An IT strategist Sreekanth Muktevi on how to unite green agenda with business interests
In recent years, businesses across all sectors have been challenged to not only stay profitable but also contribute positively to environmental sustainability. The rise of digital transformation, coupled with advanced technologies like cloud computing and AI, has made it possible for companies to reduce costs, optimize operations, and minimize their environmental footprint. Yet, successfully navigating this complex landscape requires more than just adopting new technologies — it demands a strategic approach to modernize legacy systems and align digital innovation with sustainability goals. Sreekanth Muktevi, an award-winning IT strategist and expert in digital transformation, has been at the forefront of helping industries like Oil & Gas and natural resources achieve these dual objectives.
In this interview, Muktevi shares his insights on the role of technology in driving sustainability, his journey through award-winning projects, and the key strategies he’s outlined in his upcoming book, “Transforming Resources: Step-by-Step Strategies for Digital Innovation and Sustainability.” From overhauling legacy systems to ensuring cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world, Muktevi offers a unique perspective on how IT can be leveraged to create value and support a greener future.
Q: Mr. Muktevi, you’ve been recognized with several prestigious awards recently, including the Gold Stevie Award for Executive of the Year in Managed Services. You would also stand as a judge for the 2024 Globee Awards. Can you tell us what this recognition means to you and how it reflects your work in the industry?
Sreekanth Muktevi: Thank you! Receiving the Gold Stevie Award for Executive of the Year in Managed Services was a great honor. It acknowledges my work in helping industries like Oil & Gas and natural resources embrace digital transformation. I believe this recognition is a testament to the impact that modernizing legacy systems, integrating cloud technologies, and applying innovative IT strategies can have on both business profitability and environmental sustainability.
Additionally, I was recently named a winner at the 19th Annual Globee Awards, which further highlights my contributions across various industries. This acknowledgment validates the strides we’ve made in leveraging technology to align sustainability and business goals. As a judge for the 2024 Globee Awards, I’ve had the opportunity to evaluate some truly pioneering advancements in technology, which has provided me with a deeper understanding of where the industry is headed and how businesses can innovate further.
Q: You’ve made a name for yourself in the Oil & Gas, Manufacturing and sustainability sectors. Could you tell us more about your approach to integrating digital transformation in these industries?
Sreekanth Muktevi: Of course. My primary focus has been to help industries like Oil & Gas achieve sustainability and operational efficiency through technology. Traditional industries often struggle with outdated, inefficient systems that consume a lot of energy and resources. My goal is to modernize these systems, whether through cloud migration, the adoption of AI, or the integration of advanced data analytics.
For example, I’ve led digital transformation projects that involved migrating legacy systems to the cloud, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption and operational costs. In one case, for a major oil company, we reduced their operational costs by 25% and lowered their carbon footprint by optimizing energy use through automated systems and real-time monitoring.
Q: You mentioned cloud migration and AI. Can you elaborate on how these technologies are transforming traditional sectors like Oil & Gas?
Sreekanth Muktevi: Cloud technology offers a scalable, flexible solution for storing and analyzing large amounts of data, which is essential for resource-heavy industries like Oil & Gas, Utilities and Manufacturing. It allows companies to centralize their data, automate processes, and access real-time insights that drive better decision-making. With AI integration, businesses can further optimize their operations by predicting equipment maintenance needs, reducing downtime, and enhancing safety measures.
I discussed these benefits in my article Digital Transformation in the Natural Resources Industry: Rethinking Strategic Approaches. It outlines how cloud and AI technologies can improve resource management and operational efficiency. For instance, General Electric (GE) successfully migrated its legacy systems to the cloud to enhance its operational efficiencies, reduce manufacturing downtime by 10%, and lower maintenance costs by 15%. These are the kinds of outcomes that demonstrate the potential for these technologies to create both business and environmental benefits.
Q: Speaking of contributions, you’re also involved in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Disclosures. Could you share how this ties into your work?
Sreekanth Muktevi: Yes, I’m an active member of an ESG expert panel where we focus on how technology can support sustainability and compliance. Cloud computing and AI play a crucial role here as well, enabling companies to better manage and report on their ESG metrics. This is an area I address in my upcoming book, “Transforming Resources: Step-by-Step Strategies for Digital Innovation and Sustainability,” which provides a framework for companies looking to align their digital strategies with ESG goals.
I worked on Environmental and Safety projects in Oil & Gas installations in the Middle East, India and Africa which strengthened my domain knowledge and helped understand industry and business needs. That experience helped me build digital solutions like inREACH for regulatory compliance, IREM for risk and emergency management, Mustering solution employee safety to name a few, as a contribution back to the industry.
Q: That’s exciting! When is the book expected to be released, and what can readers expect to find in it?
Sreekanth Muktevi: The book is in its final review stage and should be published this month. It delves into step-by-step strategies for implementing digital innovation in industries like Oil & Gas, Mining and Utilities to drive sustainability and business growth. I focus on practical applications of cloud technologies, AI, and cybersecurity to create value while meeting sustainability targets. The book will serve as a guide for business leaders and IT professionals looking to navigate the complexities of digital transformation and ESG integration.
Q: You’ve also emphasized the importance of cybersecurity. How does it fit into your broader strategy for digital transformation?
Sreekanth Muktevi: Cybersecurity is foundational to any digital transformation strategy. As companies adopt more digital tools and move operations to the cloud, they become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. This is why I wrote Business-Driven Cybersecurity: Modern Approaches and Solutions for Digital Infrastructure Protection. It outlines the latest strategies for securing cloud platforms and protecting sensitive operational data from cyberattacks. Ensuring a secure digital infrastructure is essential not only for protecting business assets but also for maintaining trust with stakeholders and customers.
Q: It sounds like your expertise spans across many aspects of digital transformation. How do you see industries evolving in the next few years?
Sreekanth Muktevi: I believe we’ll see even more widespread adoption of cloud and AI technologies, along with a greater emphasis on sustainability and ESG compliance. Digital transformation is no longer just an option; it’s a necessity for businesses looking to stay competitive and environmentally responsible. The integration of new technologies will enable companies to achieve operational excellence, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
As industries evolve, my focus will remain on helping companies leverage these advancements to unlock new growth opportunities and drive meaningful change. That’s what my upcoming book and continued research aim to support.
Q: Thank you for sharing your insights, Sreekanth. Any final thoughts for our readers?
Sreekanth Muktevi: Thank you for having me. I’d like to encourage business leaders to view technology not just as a tool for operational efficiency but as a catalyst for sustainable growth. By embracing digital transformation and aligning it with ESG goals, companies can build a better, more sustainable future for everyone.