Chief Information Officer and India MD

Job Title: Chief Information Officer and India MD

Location: Bangalore and Pune, India and Stuttgart, Germany

Industry: Automotive / Mobility / Auto-Tech

Employment Type: Full-Time, Executive-Level

Reports to: Group CFO and Board of Directors

Function: Technology / IT Infrastructure

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

With a heritage spanning over a century, our client stands as one of the world’s most enduring and respected pioneers in the automotive industry. Based in Japan and spread across 100 countries, their legacy is built on a foundation of engineering excellence, innovation, and a relentless commitment to shaping the future of mobility. For more than a century, they have delivered industry-defining vehicles that combine performance, safety, and craftsmanship, serving millions of customers across the globe.

As the automotive landscape evolves, our client is proud to mark a new chapter in its journey with the launch of a dedicated Autonomous Electric Vehicle (AEV) Division. This division represents their bold commitment to sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and the next generation of mobility solutions. By leveraging the deep expertise in manufacturing, design, and global distribution, they are set to lead the transition toward cleaner, smarter, and more connected transportation.

The AEV Division will focus on developing a full ecosystem of autonomous electric mobility - from passenger cars and commercial vehicles to battery innovation, charging infrastructure, and digital services. Guided by the legacy and driven by a future-focused vision, our client is determined to redefine excellence in the Autonomous Self Driving EV space and contribute meaningfully to a low-carbon future.

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary CIO / India MD to lead the establishment and long-term success of our India-based Global Capability Center. This role combines leadership in IT infrastructure and cybersecurity with deep technical expertise in AI, Machine Learning, and Large Language Models (LLMs). You will be instrumental in setting up greenfield operations, building high-performing teams, and delivering strategic technology outcomes aligned with our global mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. GCC Leadership & Strategic Execution

• Lead the setup of greenfield Global Capability Centres in Bangalore and Mumbai.
• Establish operational frameworks, delivery models, and governance structures for the India GCC.
• Serve as the India Managing Director, representing the firm in local regulatory, operational, and talent matters.

2. Technology Vision & Enterprise Architecture

• Define and execute the company’s technology roadmap in alignment with global goals.
• Architect scalable, secure, and high-performance IT systems, platforms, and AI capabilities.
• Drive adoption of modern tech stacks including cloud-native architectures, DevSecOps, and microservices.

3. Global IT Infrastructure & Cybersecurity

• Design and operate robust, scalable global infrastructure supporting enterprise operations.
• Build a world-class Cybersecurity Delivery Center delivering services like threat detection, SOC operations, vulnerability management, and compliance assurance.
• Implement zero-trust architecture, identity and access management, and data protection strategies.

4. AI & Machine Learning Innovation

• Build and lead an AI Capability Center focused on innovation using LLMs and Deep Learning techniques.
• Develop and deploy advanced AI/ML solutions targeting key challenges focused on Automotive, Transportation and Connectivity.
• Drive AI model governance, responsible AI practices, and applied research.

5. Talent & Team Development

• Attract, hire, and develop top-tier talent across engineering, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and data science domains.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with HR and global leadership to ensure talent alignment with global standards and values.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• 15+ years of leadership experience in large automotive, technology or consulting firms, with progressive responsibility in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and AI/ML.
• Proven success in setting up and scaling greenfield GCCs or innovation hubs in India – mandatory.
• Deep expertise in machine learning, deep learning, and LLM technologies, with hands-on leadership of enterprise-grade AI solutions.
• Strong background in cybersecurity architecture, risk governance, cloud security, and compliance.
• Blend of strategic vision and hands-on technical leadership; able to engage with C-suite and engineering teams alike.
• Familiarity with modern data platforms, AI/ML pipelines, cloud-native environments (AWS, Azure, GCP), and secure-by-design frameworks.
• Global mindset with excellent stakeholder management, communication, and cross-cultural leadership skills.

Education:

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, or related fields.
• Executive education or certifications in Cybersecurity, Cloud Architecture, or AI/ML are a plus.

Compensation:

• Competitive executive package including performance-based incentives, long-term stock options, and relocation support.



Why Join Us?

• Shape the strategic tech foundation of a growing global enterprise.
• Drive high-impact AI and cybersecurity innovation with global relevance.
• Work with a passionate, diverse, and forward-thinking leadership team.