Karthik Chakkarapani has spent the last two decades leading and driving digital transformation and innovation programs for large enterprises across many industries. Karthik currently serves as SVP, Corporate Operations & CIO at Zuora. Most recently, he served as SVP, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Americas for Signify. Prior to Signify, he served as Vice President, Head of Digital Transformation & Enterprise Solutions for Customer Lifecycle & Experience at Cisco and Vice President, Head of Digital Transformation, Customer Success & Growth at Salesforce to lead & execute on the vision to move towards recurring revenue business model and deliver the best customer experience resulting in profitable growth, improved operational efficiencies, customer support, customer success, product adoption and renewals.
Chakkarapani brings specialized and deep knowledge in driving customer-centric digital transformation, innovation, and reimagining business models to drive growth and value by leveraging new and emerging digital technologies and trends. Chakkarapani is very passionate about digital transformation and customer experience and has appeared as a guest speaker at many conferences and events. In 2020 and 2021, he was recognized by the National Diversity Council for Leadership Excellence for being a strong proponent of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
An avid learner, Chakkarapani believes in adopting a beginner’s mindset and continues to invest in his ongoing and advanced education in strategy, leadership, digital business transformation, and innovation. He completed the Advanced Management Program from INSEAD, holds an MBA in Finance & Strategy from DePaul University, an MS in Electronic Systems from University of South Australia, and a B.Engg in Electronics & Telecommunications from University of Madras.
Chakkarapani serves as an Executive advisor and success coach for the Chief Digital Officer & Generative AI Executive Programs at Northwestern University and for the Chief Information Officer Executive Program at New York University to develop future Leaders in Digital Transformation & Information Technology.
Chakkarapani is based in the Chicago area where he lives with his wife, two children, a puppy and two cats who keep him proud, busy, and grounded. He loves to travel, cook, and serve his community. He is guided by the belief that the purpose of life and attaining true happiness is by helping and uplifting others to lead healthy, happy, and productive lives. He co-founded Achamillai, a nonprofit organization with a mission dedicated to supporting specially abled and under privileged students with education and employment opportunities.
