Join us at the Digital CIO Excellence Awards and celebrate leaders driving innovation and excellence in digital transformation!
About Event
Event Overview of Digital CIO Excellence Awards 2026
In today’s rapidly evolving business world, digital transformation has become the foundation of every successful IT strategy. No matter the size or industry, organizations are leveraging digital technologies to reimagine their operations, enhance customer experiences, and build resilience for the future. This transformative journey is no longer about adopting technology—it’s about creating an adaptable digital ecosystem that can keep pace with constant change and innovation.
Over the past few years, the landscape of digital transformation has witnessed a revolutionary shift with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a core business enabler driving automation, data‑driven insights, and smarter decision‑making. Combined with cloud, edge computing, and advanced analytics, AI is accelerating transformation and reshaping how enterprises operate and compete on a global scale.
The Digital CIO Excellence Awards 2026 brings together industry leaders, technology visionaries, and digital strategists to explore the next wave of transformation. Through interactive panel discussions, thought‑leadership sessions, and peer networking, the event will uncover how enterprises can harness AI and emerging technologies to future‑proof their businesses. Attendees will gain actionable insights into building agile IT infrastructures, managing AI innovation, driving workforce transformation, and achieving long‑term technological sustainability in digital transformation.
As organizations prepare for a future defined by speed, intelligence, and collaboration, the ability to integrate digital and AI strategies seamlessly will determine success. This event provides the perfect platform for IT and business leaders to exchange ideas, learn from real‑world success stories, and chart a path toward a smarter, more connected digital enterprise.
Join us at the Digital CIO Excellence Awards 2026—where AI innovation meets opportunity and digital transformation becomes tangible.
Where
Ramada Resorts, Yehlanka, Bangalore
When
8th & 9th May, 2026
Event Schedule
Schedules Event & Conference
Join us for a day of insightful and thought-provoking discussions surrounding the latest advancements in technology. Network with industry professionals and learn about the latest solutions to enhance your business. See the agenda for the day below.
Coming Soon..
Day 1
18th January, 2025
Khopoli, Maharashtra
01
Registration and Tea-Coffee
09 : 00 AM - 10 : 30 AM
02
Inaugaration and Welcome Address
10 : 30 AM - 10 : 55 AM
25 Min
03
Key Note Session 1
By Rajeev Jorapur
Head MIS, Bajaj Auto Ltd The Digital CIO’s Conundrums - and the Toolkit to Resolve them
10 : 55 AM - 11 : 40 AM
45 Min
04
Partner Presentation – Webwerks
The Power of Analytics and it's role as a change agent
Presenting By
Chandan Gupta - Business Unit Head - Colocation
Sunny Lad, GM - Cloud Solutions, Web Werks | Iron Mountain Data Centers
11 : 40 AM - 12 : 00 Noon
20 Min
05
Panel Discussion 1
Panel Discussion -- Are we relying on AI more than what we should?
Moderator - Sourabh Tiwari - CDIO, FORBES MARSHALL
1) Gaurav Duggal: VP-IT, Jio Platforms
2) Sanjeev Jain: CIO, Integreon
3) Rupesh Mehta: SVP-IT, Tata AIA life insurance
4) Anand Deodhar: Group CIO, Force Motors
5) Sushil K Meher: CIO, AIIMS, New Delhi
6) Vinay Ojha: Director -Sales, India and ME, Seceon Inc
12 : 00 Noon - 12 : 45 PM
45 Min
06
Partner Presentation – Seceon / Samay
How AI-ML will transform your cybersecurity program in 2025
By, Gitesh Shah, CEO – Founder, Samay Infosolutions Private Limited
And
Vinay Ojha - Director -Sales, India and Middle East, Seceon Inc.
12 : 45 PM - 01 : 05 PM
20 Min
07
Lunch Break
01 : 05 PM - 02 : 00 PM
08
Partner Presentation 2
Multivector Attacks in a Hyperconnected World - How complex is the challenge?
Moderator - Kishan Kendre - Head - Information Security at Blue Star Ltd
1) Hemal Savla: CIO, Shalina Healthcare
2) Sujoy Bramhachari - CIO & CISO, Rosmerta Technologies Ltd
3) Bhavesh Lakhani: Global CIO, Firstsource
4) Sathish E - Head of Information Security and End User Computing, Gain Credit
5) Bosco Remedios -Vice President
Wysetek Systems technologist Pvt Ltd
02 : 00 PM - 02 : 45 PM
45 Min
09
Partner Presentation – Blueflame / Oracle
Multi-Cloud Strategies - Simplifying The Complex?
By Gaurav Sengupta And Oracle
02 : 45 PM - 03 : 00 PM
15 Min
10
Warm up session –
Warm Up Session
03 : 00 PM - 03 : 30 PM
30 Min
11
Warm up session –
Cloud Repatriation – A Realistic Future Or Just A Passing Fad?
