The Canada India Tech Council (CITC) will host its prestigious 2024 Annual Awards Gala in Toronto on September 27, 2024, honoring the most distinguished Indo-Canadian technology leaders who are shaping the future of their industries. Held at the Manulife Financial Headquarters, this exclusive event will celebrate innovation, leadership, and groundbreaking achievements in technology, highlighting the close-knit relationship between the Canadian and Indian tech ecosystems.
A Gathering of Innovators
More than 200 of Canada’s top Indo-Canadian CIOs, CTOs, CEOs, and Heads of Technology will gather for an evening of recognition and networking. Attendees from leading companies such as Manulife, Bell, CIBC, Porter Airlines, Lightspeed Commerce, and Shared Services Canada will participate in this influential event, with the opportunity to meet the minds driving technology innovation across the country.
Recognizing Excellence
One of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the Tech Leader of the Year awards. This year’s nominees represent a wide range of industries and organizations, from banking and insurance to healthcare and transportation. These leaders have driven digital transformation and innovation, ensuring their organizations stay competitive in an evolving global landscape.
Here are some of the nominees, and a closer look at their contributions to their respective fields:
Tech Leader of the Year – Large Cap
- Ranji Narine – As CIO of Intact, Ranji has been instrumental in leveraging digital solutions to enhance the customer experience in the insurance sector. Intact has grown significantly under his leadership, introducing AI and machine learning tools to improve claims processing, reducing wait times for customers while maintaining accuracy and efficiency. Narine’s forward-thinking approach has positioned Intact as a digital leader in the Canadian insurance industry.
- Mamta Sethi – As the SVP of Group Functions Technology at Manulife, Mamta has spearheaded large-scale digital transformation projects across multiple divisions. Her focus on cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity has allowed Manulife to seamlessly integrate modern technologies into its operations, ensuring secure and scalable platforms that support business growth. Her leadership has been critical in Manulife’s ability to respond to the evolving needs of its customers and regulatory requirements.
Tech Leader of the Year – Mid Cap
- Sonali Kohli – At Niagara Health, Sonali Kohli serves as CIO and EVP of Digital Transformation, leading groundbreaking efforts to digitize healthcare in Canada. Her initiatives include the introduction of electronic health records (EHR) and the deployment of AI to predict patient care needs. These technologies have not only improved patient outcomes but also increased the efficiency of healthcare professionals, significantly reducing administrative burdens.
- Vineet Gupta – As theChief Information Officer at The North West Company, a leading retailer serving remote and underserved communities in Canada and international markets. With over 20 years of experience, Vineet has led significant digital transformations in various industries, including hospitality, technology, aerospace, and infrastructure.
Tech Leader of the Year – Small Cap
- Uma Gopinath – Porter Airlines’ CIO, Uma Gopinath, has led a digital revolution in Canada’s regional airline industry. Her leadership in implementing next-generation booking systems and AI-driven customer service platforms has helped Porter Airlines remain agile and competitive. As airlines across the globe grapple with the challenges of digital transformation, Gopinath has positioned Porter as an industry leader in leveraging tech to enhance both operational efficiency and the customer experience.
- Tanbir Grover – As the Chief Marketing and Digital Officer at Pet Valu, Canada’s largest retailer of pet food and accessories. With a rich background in e-commerce and digital marketing, Tanbir has played a pivotal role in Pet Valu’s recent digital transformation, including scaling its online platform and improving customer engagement.
Tech Leader of the Year – SME
- Rajat Prashar – As the CIO of Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, Rajat has taken a proactive approach in modernizing legal operations. By incorporating cloud-based technologies and AI-powered contract review tools, he has significantly improved efficiency in legal research, document processing, and client communication. Rajat’s innovations have made Davies Ward one of the most digitally advanced law firms in Canada.
