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April - 2015 - issue > CIO Insights

Whirlpool of India

Ms. Maninder Kartik, CIO
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Ms. Maninder Kartik, CIO
Established in 19 July 1960 as Kelvinator India Ltd., Whirlpool of India Ltd is a leading manufacturer of home appliances. The company is primarily engaged in manufacturing and trading of Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, Microwave Ovens and small appliances and caters to both domestic and international markets. They also provide services in the area of product development, information technology, accounting and procurement services to Whirlpool Corporation, USA and other group companies. Headquartered in Pune, the company has a current market cap of Rs. 9.135.27 Crores.

Management and Leadership

For any organization of today, the heart of differentiation is anchored on its digitization journey. With a multitude of digitization options evolving every day, IT leaders have to deal with (a) balancing new technologies to connect with consumers, (b) collaborating efficiently to connect the value chain, (c) managing investment life cycle processes, (d) choosing appropriate support systems - both internal and external - and (e) ensuring IT security. This calls for a paradigm shift in the operating styles of a typical IT team - a shift from a reactive, issue driven style to a proactive, business partnership style. Thus, it is imperative for an IT team to have a comprehensive understanding of the business to become more effective partners. IT leaders have to relentlessly drive this thinking within their teams, the 'Language of Business' has to replace IT jargon, and the outcomes showcased within the organisation.

The second challenge for CIO's is to nurture the 'core' while outsourcing non value added or 'commodity' processes for management to focus on the right mix that are aligned to corporate goals. An apt analogy is with personal health regime: to be fit and agile one has to be light and nourished. In IT, we need to shed detrimental fat while building the muscles we need.

Current technology trends in the industry


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