and facilitating strategic partnerships and industry engagement enriches employees’ leadership journeys and ensures a wide range of perspectives.
How do you stay ahead of emerging threats in information security?
Staying ahead of IT security threats in today’s dynamic landscape requires a proactive approach. This includes continuous education, advanced security technologies, regular assessments, robust threat monitoring, incident preparedness, Zero Trust principles, strong access controls, meticulous patch management, data protection, and collaborative information sharing. By educating and training staff, deploying cutting-edge technologies, and conducting thorough audits, vulnerabilities can be pre-emptively identified and mitigated. Vigilant monitoring through tools like SIEM and behavioural analytics ensures timely threat detection, while a well-rehearsed incident response plan and a dedicated team are crucial for swift action. Implementing Zero Trust verifies every access request and enhances security with measures like multi-factor authentication. Strict patch management and encryption bolster defences, while partnerships with peers and law enforcement agencies provide proactive threat intelligence and response strategies. These strategies collectively fortify defences against evolving cyber threats.
How has your UN Human Rights Commission role influenced your tech industry leadership style?
My role with the United Nations Human Rights Commission (Asociacion Cristiana Promotora De Derechos Humanos) has deeply influenced my leadership style within the tech industry. It has cultivated a human-centric approach, emphasising empathy and inclusivity across diverse backgrounds. I prioritise creating environments where every team member feels valued and heard, supported by policies promoting diversity and equity. Ethically, my UNHRC experience underscores integrity and transparency in decisionmaking, ensuring technology development respects human rights and benefits society. Collaboration is integral, inspired by the UNHRC’s multilateral problem-solving approach. I foster teamwork and stakeholder engagement, leveraging diverse perspectives to address challenges effectively. Globally, I lead with cultural sensitivity and adaptability, informed by insights into international human rights issues. I emphasise resilience and social impact, advocating for ethical practices, and empowering teams to drive purposeful initiatives. By integrating these principles, I aim to foster inclusive, ethical, and impactful innovation within the tech sector, aligning business objectives with broader societal benefits.
What's your approach to managing high-performance global teams while building a competency centre?
Building and managing high-performance teams across borders requires a nuanced approach rooted in cultural sensitivity, effective communication, strong leadership, and robust organisational support. My philosophy emphasises embracing cultural diversity by fostering inclusivity and providing cultural awareness training. Clear and open communication channels, along with trustbuilding initiatives and language support, are essential for bridging geographical gaps. Developing global leadership skills and empowering local leaders ensure alignment with organisational goals while promoting decentralised decision-making. A supportive structure, with defined roles, fair metrics, and adequate resources, facilitates collaboration and fosters a sense of unity across diverse locations, driving continuous improvement and adaptability in response to evolving challenges.
What motivates and inspires you, and why?
Leading with vision and adaptability in the IT realm is fueled by several motivating factors. At the core is driving innovation and staying ahead of technological advancements, which offer both excitement and rewards. Aligning IT strategies with business goals to enhance operational efficiency and drive revenue growth provides significant inspiration. Overcoming challenges in the dynamic IT landscape through creative problem-solving is deeply satisfying, while nurturing a talented team and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation brings fulfilment through their growth and success. Contributing to societal impact through technology solutions in areas like healthcare and sustainability adds purpose to my role. Continuous learning opportunities in the evolving IT field and enhancing customer experiences further motivate me. Building strong partnerships across business units and stakeholders to achieve shared objectives is particularly rewarding. These factors collectively drive my pursuit of excellence and guide my leadership with foresight and resilience.
How do you give back to society?
Apart from my humanitarian activities with the United Nations Human Rights Commission, I give back to society in various impactful ways. I participate in mentorship programmes for young professionals and lecture at local universities on technology and leadership. I organise workshops to improve digital literacy in underserved communities and collaborate with non-profits to develop digital literacy programs. I promote sustainable IT practices and advocate for the ethical use of technology and data. I share knowledge through articles, panels, and conferences and organise hackathons focused on social issues. Additionally, I support CSR programmes and offer internships to students.
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