Tech Leader of the Year – Entrepreneur/Founder
- Dax Dasilva – The CEO and founder of Lightspeed Commerce, Dax has transformed the retail and hospitality industries through his company’s innovative cloud-based commerce platforms. Under his leadership, Lightspeed has become a global player in enabling businesses to manage inventory, process transactions, and analyze data in real-time. With a focus on sustainability and social impact, Dasilva has used technology to empower independent businesses, helping them thrive in a competitive marketplace.
- Jerome Dwight – As the CEO of BoomerangFX, Jerome Dwight has combined healthcare with cutting-edge technology, creating a platform that transforms the way aesthetic clinics manage their operations. His software solutions empower clinics to streamline everything from patient management to marketing, revolutionizing how healthcare professionals engage with patients and optimize business performance.
Tech Leader of the Year – Not-for-Profit
- Neeraj Mathur – The CIO of Sick Kids Foundation, Neeraj Mathur has championed digital health initiatives that support children’s healthcare across Canada. He has played a pivotal role in implementing AI and data analytics to drive fundraising and operational efficiency, ensuring that Sick Kids can deliver on its mission to improve child health and well-being.
- Sai Poguluru – As the CISO and Head of Technology Operations for YNCU, Sai has been at the forefront of integrating cybersecurity measures and operational efficiency into the credit union’s infrastructure. His initiatives have ensured that YNCU remains compliant with regulatory frameworks while offering top-tier digital services to its members.
Tech Leader of the Year – Public Sector
- Sumon Acharjee – As CIO of the City of Markham, Sumon Acharjee has been an advocate for smart city technology, integrating IoT and AI-driven platforms to enhance urban infrastructure. From traffic management to city-wide WiFi, Acharjee’s leadership has made Markham a model for how mid-sized cities can embrace technology to improve quality of life for residents.
- Peter Singh – At the Toronto District School Board, Peter Singh has revolutionized education by implementing digital learning platforms and secure IT infrastructure. His work has ensured that students and educators across Toronto have access to state-of-the-art resources, enabling a modernized, connected learning environment.
Tech Leader of the Year – Woman Leader in Tech
- Nimira Dhalwani – The CTO of The Hospital for Sick Children, Nimira has implemented cutting-edge healthcare technologies that enhance patient care. From digital records to AI-driven diagnostic tools, her leadership has been crucial in keeping Sick Kids at the forefront of pediatric healthcare innovation.
- Bipasha Chiu – As the CTO of Goodfood, Bipasha has been pivotal in creating a seamless e-commerce and supply chain ecosystem for the company. Her use of AI and data analytics has helped Goodfood efficiently manage inventory and customer orders, revolutionizing the way Canadians buy groceries online.
Inspiration and Innovation
The gala promises not only to celebrate individual and organizational achievements but also to provide a platform for sharing insights that could shape the future of tech collaboration between Canada and India. “We are thrilled to host such an important event that highlights the incredible contributions of Indo-Canadian tech leaders,” said Kundan Joshi, Founder and Chair of CITC and CEO of TheAppLabb. “Their leadership and innovation are paving the way for future generations, and this gala serves as a momentous occasion to celebrate these achievements.”
Industry Leaders on the Forefront
The CITC Annual Awards is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to bring together thought leaders to enhance ties and collaboration between Canada, the US, and India. Through this event, the CITC continues its mission of fostering trilateral trade, knowledge sharing, and peer learning among tech leaders in North America.
Stay tuned for more coverage on this highly anticipated event, where Canada’s most impactful Indo-Canadian technology leaders will be recognized for their outstanding contributions.
“We are thrilled to host such an important event that highlights the incredible contributions of Indo-Canadian tech leaders. Their leadership and innovation are paving the way for future generations, and this gala serves as a momentous occasion to celebrate these achievements.”
Kundan Joshi, Founder and Chair of CITC and CEO of TheAppLabb.
