Top 10 Best Innovative CTOs to Know in 2023

COVER STORY

PRITH BANERJEE

CTO | ANSYS

Suri Anantharama

An Award-Winning Technopreneur Empowering Your

with His

Mark Stross

A Renowned Technologist and Strategist, Efficiently Accelerating Growth with ANC

Naresh Soni

The Visionary Tech Leader at the Helm of CXApp

and Knowledge

Amol Kale

A Steadfast Leader Revolutionizing the Hospitality Industry

Editor’s Note

TECH EXECUTIVES PIONEERING THE FUTURE WITH INNOVATION

As new technology keeps evolving rapidly, it is becoming vital for businesses to harness emerging technologies to stay competitive. This is when Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) can help with it. CTOs can assist their companies in identifying opportunities for growth and innovation because of their unique expertise in the frequently evolving technology world.

We are proud to present a special edition of “Top 10 Best Innovative CTOs to Know in 2023” to honor the remarkable tech executives. Within the pages of this edition, you will find their stories, including their entire journey, highlighting their achievements and struggles.

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of a corporation is in a unique position to spearhead innovation, which is essential to the IT industry. Rapid technological improvements have made the function of the CTO more and more crucial, especially in the years after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our special edition features some of the most innovative CTOs on the globe, all of whom are growing in their respective industries. They hold a unique ability to shape the future of the business world, breaking barriers and expanding the realm of what can be done. Their innovative approach and unwavering commitment have paved the way for a better future.

These tech CEOs innovate as needed for growth and survival as they negotiate this complex landscape. It is no longer just a plan for success. These visionary techies are working to grow organizations to new heights with other key executives. By emerging as a thought leader in the industry, they also take on a more strategic position in the C-suite. May their stories ignite the light of innovation in all our readers and remind us that with innovation, dedication, and commitment, we can create a better future.

We hope this issue will provide you with unique insights to enhance your own professional journey. So do not wait anymore; dive in and embark on this reading adventure. Do share your valuable feedback with us on how we are doing. We are eagerly awaiting your thoughts.

Let’s Read... !

Mastering the Art of Tech

Meet Prith Banerjee, the CTO of ANSYS, a leading engineering modeling and simulation company. ANSYS helps customers design and simulate innovative products healthcare industries. For over half a century, Ansys software has enabled innovators across industries to push boundaries by using the leadership, ANSYS continues to pioneer implications for numerous sectors.

Before joining ANSYS, Prith served as the CTO of Schneider Electric, CTO of ABB, Managing Director of R&D at Accenture, and Director of HP Labs. Previously, he has spent nearly two decades in academia as a Professor, Chairman, and Dean at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. His passion for innovation also led him to establish two companies, namely AccelChip and Binachip.

Additionally, he has served on the Board of Cray, CUBIC, Turntide, and Anita Borg Institute, and the Technical Advisory Boards of Ambit, Atrenta, Calypto, Cypress, Ingram Micro, Virsec, and Ampere. He has also authored over 350 papers and a book named INNOVATION FACTORY.

Prith pursued his B.Tech. in electronics engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana.

Five Technology Pillars

solver settings

and a platform to create simulation applications and workflows,

Prith and his team are now planning to leverage simulation that allows them to design products faster, cheaper, and more reliable.

Powering Innovation

With a mission to drive innovation that propels human achievement to new heights, Ansys hopes to shape the future across various domains, from sustainable transportation to advanced semiconductors, from satellite systems to technology directions at Ansys, the organization aspires to power the next great leap in human advancement with its technology and solutions.

To align with this mission, Ansys has created five technology pillars that serve as the foundation of

As the CTO of Ansys, Prith has identified five technology pillars to grow simulation, including, element and finite volume methods, much easier to use with automatic solver settings. solver methods to be more accurate, faster, easy to use, and robust.

customers to run the solvers faster and solve larger problem sizes.

PRITH BANERJEE

run efficiently and scalably on the cloud.

product and automatically design, verify, and validate the product.

