CxO of the Week: Rakesh Kaul, President (Consumer Business) and CEO, EVOK Retail at HSIL Ltd

CxO of the Week: Rakesh Kaul, President (Consumer Business) and CEO, EVOK Retail at HSIL Ltd, he has over 20 years of experience, and has worked with leading companies like, The Reliance Group, The Times Group, Onida and Whirlpool.

Your top priority while making decisions to improve tech infra in your organization?

The digitisation of the customer’s experience remains the top priority as it will significantly enhance the consumer experience with our products and services and result in a stronger connect with our brands.

Challenges you face in driving digital transformation?

Digital transformation requires a lot of handholding as the transformation can lead to redundancy in some areas of business and that transition has to be handled smoothly both with the internal and external stakeholders.

Do you feel that fresher’s in the industry come with only basic knowledge but don’t have the right skills to fulfil job requirements? If yes, your suggestion to students and colleges?

The challenge is to apply classroom learning in a working environment. The digital transformation means there is a lot of learning on the go and keeping pace with the changes on the technology front is critical. My recommendation to the student’s fraternity is to intern with tech-oriented organizations during their semesters and for colleges to keep in touch with organisations to alter and modify their curriculum basis today. This will help the students once they pass out of there colleges to be far well equipped in meeting and understanding the business challenges.

What’s your mantra to become successful in life?

I have always believed that one’s capabilities do not stop his him/her growth. What is required is Perseverance, Passion and Ownership in whatever one decides to take up.

What would you like to give back to society?

I believe education is key to success, thus I would love to teach across the country at Govt. led management institutes, colleges and schools and impart the knowledge and understanding which I have developed in all these years. I feel I can contribute to the society in a meaningful manner in this way.

Your favourite book and what are you reading now?

I have several favourite books and after reading more than 1500 books don’t want to name anyone in particular. However recently I read "Catalyst” By V.Chandramouli and it’s a perfect book for professionals. The book is concise and one can relate with it at various stages of your career.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I am a voracious reader and I also love nature. I love spending time in the mountains as I feel they are the personification of what all mighty is and I feel inspired by their presence.

Experience

He has over 20 years of experience and has worked with leading companies like The Reliance Group, The Times Group, Onida and Whirlpool. He brings in-depth knowledge of diverse sectors and industries such as Consumer Durables, E-commerce, Retail and Mobility Business to the table.

First Job: First job was with Philips India

Education: He holds an MBA and Masters in Foreign Trade Job

Take a look at the previous CxO of the Week