In Conversation With Gopal Krishna G S S, Segment Business Head (Major Markets)- NA, TCS

The education segment is associated with traditional ways of doing business. Because of the nature of the business, which involves taking classes by teachers, the technology has taken its own time to adapt. Post COVID-19, many EdTech companies mushroomed and technology adaptation in K-12, Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Corporate Training space surged. According to a report, the education market is likely to grow to USD 4,980.50 billion by 2028.

This presents a huge opportunity for business leaders to tap into the opportunity to create and deliver value across the education ecosystem. In this backdrop, we are going to cover a business leader who was able to envision the immense potential in the assessment, education, and learning segment and has been able to deliver value to multiple stakeholders.

Gopal Krishna G S S, the Segment Business Head (Major Markets) - North America, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), based out of New Jersey, USA, is one such leader that focuses on education and technologies catering to Education Segment. His primary focus is on specifically catering to the education segment in the USA and Canada. His role involves driving digital transformation in educational institutions and creating innovative solutions to enhance educational outcomes.

Can you share a bit about your educational background and how it has influenced your career path?

I hold a master's degree in software systems from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, and an MBA in Marketing from Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneshwar (XIMB). These academic experiences have been instrumental in shaping my approach to business and technology. The combination of technical and managerial education provided a strong foundation that has been crucial throughout my career, enabling me to navigate and integrate various aspects of business and technology seamlessly.

You've had a diverse career before joining TCS. Could you highlight some of the key roles and experiences that have shaped your professional journey?

Before joining TCS, I held leadership positions at Williamson & Magor Group, Carrier Corporation, and Voltas. With over 28 years of experience across various industries, including Education Technology, Testing, Automation, and Consumer Durables, I have gained a broad perspective. My roles have spanned business, sales & marketing, product management, and consultancy. This diverse background has equipped me with the adaptability and skills necessary to thrive in different business environments.

What led you to join TCS in 2012, and what were your initial responsibilities?

I joined TCS in 2012 as a Product Group Head for TCS iON. My initial responsibilities included spearheading the TCS iON Digital Marking Solution, TCS iON Digital Exam Solution, and TCS iON Digital Records solution. These solutions were widely adopted by state boards, state universities, and private universities, significantly improving the efficiency of exam and evaluation processes.

Under your leadership as India Sales Head, TCS iON achieved substantial growth. Could you elaborate on this success?

In 2016, I took on the role of Country Head - Market Function & Product Group Head for TCS iON. The TCS iON Digital Assessment business thereafter grew exponentially. Today, TCS iON conducts over 80 per cent of high-stakes exams in India, with the business growing at a CAGR of 15.14 per cent over the past seven years. We were able to achieve this kind of growth under the guidance of our Global Head, Venguswamy Ramaswamy. The primary motivation has been the value derived by organisations and end users from these transformation projects, which drive efficiency and accuracy in assessments.

You have also been involved in educational reforms in India. Could you tell us more about your contributions?

Apart from my business responsibilities, I have been actively involved in educational reforms. I served as an Expert Member of the Examination Reforms Committee in Andhra Pradesh, contributing to significant reforms in the examination and education systems. Additionally, I am a member of boards of various prestigious educational institutions in India, such as XIM University, XLRI Jamshedpur, and KIIT School of Management. This involvement has allowed me to influence and implement meaningful changes in the education sector.

What prompted your move to the United States in 2023, and what challenges did you anticipate?

My move to the United States was driven by both personal goals and the professional challenge of spearheading the Education Segment for North America. I anticipated challenges such as adapting to a new region, understanding different customer aspirations, and navigating a starkly different culture. However, I saw this as an opportunity to reinvent myself and apply my experience in a new market.

Upon arrival, I spent the first few months studying and absorbing the work culture and business practices in the US. I attended conferences and expos focused on Digital Transformation in the education segment. This helped me understand the nuances of the US education market. I leveraged my network and observed differences between US and Indian education practices. This period of research and observation was crucial in forming a strategic approach to building visibility and establishing TCS in the American education sector.

My journey in the US has been challenging yet rewarding. Within eight months, I have established a significant degree of visibility for TCS in the US Education segment. I have been invited as a keynote speaker at an education conference and as a panel discussion member in an international consortium. These opportunities reflect the growing recognition of TCS in the US education market.

Can you share some of the key strategies you employed to achieve visibility for TCS in the US Education segment?

My strategy involved building visibility for TCS within the education and academic circles of the Americas. I attended various conferences and expos, leveraging my network and understanding the differences between US and Indian education practices. By meeting stakeholders across all fifty states, I gained a deeper understanding of the sector and began establishing a strong presence for TCS in the US education market.

What is your vision for the future of education technology in the US, and how do you plan to contribute to it?

My vision for education technology in the US is to transform how education is delivered by leveraging contextual knowledge, technology, and the expertise of TCS. I am committed to working with educational institutions to address their unique challenges and create innovative solutions. My goal is to establish TCS as a leading player in the US education segment, driving digital transformation and enhancing educational outcomes.