Fostering Growth and Creativity

embarked on a journey to foster innovation within its business units through a series of proactive initiatives. At first, Prith and his team created various Centers of Excellence around areas such as

technology areas. Secondly, they organize an annual where more than 300 top R&D developers gather to discuss their latest technical innovations with their colleagues. Thirdly, Prith organizes biweekly TECHTALKS on technical areas of innovation featuring both external and internal speakers. These technical talks delve deep into areas of innovation, providing employees with valuable insights, ideas, and perspectives. These sessions offer inspiration and education, helping ANSYS employees stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in their field. Finally, they host the annual CEO Innovation Awards, which acknowledges and honors the best in product, technical, and solutions innovation.

Looking at the Future

delight its clients by powering innovation that

drives human achievement. He plans to do this by driving innovation in Ansys’s products, sales, marketing, and business models. He also hopes to grow the organization’s business, using more products, users, and compute.

Suggestions for Younger Self

Prith suggests people looking to pursue a career in technology to always willing to learn new technologies. Technology is all about learning new things, and Prith learned several technologies during his days at the University of Illinois. However, to stay relevant and contribute meaningfully to the field Prith understood the need for continuous learning and adaptation. So, he extended his skills by learning several new

data analytics, cloud, and others.

"I have had the pleasure of working in innovation in academia at the University of Illinois and Northwestern, innovation in two startups, Accelchip and Binachip, and innovation in large companies like HP, ABB, Schneider Electric, Accenture, and Ansys. I have taken my experiences and written a book called INNOVATION FACTORY. I would like to share my experience with junior people at Ansys and other companies about how to support long-term disruptive innovation in various industries,"

MARK STROSS

CTO - ANC

A RENOWNED TECHNOLOGIST AND STRATEGIST, EFFICIENTLY ACCELERATING GROWTH WITH ANC

Visionary, technologist, and strategist Mark Stross is a fine example of innovative leadership in the field of technology. He is the CTO of ANC, a pioneer and leader in the video display and digital signage sectors. Born in London and brought up in the United States, Mark is fascinated by how Americans interact with technology. Being a brave and naturally creative person, Mark continues to explore these patterns personally and professionally across his career in the display technology and software industry.

Driven to Create an Impact

The phone call that Mark received 25 years ago transformed his trajectory completely. ANC invited him to see seventy narrow digital signs repeated in a strip around the bowl of an arena in action. They followed up by asking, "If you built this, how would you make it better?" This was the beginning of his tremendous career with ANC and the creation of the 360-degree ongoing fascia board; the long, thin visual ribbon boards that currently exist in most major arenas.

He was unaware at the moment that his path would take him to many of the most recognizable locations in the nation to create immersive experiences. The visionary leader dedicated most of his career to pushing the frontiers of ANC's industry-leading venue technology and their software control system, LiveSync, including the landmark 270-foot display at the Westfield World Trade Center in New York. He is pleased to have built connections with top LED brands, sports teams, entertainment venues, and manufacturers worldwide, in addition to directing a vibrant team of gifted software experts.

ANC: Some Valuable Insights

Over the past 25 years, ANC has been transforming

a variety of commercial spaces into immersive and spectacular digital media experiences, from world-class sports and entertainment arenas to famous transportation hubs. Offering the most reliable single-source solution in the business, their diverse range of services combines cutting-edge audiovisual technologies, creative content production, multimedia advertising solutions, deep technical integration experience, and faultless operational execution. Some of their iconic partners include the Seaport District Pier 17 and the Tin Building of The Howard Hughes Corporation, Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Fenway Park, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and numerous collegiate sports stadiums.

The Inspiration Behind the Initiation

This notable man first believed he was destined for a career in entertainment after graduating from Pasadena's Art Center College of Design. Todd Stevens, the producer of Major Dad and Friends, was his first client. While producing Mysteries from Beyond the Other Dominion together, Mark began developing technology that would allow television production to be automated. This taught him how to design tools to increase productivity and—unbeknownst to him at the time—eventually led to the creation of core technologies for ANC.

Future Trends in the Spotlight

The speed of technological advancement is faster than human resilience. To stay up to date, one must use modern instruments. Mark advises that leaders need to investigate integration options with their services as new trends develop, like AI technology, since the ability to use and monetize these technologies as efficiently as possible is a competitive race.

Mark’s Perspective: How to Stay Resilient in the Dynamic Industry

Mark believes productivity and the ability to meet deadlines determine your level of competence in technology. However, you need to put your trust in your team to succeed. Every person on the team is crucial; leveraging diverse skills to generate deliverables has been Mark’s secret weapon. Getting caught up in “a great idea” without group debate does not usually create good results.

