Kunal Handa Joins Greenply Industries as CIO

Why It Matters

Greenply’s hiring of a seasoned CIO underscores the growing importance of technology leadership in India’s manufacturing sector, aiming to boost efficiency and competitive advantage. The move positions the company to better leverage ERP and analytics for faster, compliant operations.

Key Takeaways

• Kunal Handa appointed Greenply Industries' chief information officer
• Brings 18+ years experience across IBM, HCL, Capgemini
• Previously led IT at Eureka Forbes and Domino's
• Will drive SAP/ERP integration and manufacturing digitization
• Aims to enhance operational efficiency and data-driven decision making

Pulse Analysis

Greenply Industries, a leading player in India’s interior infrastructure market, has been accelerating its shift from traditional manufacturing to a more technology‑centric model. The company’s recent financial reports highlight pressures to improve margins and meet sustainability targets, prompting a strategic focus on digital tools that can streamline production, reduce waste, and enable real‑time monitoring. By appointing a dedicated chief information officer, Greenply signals that technology is no longer a support function but a core driver of growth and resilience in a highly competitive sector.

Kunal Handa’s career trajectory reads like a roadmap of modern enterprise IT evolution. Starting at IBM Global Business Services, he progressed through senior engineering and consulting roles before moving into operational technology leadership at firms such as Whirlpool and Philip Morris, where he oversaw supply‑chain and finance digitalization. His recent tenure at Eureka Forbes, where he rose to head of IT, gave him hands‑on experience scaling ERP platforms and managing large‑scale application portfolios. This blend of consulting insight and practical implementation equips him to tackle Greenply’s complex integration of SAP, IoT‑enabled manufacturing equipment, and advanced analytics.

The broader implication for Indian manufacturing is clear: firms are recognizing that competitive advantage now hinges on data agility and integrated systems. Handa’s mandate to craft a unified digital roadmap will likely involve consolidating legacy applications, expanding cloud adoption, and embedding AI‑driven insights into production planning. As peers in the sector follow suit, Greenply’s transformation could set a benchmark for how mid‑size manufacturers harness technology to drive cost efficiencies, regulatory compliance, and faster time‑to‑market. This trend reinforces the strategic value of seasoned CIOs in steering enterprise‑wide change.