Ajatshatru Singh, CIO, Global Information Systems Technology  

Enabling Profitable Growth Through Digital Innovation & AI

Back in the late 90s, long before smartphones, a young boy in India stayed up past midnight coaxing an old dial-up modem to connect. It took five painful minutes of electronic blinking and screeching before it finally linked. Yet in that moment, Ajatshatru Singh felt something awaken inside him; the world was suddenly just a click away. That late-night struggle became the spark for everything that followed.

Today, he is Chief Information Officer at Global Information Systems Technology (GIST). For decades, he has turned that early passion into a career helping major Indian businesses weave technology into their operations, making them more profitable and efficient.

It began with building websites as a student in Gainesville, Florida. He then launched the Discovery Channel’s digital presence in India. At NewsX, he built a digital revenue stream that surpassed NDTV’s online earnings, a feat that still surprises veteran media professionals. In the auto sector, he crafted digital strategies for Maruti Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, and Triumph, moving them beyond brochures to direct customer conversations.

Recently, we spoke with him, tracing the journey from those noisy modems to today’s boardroom shifts. What stood out was his core belief: technology matters only when it truly helps people reach their goals. Here’s how the conversation unfolded.

What first got you hooked on blending technology with business strategy, and how did your early jobs shape your path into digital transformation and AI consulting?

Honestly, it all started with that old modem in India. Late at night, when phone lines were clear, we’d wait five agonising minutes for the modem to connect, then suddenly the whole universe would open up. From that moment, the direction of a future path felt clear even though the details weren’t.

Every job since has continued up that path. In college in Gainesville, I taught myself to build websites and ran small projects that showed how coding shapes real-world experiences. That then led to opportunities at home and launching the Discovery Channel’s first digital platforms in India. At NewsX, I built a revenue platform from scratch that actually beat NDTV’s numbers, proving technology pays when it’s built with clear business goals in mind. That experience then organically led to the auto sector, where I created communication and marketing systems for Maruti Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, and Triumph. Today I sit with CEOs, helping them choose the right digital tools to hit revenue and cost targets. It’s never felt forced as every step has flowed naturally into the next. 

What were the toughest technical or organisational challenges you tackled, and what did they teach you about lining up tech with business success?

On the tech side, the challenges were clear, but brutal: glacial internet speeds and figuring out coding from scraps of English documentation. Those early struggles taught me two things—speed matters, but real value comes from connecting people and ideas. Coding languages are trendy, but what counts is the ability to adapt and hang on for the long haul.

Organisational hurdles were a different beast, especially in India. Companies here aren’t in a rush; they treat new ideas suspiciously until it’s unavoidable. I saw it with digital video, then social media, and now it’s happening again with AI. The old habits stick. Add office politics, legit job fears, and senior folks who grew up in the analogue age and aren’t eager to pick up new tricks, and you end up seeing talent and years slip away while everyone waits for the perfect moment. To push through, you need persistence, clear communication, and a relentless focus on showing how new tech actually boosts revenue. 

As a strategic analyst, how do you find operational gaps and figure out digital/AI fixes that really save money and make more revenue?

I always start by listening closely to key stakeholders, without skipping anyone or rushing advice until I’ve heard the full story. The best insights come from people facing the problems daily. Then I meet with leadership to align on core goals: cutting costs and growing revenue.

Once agreed, I design budget-fitting solutions and gain strong leadership buy-in to drive the process. Rollout and training take six months to a year, ensuring teams use the systems comfortably every day. Afterwards, clear dashboards and reports show the results, with increased efficiency, more savings, and higher earnings, turning it into everyone’s shared success, not just an IT project.

What’s your vision for how consulting will change in the next five to ten years, especially with digital and AI getting smarter?

I figure AI will quietly take over day-to-day tasks and mid-level work. Humans with real domain knowledge will be the ones in charge, making decisions and keeping things running smoothly. The boring, repetitive stuff will go away, and consultants will be freed up to focus on strategy, creativity, and the sort of judgments you only get from hands-on experience. The most successful consultants will be the ones who combine technical savvy with the kind of wisdom that no algorithm can fake.

How do you actually unwind outside of work to keep your creative edge and stay clear-headed for consulting?

Family time is everything for me, especially when we can get away together for a relaxed vacation. Golf keeps my mind sharp and feet grounded. Photography lets me see the world in a whole new way. And if I really need to clear my head, nothing beats a long walk in nature. Those simple pleasures are what keep my perspective fresh and balanced—and help me step into the boardroom ready for the next challenge.

 

Quick Facts 

 

         Success Mantra: Persistence and Discipline Trumps Talent

         Favourite Book: currently – The Shortest History of Economics by Andrew Leigh

         Favourite Movie: Any Movie by Sergio Leone

         Favourite cuisine: Indian

         Favourite travel destination: Europe

         Inspiration/role model: My Family

         Aim/goal: Realise your potential

         Fitness Regime: Daily Walks, Golf