CIOs Of India (Powered by ISMF)

3000+ Members and alumni

1996 Forum journey began

2006 Registered as ISMF

30+ Learning programs

About The Forum

Built by CIOs, for CIOs

CIOs Of India brings together Chief Information Officers, senior IT executives, academicians, consultants, and technology leaders across the country. The forum exists to help technology leaders learn from one another, discuss shared challenges, build meaningful professional relationships, and contribute to India's digital ecosystem without a commercial agenda.

Since its origins in 1996, the forum has served as an independent peer platform for technology leaders who believe that shared experience is one of the strongest ways to build better organisations. Its conversations go beyond products and vendors, focusing instead on leadership, governance, innovation, resilience, security, digital transformation, and the evolving role of technology in business and society.

As a non-profit and community-led forum, CIOs Of India creates space for trusted dialogue among peers. Members engage through leadership meetings, knowledge sessions, annual programs, special initiatives, social responsibility efforts, and informal exchanges that strengthen the wider technology leadership ecosystem.

The forum continues to carry forward its founding purpose: connecting technology leaders across India, encouraging practical learning, and building a professional community that contributes meaningfully to the country's digital future.

Read the full story Founders and early journey

Forum identity

Started as IS India in 1996, registered as Information System Managers Forum in 2006, and now branded as CIOs Of India.

Started as IS India: 1996
Registered as ISMF (Information System Managers Forum): 2006
Community model: Non-profit
Peer platform: Vendor-neutral

Programs

What members engage with

Peer Learning Gyan Hub Experience sharing by CIOs and technology leaders through peer-led conversations, practical case discussions, and community knowledge exchange. Knowledge Updates Gyan Bytes Short-form learning, technology updates, leadership insights, and member communication between formal events. Capability Building #SharpeningTheSaw Certification, reskilling, structured executive learning, and capability-building programs for senior technology professionals. Thought Leadership Bala Memorial Lecture Annual non-technical lecture series created for wider reflection on society, leadership, public life, and civic contribution. Special Initiative Golf Leadership Executive bonding, discipline, wellness, and transformation conversations through golf training, clinics, and leadership events. Well-being Health and Wealth Programs focused on personal well-being, financial awareness, lifestyle balance, resilience, and life beyond professional responsibilities. Community Family Connect Member and family initiatives that build personal bonds, deepen community warmth, and bring the CIOs Of India network closer together. Partner Learning Knowledge Networking With Partners Vendor-neutral knowledge sessions, leadership conversations, and curated interactions with technology partners focused on learning, not promotion.

Governance

A community led by members

Office Bearers

The office bearers of CIOs Of India are senior technology leaders who volunteer their time to guide the forum, coordinate key initiatives, and keep the community connected. In keeping with the spirit of a forum run by CIOs for CIOs, they help shape the agenda, support member engagement, and ensure that the forum continues to create meaningful impact for the technology leadership community.

Kamal Karnatak

President, CIOs Of India (Powered by ISMF)

Munender Soperna

Vice President, CIOs Of India (Powered by ISMF)

Rajiv Sikka

Joint Secretary, CIOs Of India (Powered by ISMF)

Umesh Kumar Khandelwal

Treasurer, CIOs Of India (Powered by ISMF)

Governance

A Forum run by CIOs for CIOs

Executive Committee Members

The Executive Committee members support the office bearers by contributing their time, experience, and networks to run programs, strengthen member participation, and help fellow technology leaders learn from one another. Their role is central to sustaining the community spirit of CIOs Of India, where leaders come together not for commercial gain, but to help each other grow and contribute to the larger ecosystem.