With over two decades of global experience in digital transformation, product engineering, and IT consulting, SRM Tech is positioned as a major force in the enterprise technology space. Headquartered in India, the company serves clients worldwide with cutting-edge capabilities in AI, cloud technologies, connected mobility, data analytics, and enterprise platforms.
What began as a digital applications and product engineering firm has evolved into a multi-disciplinary technology partner. SRM Tech today provides technology consulting, platform development, data and AI services, embedded software, and design-to-manufacture solutions across verticals such as automotive, banking, healthcare, and education. With delivery centers in India and a growing presence in the Middle East, Japan, Europe, North America, and the UK, SRM Tech is part of the larger SRM Group, a four-decade-old multinational conglomerate spanning education, media, healthcare, and technology.
Krishna Kumar, who leads SRM Tech’s digital practice in the Middle East, brings 28 years of cross-functional experience in software development, automation, performance engineering, and program management. Having worked on large-scale telecom implementations and consulting engagements across Saudi Arabia and the GCC, Krishna is now focused on driving SRM Tech’s business growth in one of the world’s fastest-transforming tech regions.
In an exclusive interview with the American Bazaar at the Dubai Fintech week, Krishna Kumar, Digital Practice Head at SRM Tech (Middle East) discusses the firm’s strategic growth, its focus on AI and digital transformation, and the rising influence of the Middle East in global tech.
The American Bazaar: Could you start off by sharing your origin story and how you personally got into tech?
Krishna Kumar: I have around 28 years of experience in the tech industry and have worked across multiple technologies. I started as a developer, then moved into automation and performance engineering. Eventually, I transitioned into management, directing multiple telecom programs.
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One notable role was with Saudi Telecom, where I led a major OSS-BSS implementation for nearly three and a half years. I served as the key program director for that project in the Middle East. I’ve now spent about 17 years in the region.
Over the years, we’ve done extensive consulting work and implementations for various customers. We have also handled numerous data-related projects. In the last five years, the Middle East has undergone rapid technological evolution, far more significant than in the first ten years of my career. Today, the region is on par with the Western world. Virtually every product is now available here, and global vendors are keen to partner with local companies to distribute their solutions.
Right now, the buzzword is AI. You wouldn’t find a single stall here (Dubai Fintech Summit) without AI being mentioned. There’s a surge of innovation in AI, and I believe it will play a major role in shaping the Middle East within the next year.
And can you introduce what SRM Tech really stands for and what it is and what it does?
SRM is primarily an Indian organization, originated from Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India, and we have three offshore delivery centres. One in Chennai, one in Bangalore and one in Hyderabad. We have close to about 500 employees working across the globe. SRM is known for its integrity and services to clients. We have been in the industry for about close to 25 years. Last year we celebrated 25 years of service in the technology sector.
We serve clients across various domains like banking, automotive, and education. The SRM Group is a conglomerate with about 35 companies and employs approximately 150,000 people. Our tech division also supports other companies within the group.
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SRM has a strong specialization in automotive technologies. We conduct extensive testing for autonomous vehicles, including both bikes and cars, at our advanced testing center in India.
That being said, digital practice is one of the key areas. I head the digital practice for Middle East SRM. And I am responsible for the business as well. We are also into the buzzword “AI”. Without that, you are not surviving here. And then you have the data, you have the risk and compliance, you have the application engineering, which involves development, modernisation, the next generation application, the digital channels, etc.
Since we’re at a FinTech event, what are some of the future trends in FinTech that you’re excited to see?
We are currently in discussions with several financial institutions, including Emirates NBD and others. We’re looking forward to deeper collaborations with top banks in the region. These partnerships will help us gain better insights into customer expectations and guide us in delivering tailored technology solutions for the banking sector.
The last question I have for you is, what hopes do you have for SRM Tech’s progression and growth in the next five years?
It’s not just about individual growth. It’s about regional growth. The entire world is watching Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, in particular, is progressing rapidly.
One of our sales leaders is based in Riyadh and oversees our operations across Saudi Arabia. We plan to increase our investment in the country in the months and years ahead. Given the global focus on the Middle East, I would say that not having a presence here is a missed opportunity.