Rajagopalan Rajappa: CTO, Communication Technologies and Platforms, Tata Elxsi
Rajagopalan Rajappa began his career in academia, working as a faculty member in computer science at the Vellore Institute of Technology. He joined Tata Elxsi in 1997 and has since held multiple technology leadership roles, including architect, chief architect, deputy chief technology officer (CTO) and now head of the CTO office. His work is largely focused on telecom, automotive digital transformation and platform engineering. He also helps shape the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) governance, regulation and cybersecurity initiatives and leads technology strategy.
His current role involves leading platform and technology initiatives across telecom, automotive and healthcare. Much of his work goes into building AI-enabled solutions in areas such as network automation, orchestration, connected vehicles and software-defined vehicle platforms. He also spends considerable time helping teams embrace AI tools, build new capabilities and develop a culture of continuous learning. His core concern is that AI adoption in telecom is moving fast but not always carefully. Cybersecurity and data governance, he says, matter as much as the efficiencies AI brings.
On where the industry is headed, he says, “One of the most significant trends is telecom operators leveraging their infrastructure to offer AI-as-a-service capabilities to enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises.” Telcos are well-placed for this because their regulated and distributed networks already meet enterprise needs around data privacy, localisation and low-latency AI. He also points out, “The industry needs to adapt to the rapid pace of innovation through continuous upskilling, as AI technologies are advancing much faster than traditional technology cycles.”
His leadership style has moved from a centralised approach to one that adapts to the people and the situation. “When time permits, I prefer consensus-driven discussions with empathetic listening. However, in a fast-paced environment, leaders must also make timely decisions and provide clarity. Delaying decisions is often more damaging than making an imperfect but timely one,” he says.
Rajappa studied Computer Science at Madurai Kamaraj University. Between 2010 and 2016, he researched distributed computing and energy-efficient systems while consulting for Tata Elxsi. In 2024, he completed the CTO programme at the Indian School of Business.
Outside work, he reads across technology, leadership, philosophy and Tamil literature. His wife is an artist and his son is an opera singer based in Belgium.
