About
Highly strategic and customer-obsessed Digital Transformation and IT leader with over 5 years of experience leading creative teams in B2B SaaS. Proven ability to drive platform adoption, retention, and continuous improvements, leveraging AI-driven personalization solutions. Adept at customer experience strategy, product ownership, and ML/AI competence, consistently delivering high-impact digital transformation engagements from concept to launch across diverse global industries.
Work
Independent Consultant
|Business Advisor (AI & Customer Experience)
→
Summary
As an Independent Consultant, Praveen Anantharaman front-ended strategic deals, pitches, and transformation roadmaps, specializing in AI and Customer Experience to drive business growth and operational efficiency.
Highlights
Accelerated digital strategies and customer experience advisory services, developing MVPs to delivery and improving STP, resulting in 18% annual process cost savings on legacy platforms.
Leveraged Generative AI and synthetic data to reduce risk by 90% and enhance customer experience, improving CX and frictionless onboarding from POC to delivery.
Implemented a comprehensive Go-to-Market Strategy and Customer Experience initiatives for a healthcare client, leading to increased adoption by 15 B2B Clients and a 35% improvement in customer satisfaction.
Drove significant business outcomes, including a 28% lift in buying intent and conversion rate, a 32% improvement in Total Transaction Value (TTV), and an 8% growth in digital capability for small ticket size demands.
HireRight
|Program Manager & PO Customer Experience
→
Summary
Managed strategic transformation programs for a SaaS B2B product, optimizing customer experience through the implementation of Salesforce CDP, CLM, and cloud-native applications.
Highlights
Developed Program Increments and roadmaps by conducting competitive analysis and market studies, enhancing usability, minimizing effort, and expediting outcomes.
Led hands-on program delivery for 110+ engineers across cross-functional teams, adopting innovative tech prototypes, POCs, and MVPs to improve response times and shift-left.
Spearheaded CX and Security initiatives, balancing usability with governance, implementing data-driven Voice of Customer (VOC) and loyalty programs that improved retention by up to 22% and reduced error recovery.
Integrated CDP and CRM systems for personalized customer experiences, enhancing engagement and satisfaction.
DXC Technologies
|Delivery Program Manager - Customer Experience & Delivery
→
Summary
Managed CX Transformation programs and delivered Cloud Native product and enterprise security solutions, leveraging Augmented AI and knowledge graphs to improve sales engagement and win rates for global clients.
Highlights
Managed enterprise Digital Insight platform with Cyber Security capabilities, utilizing latest complex technologies for a large customer base and leading CX transformation programs for manufacturing, logistics, and telco clients.
Implemented customer-centricity and user experience programs with HCD and AI/Automation initiatives, improving Time-to-Market (TTM) and productivity.
Drove data catalyst program initiatives leveraging AI for personalization, resulting in a 14% improvement in conversion rate and lift.
Developed demand-driven supply chain offerings, integrating with SAP HANA, IBS, and Arc GIS for location tracking and precise routing.
Led client engagements to win and deliver strategic deals exceeding $10M+ in Total Contract Value (TCV) for Manufacturing & Telecom clients.
IBM India
|Offering Program Manager
→
Summary
Envisioned and delivered comprehensive Customer Experience and compliance programs for Managed Services offerings across public and hybrid cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), driving client adoption.
Highlights
Accelerated Go-To-Market agility by 30% through improved automation, VOC, and sales engagement & retention programs.
Led Customer experience initiatives for service offerings, including Blueprinting, VOC, NPS, Loyalty, and Medallia.
Conducted competitive analysis and developed insights to establish new offerings on public cloud, building pre-sales and account management competence leveraging automation, data governance, and security.
Implemented continuous improvements and managed relationships with partners and vendors, developing POCs, Pilots, and MVPs to accelerate technology adoption and reduce risks.
IBM India
|Delivery Program Manager – Kohls
→
Summary
Delivered large-scale transformation programs and managed accounts for a major E-Commerce client, enhancing omni-channel experience and driving mobile channel adoption and engagement.
Highlights
Developed a mobile application with end-to-end Customer Experience integrated with Salesforce CDP, improving buying intent at every touchpoint.
Implemented conversational AI with Watson cognitive capabilities, improving deflection rates by 30%.
Managed 24/7 infrastructure, leveraging Cloud technologies, SaaS tech stack, and an Incident Response team, ensuring SLA adherence and continuous improvements.
Managed Splunk SIEM and SOC for Cyber Security, enhancing the security posture of critical systems.
IBM India
|Program Manager
→
Summary
Managed cross-functional dependencies and risks, developing communication plans to ensure smooth delivery of technical programs and improving CSAT.
Highlights
Improved CSAT Customer experience by up to 40% through effective program management and stakeholder communication.
Leveraged Data analytics for forecasting KPIs and KRIs, providing early warnings for risk identification, governance, and change management.
Managed Program Management and People Management for 50+ teams of Project Managers, implementing ITIL Best Practices and providing governance reports.
Drove PMCOE & PM Maturity level benchmarking and Continual Improvement initiatives.
Implemented Lean and Six Sigma methodologies for triage and solutions processes, including the successful execution of First-of-its-Kind POCs and Pilots.
Education
CMRIT University – IPL
→
MBA
Product Leadership
IISC - Indian Institute of Science & Emeritus
→
PG
Digital Business, Manufacturing & Smart Factories
IIM Lucknow, Indian Institute of Management
→
Program
General Management
ISB Indian School of Business – Hyderabad
→
Program
Business Analytics Program
Sir MVIT College, Bangalore University
→
Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
Mechanical
Awards
IBM GTS Labs Leadership Awards
Awarded By
IBM
Recognized for outstanding leadership within IBM Global Technology Services Labs.
Manager Choice Award
Awarded By
IBM
Received for exceptional performance and contributions as chosen by management in both 2015 and 2016.
Certificates
CCXP (Certified Customer Experience Professional)
Issued By
CXPA
XMP (XM Professional)
Issued By
Qualtrics
SPM (Strategic Product Manager)
Certified AI Consultant
AI Security & Governance
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
Issued By
ISC2
GRCP (GRC Professional)
Issued By
GRC Certification
Skills
Business Skills
SPM (Software Product Management), Business Analyst, SAFe PO/PM, MBA Products.
Customer Experience
CCXP, XMP, Best-in-class Customer Experience, Personalization, HCAI (Human-Centered AI).
Security & Governance
Cert CISSP, GRCP, AI Governance, IAIP (AI in Public Safety), Zero Trust, Privacy Programs.
Technology
Cloud & Salesforce (4x certified), CRM, CDP (Customer Data Platform), CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote), CLM (Contract Lifecycle Management), Data Cloud.