Inspiring journey of Mr. Shahnawaz Akhtar, Indian Achievers’ Award – Tech Visionary winner, driving digital transformation across FMCG, FinTech, manufacturing, and public service with human-centric innovation.
In an era where technology is reshaping industries and redefining possibilities, there are a few leaders who not only adapt but lead the change—visionaries who see technology not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for transformation. Shahnawaz is one such leader. Recently recognised with the prestigious Indian Achievers' Award in the Tech Visionary category , Shahnawaz’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose-driven innovation.
A Journey Forged Through Experience
With around 14 years of rich experience spanning sectors like FMCG, FinTech, manufacturing, and financial services, Shahnawaz has continually delivered transformative results. His expertise lies in turning complex challenges into scalable digital solutions—often leveraging cutting-edge cloud platforms like Salesforce to drive operational excellence and enhance customer experiences.
From starting his career in the field with ITC Ltd to leading digital transformation initiatives as an Associate Director at Deloitte, Shahnawaz has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation and impact. His professional journey is a powerful testimony to how deep domain knowledge, strong leadership, and a customer-first mindset can drive tangible, large-scale change.
Driving Innovation Across Industries
At the heart of Shahnawaz’s work lies a simple yet powerful belief: technology should serve people. This principle has shaped many of his most impactful projects. One of his career-defining achievements was leading the CRM transformation for Titan Company Limited , where he helped deliver a seamless digital experience across 1,900+ stores and 18 brands—benefiting more than 20 million customers. The project earned recognition from Salesforce itself and is now considered a benchmark in retail transformation.
He also played a pivotal role in modernising the customer engagement platform for Chola MS General Insurance through the C-Smart project, enabling omnichannel support, improving compliance, and ensuring data security through Salesforce Shield integration.
At Pine Labs , a major FinTech player, Shahnawaz led the development of a unified, cloud-based POS solution that revolutionised merchant servicing across India and Southeast Asia. His work streamlined issue resolution, accelerated transaction setups, and enabled real-time analytics across a network of over 500,000 merchant points.
A Tech Visionary with a Human-Centric Approach
What sets Shahnawaz apart is his ability to blend business strategy with technological foresight. His leadership extends beyond traditional corporate boundaries. Whether orchestrating a 50% cost reduction in CPG operations, enabling sales expansion across geographies, or improving socio-economic indicators through technology, his projects consistently deliver measurable outcomes.
In recognition of this unique blend of vision and execution, Shahnawaz was conferred with the Indian Achievers' Award in the Tech Visionary category —a testament to his role in shaping the future of digital transformation in India and beyond.
A Leader Who Gives Back
Beyond corporate success, Shahnawaz is a committed mentor and changemaker. His pro-bono work includes:
He also serves as an approved mentor under the MAARG initiative by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, nurturing entrepreneurial talent across the country.
Recognition Rooted in Results
Shahnawaz’s list of recognitions is long and distinguished, not just limited to awards but visible in the impact of his work:
In every role, he has demonstrated a unique ability to blend people leadership, digital strategy, and execution rigor.
Commitment to Learning and Mentorship
An alumnus of Symbiosis International University and IMT Nagpur, Shahnawaz is a lifelong learner. He holds 8 Salesforce certifications, has completed training with IBM and AWS, and continues to deepen his expertise in AI, CRM, and Blockchain technologies.
His passion for learning is only matched by his enthusiasm for teaching. Whether guiding startups in Nepal or supporting aspiring developers in India, he believes in empowering the next generation of tech leaders.
Beyond Technology: The Human Side
Shahnawaz is not just a technologist. He’s an artist at heart—having attended a 10-day workshop at the National School of Drama and won accolades at national-level drama competitions. His artistic sensibility informs his empathetic leadership style, making him a leader who listens, adapts, and uplifts those around him.
He is also an active volunteer, dedicating time to non-profit causes, especially those where technology can bridge gaps and solve critical social issues.
Final Thoughts
In a rapidly evolving digital world, we need visionaries who not only embrace change but drive it responsibly—with empathy, integrity, and purpose. Shahnawaz stands tall among this rare breed of leaders. His journey—from grassroots implementation in villages to leading enterprise-wide transformations at global firms—serves as a powerful reminder that technology, when guided by vision and values, can indeed change lives.
His Indian Achievers' Award is not just a recognition of past accomplishments but a signal of future promise. As industries, governments, and communities continue to navigate the digital frontier, leaders like Shahnawaz will be at the helm—shaping a smarter, more inclusive tomorrow.
Hi, I’m Delmer Conroy, Your Blogging Journey Guide 🖋️. Writing, one blog post at a time, to inspire, inform, and ignite your curiosity. Join me as we explore the world through words and embark on a limitless adventure of knowledge and creativity. Let’s bring your thoughts to life on these digital pages. 🌟 #BloggingAdventures
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