Here is a list of the finalists for the 2024 CITC Awards
Tech Leader of the Year – Large Cap
- Ranji Narine – Intact, CIO – Canada
- Alok Daga – BMO, CIO – Commercial & Corporate Banking
- Mamta Sethi – Manulife, CIO – Group Functions Technology
- Jas Dhindsa – Canada Life, SVP – Digital, Wealth, Insurance & Investments Technology
- Anuja Sheth – Bell, SVP – Technology Services
Tech Leader of the Year – Mid Cap
- Vineet Gupta – The North West Company, CIO
- Sonali Kohli – Niagara Health, CIO & EVP – Digital Transformation
- Pallavi Tripathi – CIBC, SVP & CIO – Capital Markets Technology
- Nikhil Sonpal – Homewood Health, CTO & EVP – Digital Solutions
Tech Leader of the Year – Small Cap
- Uma Gopinath – Porter Airlines, CIO
- Tanbir Grover – PetValu, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer
- Nav Dhunay – Pollard Banknote, CTO
- Bipasha Chiu – Goodfood, CTO
Tech Leader of the Year – SME
- Rajat Prashar – Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, CIO
- Nimod Narayanan – Rakuten Kobo, CTO
- Nitin Chopra – Docebo, CIO/CISO
- Manoj Tiwary – Rakuten Canada, CIO
- Anshul Ruhil – LexisNexis Canada, Head of Technology
Tech Leader of the Year – Entrepreneur/Founder
- Dax Dasilva – Lightspeed Commerce, CEO
- Jerome Dwight – BoomerangFX, CEO
- Parth Khanna – ACTO, CEO
- Eddie (Aditya) Madaan – PostGrid, CEO
Tech Leader of the Year – Not-for-Profit
- Pradeep Nair – TRIUMF, CIO
- Neeraj Mathur – Sick Kids Foundation, CIO
- Kalyan Chakravarthy – ESA, CIO
- Sai Poguluru – YNCU, CISO/Head of Technology Operations
Tech Leader of the Year – CEO
- Sanjay Tugnaik – Fairfax Digital, President & CEO
- Pramod Jain – Computer Modelling Group, CEO
- Hiten Makim – OCI, VP – IT & Finance
- Eddie (Aditya) Madaan – PostGrid, CEO
Tech Leader of the Year – Excellence in Security
- Abhay Raman – Sun Life, SVP & Chief Security Officer
- Manas Girl – WestJet, CISO
- Puroo Maheshwari – CPP Investments, Managing Director – Cybersecurity, Portfolio Value Creation
- Sunny Jassal – BC Institute of Technology, CISO
- Vaibhav Bhadauria – Total Credit Recovery Ltd., CISO
- Tarundeep Dhot – TD Bank, Interim Head, Canadian Fraud Management
Tech Leader of the Year – Excellence in AI
- Sandip Sahota – BMO Financial Group, SVP & Enterprise Chief Data and Analytics Officer
- Anu Dodda – Thomson Reuters, CTO – Content Technology Group
- Shiladitya Sircar – BlackBerry, SVP – Engineering & Data Science
- Charumitra Pujari – Loblaw, VP – Engineering & Data Science
- Tebzir Singh – BMO, Managing Director – Data & Analytics
- Deval Pandya – Vector Institute, VP – AI Engineering
Tech Leader of the Year – Public Sector
- Sumon Acharjee – City of Markham, CIO
- Sonia Brar – City of Toronto, CIO
- Raj Thuppal – Shared Services Canada, EVP
- Peter Singh – Toronto District School Board, CTO/Executive Officer – IT Services
- Steve Brar – Metrolinx, CIO/EVP – Payments
- Sonali Kohli – Niagara Health, EVP – Digital Transformation
Tech Leader of the Year – Woman Leader in Tech
- Nimira Dhalwani – The Hospital for Sick Children, CTO
- Gina Johar – Quinte Health, VP & Chief Digital Officer
- Bipasha Chiu – Goodfood, CTO
- Pallavi Tripathi – CIBC, SVP & CIO – Capital Markets Technology
- Sonia Brar – City of Toronto, CIO