“I have always been able to create effective teams and foster a collaborative atmosphere, thanks to ANC's leadership. I believe in devoting time to discovering each person's superpower; enabling them to reach their full potential. It is only by bringing out the best in every team member that you can regularly create amazing innovations.”

TechByte: The Unique Initiative by the Visionary

People are so immersed in technology in this network society that digital platforms are starting to rule our lives. As a leader, a father, and a technologist, Mark is uniquely positioned to educate and empower people as we navigate this new world.

He successfully covers every facet of technology on his podcast, TechByte: The Edge in Everyday Technology, and provides guidelines to help listeners make sense of this uncharted territory. The discussion became so popular that he included everything and more in his book, Killer Tech: And

the Drive to Save Humanity, which will launched in January 2024.

With thought-provoking insights and real-life anecdotes, he unveils the hidden costs of digital addictions and challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with technology. People are becoming aware of the ways in which businesses, tech companies, and algorithms dehumanize and control us. To regain control, they need a plan that calls on everyone to participate, comprehend the issues, and be the change.

A Diverse and Creative Workforce

In technology today, companies need to increase the number of qualified applicants with knowledge in the field of technology. To encourage bright new minds to enter the sector, Mark is actively working with Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, (Canada) to establish the first college program in digital signage, which will help broaden the pool of candidates.

“I think it's crucial to be adaptable and meet each creative person on their own terms when it comes to innovation and uniqueness. Managers want the creative individual to submit to the process far too frequently. In my experience, that doesn't yield very good results. Rather, I want the team to feel invested in the goal, to be respected, cared for, and supported in any conflict pertaining to the workplace. If people know you care, they end up caring, too”, the team leader says.

The Unique Definition of Success

Success is having fun as a team while having an impact. Mark enjoys taking on the impossible and creating a work of art. That is a good day's work.

A Look at the Gender Pay Gap

There is a diverse team at ANC, but like most companies, Mark feels there is room for improvement. One strategy Mark suggests to bridge the hiring gap in technology is to establish college programs, as women are still underrepresented in this field. There is a great deal of work to be done to expand the pool of potential applicants.

Future Prospects to Thrive For

This year, ANC introduced the first installation of premium 3D graphics in the content management system at PPG Paints Arena, home of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins. In 2024, the company plans to broaden the software into a SAAS model available to all its partners. Additionally, the data-driven advertising approach, which enables real-time bidding by sponsors on TV with visible in-arena signage at sporting events, is another innovative and exciting development. For instance, during prime viewing, an advertiser can step up their presence if a game goes into overtime.

Words of Wisdom

Mark reminds us that ‘you are not an island of knowledge.’ Seek out partners and companies that make investments in their employees. We can achieve great things together. No single individual will have all the answers. A culture of collaboration will yield the greatest results in people and products.

The Visionary Tech Leader at the Helm of CXApp

Every day, millions of ideas flood our heads, but only a select handful of us are able to develop them into functional prototypes and create something valuable. Naresh Soni is an enthusiastic and highly qualified leader with extensive leadership expertise in generative AI, predictive AI, and prescriptive AI. He is currently in charge of CXAPP, an AI-first platform that provides augmented reality for immersive experiences and AI-based productivity and collaboration platforms that enhances employee experiences and employer capabilities to visualize and optimize spaces. The company is steadily moving up the success ladder owing to its mission to foster innovation in the field of the digital workspace.

Under the leadership of this remarkable businessperson, CXAPP is moving in the direction of greater success while providing an extensive range of cutting-edge technologies. CXAPP is at the forefront of the changing landscape of the future of work. Through his commitment, diligence, and unwavering passion for his profession, he has empowered the organization to flourish. Leveraging spatial intelligence and powerful analytics, CXApp's integrated stack includes solutions designed for both employee and employer experiences. Prominent Fortune 1000 companies rely on and use these cutting-edge technologies and services, which enhance their workplace conditions and company operations globally.

