Gauri Kulkarni

Information technology leader with varied experience across 6 different geographies of creating business impact using various tech solutions, leading multicultural, multilingual teams.

Worked in developed and developing markets like India, China, Singapore, Indonesia, France, UK, and Ireland as market CIO and global IT strategy designer. I am currently working as head of the Office of CIO/Chief of staff for Danone IT & Data function based in Paris (Head Office of Danone)

Although I studied to be a master’s in Finance, I boldly changed my profession to IT in 2000 when I started working with Danone in Shanghai. I have experience of modernizing the technology landscape for the companies and creating value through implementing applications like SAP, SalesForce, Adobe (consumer connection), consumer support, MicroStrategy for data analytics, Sales promotions, Trade term management, Employee Service management (Service Now), financial analytics, Tools used in Factories for quality management, transportation, supply chain planning, end-to-end traceability using blockchain technology and many more.

Key responsibilities in my current role include IT strategy design, IT process & performance management, portfolio & program management, Finance management, risk control, supplier performance management, and internal and external communication.

I am an experienced people leader and manager. Development of my team is my passion, throughout my career, I created varied development & growth opportunities for my team. Several of my team members, although from developing countries like Indonesia, and China was given trained so well that they got opportunities to work outside their countries. At the same time, creating a fun working environment where people can feel energised to work every day.

I designed a Women Leadership program for young female talent in Danone Indonesia. Through this program we created an understanding men and women work differently among young and budding men and women talent of how, different tools to use, how women leaders can be successful being themselves. This program was highly appreciated and a great success which helped for women in Danone Indonesia flourish in their careers.

My living and working experiences in different countries gave me the opportunity to learn about local history and culture. My expedite and embrace different cultures

I am happily married for 22 years and I have 2 lovely teenage kids. Thanks to my supportive husband and resilient kids who resiliently managed to thrive in different countries, cities, schools and friends.

When I am not working, I am either working out in the gym, doing Yoga or reading books specifically about history, biographies and new tech or I am wandering in the forest.