Venkatesh Ramakrishnan
Bangalore
Summary
Visionary technology leader with 23+ years of global experience driving enterprise IT strategy, digital transformation, and innovation across Life Sciences, and Healthcare. Proven expertise in aligning IT with business goals, leading large-scale cloud, data, and AI modernization programs, and delivering measurable ROI through cross-functional collaboration. Adept at building and mentoring high-performing teams, managing enterprise budgets up to 500M USD, and transforming IT operations to enable business growth, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. Deep domain knowledge in small molecules, large molecules, medical devices, and cell & gene therapy, with a track record of successful M&A IT integrations, cybersecurity, and regulatory adherence (FDA, EU, ICH, GDPR, HIPAA).
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Segment - IT Strategy, Delivery and Ops
Baxter International Inc
09.2023 - Current
- Developed and executed portfolio rationalization and contract strategies, reducing licensing, resourcing and development costs for a 150M USD Segment-IT budget.
- Overhauled IT governance and CMDB workflows for 1,100+ applications, improving lifecycle management and regulatory compliance.
- Led enterprise-wide risk management and cybersecurity programs, including IAM deployment and vulnerability assessments.
- Managed infrastructure and end-user support for customer-facing applications across 33 global sites, with oversight of AMS partners and service metrics.
- Partnered with R&D and Quality leaders to accelerate toxicology studies and digitize quality processes, driving productivity and compliance.
- Led IT separation for M&A (divestitures) including TSA, infrastructure separation, and license management.
Head, Enterprise Architecture / VP (DDIT)
Novartis AG
11.2021 - 06.2023
- Established global data and digital strategy for MES modernization and analytics integration across 45 manufacturing sites.
- Designed and executed cloud migration for 800+ manufacturing and quality applications, ensuring business continuity and cost efficiency.
- Drove digitalization strategy for “Lab of the Future,” leveraging cloud and NLP to enhance scientific data accuracy and compliance in Quality.
- Led IT bifurcation for M&A (carve-out and new ventures), including TSA, asset separation, and license management.
- (Remote)
Associate VP, Data & Digital Innovation Lead
Strides Pharma Science
09.2020 - 10.2021
- Architected enterprise data democratization (SAP on GCP, BigQuery) and implemented RPA for laboratory data automation for 5 sites.
- Piloted early warning systems for audit readiness and scientific data management, enhancing regulatory compliance and operational agility.
- Shaped IT strategy from the Office of the CIO, aligning technology investments with business growth and innovation.
Digital Supply Network Lead – IoT Service Offering
Deloitte USI
11.2018 - 07.2020
- Delivered 4 supply chain digitization projects leveraging Industrial IoT solutions driving measurable business impact.
- Built IoT practice capability, integrating cloud/enterprise systems with MES/SCADA for industrial-scale digital transformation.
- Managed alliances with AWS, PTC, National Instruments, and OSIsoft for go-to-market solutions.
Innovation & SAP Supply Chain Lead, Life Sciences
Accenture Solutions Private Ltd
08.2006 - 11.2018
- Product lead for patented SAP Life Sciences solution (myConcerto), driving multi-year strategy and continuous enhancement, with 80%-win rate.
- Led delivery of SAP transformation programs and architected multi-technology supply chain solutions for global life sciences majors.
- Built and mentored cross-functional teams developed industry knowledge, and coached talent from Analyst to Senior Directors.
Education
MBA - Strategy and Org Development
Indian Institute of Management at Kozhikode
01.2023
B.E. - Chemical Engineering
Siddaganga Institute of Technology at Tumkur
01.2002
Skills
- Enterprise IT Strategy, Transformation and Architecture
- Cloud Platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)
- Cybersecurity & Risk Management
- Data Analytics & AI/ML
- ITIL, Service Management
- ERP (SAP), MES, SCADA, IoT
- RPA, Low-Code/No-Code Platforms
- Application Portfolio Management
- Regulatory Compliance (FDA, EU, ICH, GDPR, HIPAA)
- Vendor & Budget Management
Accomplishments
- Reduced IT costs and improved asset management by redesigning CMDB and rationalizing application portfolio for 1,100+ applications.
- Led enterprise-wide cloud migration and data strategy, supporting business agility and regulatory compliance across 45+ sites.
- Delivered digitalization of quality and R&D processes, including AI-driven solutions to cut toxicology study timelines by over 80%.
- Managed €450M IT budget and teams of 50+, consistently delivering on-time, on-budget transformation initiatives.
Affiliations
- Member, International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE)
- Member, Parenteral Drug Association (PDA)
Timeline
Director, Segment - IT Strategy, Delivery and Ops
Baxter International Inc
09.2023 - Current
Head, Enterprise Architecture / VP (DDIT)
Novartis AG
11.2021 - 06.2023
Associate VP, Data & Digital Innovation Lead
Strides Pharma Science
09.2020 - 10.2021
Digital Supply Network Lead – IoT Service Offering
Deloitte USI
11.2018 - 07.2020
Innovation & SAP Supply Chain Lead, Life Sciences
Accenture Solutions Private Ltd
08.2006 - 11.2018
B.E. - Chemical Engineering
Siddaganga Institute of Technology at Tumkur
MBA - Strategy and Org Development
Indian Institute of Management at Kozhikode
Awards
Manufacturing quality inspection and analytics system - Patent (date issued Mar 5, 2013, Patent issuer and number - US 9,443,217 B2) - Expired, Orchestrated successful M&A IT integrations, divestitures, and regulatory-driven re-architecting for health software and SaaMD., Awarded US Patent for manufacturing quality analytics; multiple awards for innovation and delivery excellence.
Leadership Philosophy
- Champion personal empowerment and autonomy to foster creativity, ownership, and high performance.
- Lead by example, relating to teams' roles and challenges to guide through complex decisions.
- Advocate for IT-business alignment, holding both IT and business accountable for ROI and productivity gains.
- Promote continuous learning and business fluency within IT teams to maximize technology impact.
Board Representation
Advisor – Economic Development Advisors Board (EDAB) of the Economic Transformation Council (ETC).
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