Outstanding Leadership

Naresh Soni is a pioneering leader with extensive industry experience. Over the course of 15+ years, he has witnessed global mobile solutions companies such as Nokia, 5Barz, STMicro, AT&T Bell Labs, and IBM and enable a boost in their share prices by up to 40% and generate over $300 million in revenue from new mobile platform markets. Six mobile hardware and software product portfolios,

three product lines, and computer, mobile, and rich media platforms have been pioneered. Naresh graduated from the esteemed University of Texas, Austin, with a Master's in computer engineering.

Naresh’s professional journey has been marked by diverse experiences across the technology landscape. He kickstarted his career working on robotics, automation, data engineering, and analytics at IBM. He subsequently contributed significantly to the creation of the PowerPC architecture as a result of a partnership between Apple, Motorola, and IBM. During this period, he witnessed the convergence of computing and communications, which led him to AT&T Bell Labs. At Bell Labs, the inspiring leader was involved in the creation of innovative devices like the Phablet (phone and tablet) and GSM phone architecture.

Naresh's career progressed at STMicroelectronics, where he led a collaboration with Metaflow Technologies that produced systems-on-chip for communications, consumer electronics, automotive, and computers focused on the X86 architecture. After that, Naresh made contributions to the development of high-performance microprocessors and system-on-chip designs, highlighting the value of domino logic in CAD flows and libraries.

After that, he successfully steered a three-way alliance between ST, Nokia, and Texas Instruments to develop wireless handset chipset platforms that saw significant revenue growth. During his stint at Nokia, he oversaw the computing architecture research labs and helped develop technologies including Bluetooth LE, DVB-H, and an open OS based on Linux before the release of Android. As CTO and Head of Strategic Engineering at Interdigital, the leading man played a key role in developing the 4G, 5G, and 4K video standards that are now used in many devices, including H.264 4K video.

Along the way, Naresh has made investments in the technology industry and served as an advisor to a number of businesses. He is currently employed by CXAPP, where he is in charge of an AI-first platform that uses augmented reality with immersive experiences for beaconless indoor navigation, managingand maintaining indoors of an enterprise in an effort to spur innovation in the digital workspace sector.

Harnessing the Potential of AI and Advanced Technology

CXApp harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive employee engagement, collaboration and productivity. They create experiences that not only engage employees but also give them the tools they need to be more effective in their jobs by utilizing AI algorithms and data-driven insights.

By incorporating these advanced technologies into its suite of offerings, the company enables organizations to create environments where employees thrive, teams work well together, and employers can increase productivity while reducing expenses.

How can you be sure that the IT team is in sync with the broader goals and objectives of the business? To ensure that technology investments and activities contribute to the success of the organization, the technology team must be coordinated with the company's overall business goals and objectives. Here are a few methods to accomplish this alignment:

Cultivating a Culture of Transparency and Accountability

Foster a culture of transparency and accountability within the technology team. Everyone should understand how their work contributes to the larger business objectives.

You can ensure that technology efforts have a positive and measurable impact on the success of the organization by putting these methods into practice. By doing so, you can establish a strong alignment between the technology team and the

company's broader business goals and objectives.

Teams must be encouraged to be innovative and creative to stay competitive and adapt to a rapidly changing business landscape. Here are strategies to encourage innovation and creativity within your teams:

encourages creativity. Encourage risk-taking, experimentation, and open communication. Honor both achievements and failures as learning opportunities.

innovation and creativity to the team. Let them know that these qualities are not just welcomed but also expected.

range of experiences, viewpoints, and backgrounds. Creative ideas are more likely to be produced by diverse teams.

they will approach their task and make decisions. Creativity is stifled by micromanagement.

risks without fear. Even if they don't always succeed, encourage them to experiment with novel ideas and concepts.

creative thinking. Make sure that the team's time isn't entirely taken up with daily tasks.

By putting these tactics into practice, you can foster a culture of innovation and creativity that produces fresh concepts, enhanced workflows, and a competitive edge in your sector.

The Key Characteristics of a Business Leader

The most important trait in a business leader's career can vary depending on the context and the specific challenges they face. However, adaptability repeatedly pops out as a quality that is essential for successful leadership. Here's why being flexible is regarded as a crucial quality for business leaders:

technology leadership. To assist you on your way to technology leadership, consider the following advice:

While flexibility is crucial, it's vital to remember that leadership is a complicated profession and strong leaders frequently combine a variety of qualities like effective communication, empathy, strategic thinking, and more. Additionally, the particular qualities that are most important can change depending on the sector, type of organization, and leadership style. For long-term success, it is therefore beneficial to be well-rounded and versatile in developing different leadership abilities and attributes.

