Sindhu Gangadharan

About

“When I first joined SAP, I was one of the few women in technical leadership. Over the years, I’ve seen the ecosystem evolve, but one thing remains unchanged—India’s role as an innovation powerhouse,” says Sindhu Gangadharan, MD, SAP Labs India, and head, customer innovation services, SAP. With an impressive track record of driving innovation and growth, Gangadharan is a defining force in the global technology landscape. As chairperson of Nasscom, she’s also a powerful advocate for India’s burgeoning tech sector. “One of my key priorities at Nasscom has been driving AI-led innovation while ensuring responsible AI adoption.” At the helm of SAP’s largest R&D centre outside its headquarters in Germany, Gangadharan’s strategy centres around building a portfolio of solutions and adoption of innovative practices such as metaverse onboarding. AI is at the heart of SAP’s India story as well. “In just one year, we successfully upskilled 50% of our workforce in AI and doubled our AI talent pool,” she says. India has emerged as SAP’s fastest-growing market, a testament to Gangadharan’s strategic vision. In her concurrent global role, heading customer innovation services, she focusses on user experience, driving adoption and maximising the practice benefits of SAP tech for users. But for Gangadharan, it’s not just about growth; it’s about responsible, inclusive growth. With an emphasis on increasing the representation of women in technology, she’s championing diversity and creating a more equitable workplace. A lesson she wants to pass on to her daughters: “Don’t second-guess yourself. Lead life on your terms, with confidence and conviction.”