It's not uncommon to come across a CIO who is proud of what he knows. After all, what good is tech knowledge if it is not to be bragged about? Rajeev Batra, CIO, MTS India, though, doesn't feel so.

For Batra, what matters more is being aware of one's shortcomings and making a conscious attempt to fully understand them. Which is why his favorite book is The Three Laws of Performance by Steve Zafforn and Dave Logan. I fnd the book fascinating because it dwells on “what you don't know that you don't know.” The book offers an inspiring perspective on how some of the largest organisations in the world managed a turn around just when they were at the brink of closure and bankruptcy.

With a BE in Electronics Engineering and a Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Computers and Systems Analysis, Rajeev Batra has the right background to excel in the IT domain. It is his leadership ability, however, that has helped him in his achievements. In his current role, he has helped set up the IT infrastructure for MTS, a new player in the fercely competitive Indian telecom market.

"I believe that a good leader should be able to inspire others in their sphere of infuence and be able to bring out the best in them thus adding to their well being," he says.

Before joining MTS India, Batra served in many other leadership roles such as President of Group IT at Reliance ADA and Corporate VP at Bharti Televentures.The experience gained during these roles has helped him align the use of technology with the business objectives at MTS. He sees his current role as one that provides him an opportunity to innovate, in order to enhance revenue and improve customer experience through the use of technology.

A typical day at the offce consists of meeting with key partners and vendors, working with his divisional directors on every aspect of the current projects and strategising on the technology direction for his group.

His hectic work schedule leaves him with little time of his own, so he takes every opportunity to connect with his friends and family. Every morning, he uses his long commute to catch up with friends, relatives and parents. While at home, he loves to spend time with his son and daughter, and his wife Babita.
Very particular about his ftness, it isn’t very often that Batra misses out on a workout session at the gym.

Batra’s childhood was spent moving from place to place, as his father was employed by the Central Government’s Defence Engineering Division, allowing him to live in many parts of the country. He thus feels attached to no particular region or state and is proud to be an Indian.

A gentleman to the core, Batra stands out in a group for his calm composure.

sana.khan@9dot9.in