Moderator - Rahul Mergu - Vice President IT, MarketsandMarkets Research Pvt Ltd
1) Anand Sinha: CIO, Birlasoft
2) Venkatesh PS: Global Director, Cognizant Technology Solutions
3) Ashok Tiwari: CIO, Finolex Cables
4) Anand Tomar: IT Head, McDonald's India
5) Swapnil Jugade: CIO, Welspun Corp Limited
6) Sunny Lad: GM - Cloud Solutions, Web Werks & Iron Mountain DC
03 : 30 PM - 04 : 15 PM
45 Min
12
Partner Presentation
04 : 15 PM - 04 : 30 PM
15 Min
13
High Tea Break + Booth Visit
04 : 30 PM - 05 : 45 PM
75 Min
14
Address to Winners
05 : 45 PM - 06 : 00 PM
15 Min
15
Key Note Session 2
Rajib Jena Driving the Future of "Automotive Supply Chain” in India through Transformative Digitisation and by leveraging AI
06 : 00 PM - 06 : 45 PM
45 Min
16
Juries Remark, Ram Deshpande
Subhojit Roy
Manoj Chugh
06 : 45 PM - 07 : 00 PM
15 Min
17
Award Show
07 : 00 PM - 08 : 30 PM
90 Min
Day 2
19th January, 2025
Khopoli, Maharashtra
01
Braekfast
08 : 00 AM - 10 : 00 AM
02
Round Table
10 : 30 AM - 12 : 00 Noon
90 Min
03
Partner Discussion (5 Memebr Discussions )
12 : 00 Noon - 01 : 00 PM
60 Min
04
Lunch and End of Event
01 : 00 PM - Onwards
Join the Event
Why You Should Join Our Event?
Join the Digital CIO Excellence Awards to gain cutting-edge insights from industry visionaries and connect with top CIOs driving digital transformation. Don’t miss this premier event celebrating innovation, leadership, and the future of technology!
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Event Speakers
Meet Our Eminent Speakers
Innovative Minds Shaping the Future of Digital Transformation
Prakash Hegde
Chief Digital & Information Officer, L&T Limited (MIP)
Hari Rastogi
CEO, RiseUpp
Mayur Desai
Global Vice President - Cyber Engineering/Architecture, DP World
Abhinav Johri
Partner/Principal, E&Y
Jitendra Mishra
CIO, Akum Drugs & Pharmaceutical
Balakrishnan Kanniah
VP - IT & Digital Transformation, Alten India pvt ltd
Sudeep Dey
CIO & CISO, Aster DM Healthcare Limited
Gaurav Duggal
Senior Vice President, Jio Platforms Limited
Ketan Karkhanis
Head Enterprise IT, Hindalco
Ashish khare
Global head of Industry solutions, Wipro
Ambar Saraogi
Senior Director - Data & Analysis, Coca-Cola Bottlers
Ramaswamy Subrmanian
Dy.CEO, Dvara KGFS
Bichitra Mallick
Director-Digital Solutions, BIAL
Sivaram Tadepalli
IT Advisor to GMR Group
Kishan Kendre
Global Head - Information Security, Blue Star Ltd
Atanu Pramanic
VP-IT & CIO, RPSG-CESC
Aneelkumar Savalagi
Global Head IT GCC, Takeda
Arti Dhole
Joint managing Director, Cosmos bank
Puneet Kaur Kohli
CITO, Generali Central Life Insurance
Madhavi Kanimoory
CDIO, Birla Carbon
Nomination
Digital CIO Excellence Awards 2026
Recognizing visionary leaders who are redefining digital transformation. Celebrate innovation, leadership, and excellence with the industry’s best.
Rahul Shivram Mergu is a seasoned professional with expertise in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and strategic IT leadership. Holding prestigious certifications like CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) and CCISO (Certified Chief Information Security Officer), he is well-versed in managing and securing enterprise IT environments. Rahul has significant experience working with cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure, making him adept at designing, implementing, and securing complex cloud solutions.
With a strong background as a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer), CIO (Chief Information Officer), or similar CXO roles, Rahul brings a strategic perspective to technology and security leadership. His approach combines technical expertise with business acumen, enabling organizations to align IT and security strategies with business goals effectively.
Known for his ability to lead teams, drive innovation, and enhance organizational resilience, Rahul continues to excel in managing IT and cybersecurity challenges in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.
Total 23 Years Experience in IT Infrastructure with various Industries, Like, Manufacturing, Media and Entertainment, Software and Service Industry.
Currently working as Vice President IT with MarketsandMarkets Research Pvt Ltd.
Selection
Nomination Process
Eligibility : If you are the CIO/CTO/CDO or head of the IT section within your organization and responsible for digital transformation (end-to-end, i.e., starting from designing to implementation to execution), then you are most welcome to submit your nomination. Please click here to submit your online nomination.
How will it happen : Juries are looking to identify top ten projects as top ten winners from each vertical. You have to mention your vertical & sub vertical in the nomination page, so that seggregation of verticals can be done flawlessly. Verticals we are inviting as follows:
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Get In Touch
Feel Free to Contact Us
Event Venue
Ramada Resorts, Yehlanka, Bangalore
Contact Info
Mr. B. D Roy – +91-78922 16736
Email : bdroy@digitalcio.in
DigitalCIO is your essential resource for cutting-edge insights and trends tailored for Chief Information Officers in India. We provide expert analysis, thought leadership, and networking opportunities to help CIOs navigate the evolving technology landscape.
Get in touch
Mr. B. D Roy – +91-78922 16736 bdroy@digitalcioawards.com