Planning or Future Aspirations

Works of Wisdom for Aspirants to a Career in Technology Leadership

CXApp has been a successful and victorious journey so far. Now, our future aspirations are to be a category leader and demonstrate growth by growing our market and providing innovative solutions. It's crucial to have a well-rounded skill set and mindset that are compatible with the specific opportunities and problems faced by the technology industry if you want to pursue a career in

Keep in mind that technology leadership is about more than just technical mastery—it's also about motivating colleagues, making wise choices, and fostering creativity. To succeed in this fast-paced industry, you must continually focus on improving both your technical and leadership abilities.

Favourite Quote

Before wrapping up with Naresh Soni asserts, “Cultivate your technical expertise, nurture your leadership skills, and navigate the digital landscape with purpose. As a technology leader, you have the opportunity to shape the future, one innovation at a time."

Success Factors: Uncovering the Secrets to Business Growth

Success Factors

In today’s fiercely competitive digital landscape, businesses constantly seek ways to achieve success and distinguish themselves from the competition. The secret to accomplishing this lies in uncovering the success factors that drive business growth.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the fundamental elements that can enable your business to thrive and surpass competitors. From building a strong brand identity to implementing strategic marketing tactics, we will explore the strategies that can propel your business to new heights of success.

By understanding these crucial success factors, you can position your business for long-term growth and establish a formidable presence in the marketplace, regardless of whether you are based in the bustling streets of New York City or elsewhere.

So, let’s begin the journey to uncover the secrets of success.

Branding: Establishing a Strong Identity

Building a strong brand is essential for businesses looking to make a lasting impression. Your brand is the face of your company, conveying your values, mission, and unique selling propositions. By crafting a compelling brand identity, you can foster customer loyalty and set yourself apart. But the question is, how will you build a strong identity?

In such scenarios, consulting a reputable branding agency becomes crucial. Their expertise and guidance can help create a powerful brand that resonates with your target audience. However, it is important to ensure that you hire a skilled team. And to find a reputable branding agency, you can conduct an online search. For example, if you live in New York, you can search for “Branding Agency NYC.” However, it can be overwhelming to decide from numerous options. Thus, it is advisable to hire agencies with a proven track record in building impactful brands. This will help you make an informed decision and propel your business toward success.

Strategic Content Marketing: Engaging and Informative

Content marketing plays a pivotal role in engaging and informing your target audience. By creating valuable and relevant content, businesses can establish themselves as industry authorities and build trust with their customers.

A well-executed content marketing strategy involves identifying the needs and interests of your audience and crafting compelling content that addresses those aspects. This can include informative blog posts, engaging social media updates, educational videos, and more. By consistently delivering high-quality content, businesses can attract, engage, and retain their target audience, driving brand awareness, customer loyalty, and business growth. Embracing strategic content marketing is a vital component of a successful digital marketing strategy in today’s competitive landscape.

Search Engine Optimization: Maximizing Visibility

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a critical success factor in outranking your competitors. Conduct comprehensive keyword research to identify the most relevant and high-traffic keywords for your industry. Incorporate these keywords into your website’s content, meta tags, headings, and URLs. Build high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites to boost your website’s credibility in the eyes of search engines.

By maximizing visibility through SEO, businesses can increase their online presence, reach a wider audience, and ultimately drive more organic traffic, leading to enhanced brand visibility, customer engagement, and business growth.

Social Media Engagement: Connecting with Your Audience

Social media engagement is pivotal in connecting businesses with their target audience. Companies can foster meaningful connections, build brand loyalty, and increase customer satisfaction by actively participating on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Engaging with followers through interactive content, responding to comments and messages, and initiating conversations creates a sense of community and fosters a deeper relationship with the audience. By understanding their preferences and needs, businesses can tailor their social media strategies to effectively reach and engage their target audience, increasing brand awareness, customer engagement, and business growth.

Last Words

Business success is the result of combining several factors. Embracing the above-mentioned strategies, organizations can thrive, differentiate from competitors, and unlock their full potential.

But remember, continuously evolving and adapting is essential for businesses to grow sustainably.