Upon completing his education, he began his professional career with Quintiles, a leading contract research organization. Over the next five years, he honed his skills in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors in India. His expertise and dedication opened doors to international opportunities, allowing him to work in the United States on a work permit visa.

During his 18 years in the industry, he gained invaluable experience collaborating with cutting-edge drug development companies. His efforts contributed to the approval of two innovative drug molecules by the US FDA, marking significant milestones in his career. These achievements fueled his passion for making a difference in the healthcare industry.

In August 2022, he embarked on a new journey by founding PAR Clinical. As an entrepreneur, he faces the dual challenges and opportunities that come with building a company from the ground up. His focus remains steadfast on organic growth, with a vision to improve patient lives by developing and implementing new strategies in the healthcare sector.

His entrepreneurial journey is driven by a deep commitment to innovation and a desire to contribute to the advancement of medical science. Through PAR Clinical, he aims to lead transformative changes in the industry, staying true to his mission of enhancing patient outcomes and pioneering new healthcare solutions.

These days, you’ll find her at Google, where she leads a vibrant team as the Head of Apps & International Growth. They are on a mission to drive digital innovation and expand our reach across the globe. Her role at Google is all about growth. She leads efforts to increase app revenue and champion the adoption of Google’s diverse range of products. Additionally, she guides their International Growth team, helping clients navigate new markets and achieve their expansion goals with localized expertise. 

Before this, she was a Cluster Lead and Agency Lead for the Google Marketing Platform (GMP). There, she advised clients on digital strategies, crafted custom solutions, successfully evangelized the use of programmatic and Martech platforms, and provided bespoke solutions using Google Ad products and Cloud.

Her earlier career chapters include leadership roles at Times Internet Limited, where she managed agency relationships, drove sales across various platforms, and spearheaded the launch of the Colombia Traffic Network (CTN) in both India and the Middle East. Her professional journey began with a focus on digital planning and Search Engine Marketing at Pinstorm, followed by leading the digital practice at MEC, Group M for the West and South markets

She is a lifelong learner at heart and constantly seeks out new knowledge and skills. She recently completed courses on Generative AI (Wharton & LinkedIn), Spot Coaching (Hudson Coaching Institute), and Key Accounts Management (ISB).

A few highlights from my career that I’m particularly proud of include:

• Co-authoring impactful reports on app marketing and re-engagement with Appsflyer, providing valuable insights into the industry.
• Led the launch of the first-party data playbook with BCG, empowering clients to leverage data effectively.
• Sharing her knowledge and experience by conducting masterclasses and panel discussions on programmatic and data-driven advertising, inspiring others in the field.

His career is marked by impactful roles in which he has established extraordinary leadership and a forward-thinking vision. At Capital, he excelled as an Engineering Manager, leading the creation of Capacitor Pay, an innovative BNPL and Digital Wallet service. His leadership extended beyond technical aspects to include the mentorship and development of an engineering team, confirming the delivery of high-quality, scalable products. Similarly, at Core Compete, as Principal Software Architect, he led the Credit Decision Processing System for HSBC, inspiring his team to new heights and more impactful work as an Enterprise Architect to design and architecture the Lead and Demand Generation product in Spiceworks Ziff Davis.

His command of the entire Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is prominent in his thorough approach to every process phase. From requirement analysis to system study, designing, coding, debugging, documentation, and implementation, he leaves no stone unturned to deliver powerful and scalable ideas. Also, his strong customer-centric approach enhances his technical expertise. He architects products that meet strict business and technical requirements. His capability to assess technology alternatives and propose strong system products has been a pillar of his career.

In addition to his professional achievements, Shishir has contributed to the academic field through publications in international journals and blogs on Big Data Technology, reflecting his innovative efforts to share wisdom and advance the industry. His vast knowledge of software development methodologies, architectural design, cloud technologies, international exposure, and project management skills make him a key influencer. His journey from a Senior Java Developer to a Principal Software Architect and Engineering Manager highlights his many strengths and capacities. 

Despite his numerous accomplishments, his dedication to continuous learning and professional development remains constant. His Master’s degree in Computer Applications (MCA) and Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics, along with certifications like Oracle Certified Java Professional (OCJP 7), prove his commitment to staying ahead of the curve and maintaining his expertise. This adherence to learning inspires others to welcome a similar approach to professional growth.

Undoubtedly, he is a quintessential leader, a domain expert, and a medium for change in the tech landscape. With his vision and expertise, he continues revolutionizing how we approach technology, inspiring others to push the boundaries of what’s possible. As he continues to evolve in his career, his vision for creating technically superior and ethically strong global products remains constant. He has the potential to carry progress and set new standards in the innovative landscape of Information Technology.

He has over 20 years of work experience and has worked with leading companies such as Dell, HP, and IBM. He is currently the Associate Director of Cloud and Enterprise Architecture at Kyndryl, where he heads the Cloud Business covering markets in America (North America, South America, and Canada) and UKI (United Kingdom and Ireland). He also plays the role of University Relationship Leader for Kyndryl India.

His drive for excellence has led to multiple accomplishments in IT and Cloud Services. He sets high standards for himself and others through his innovative projects and pioneering initiatives, earning respect from his direct reports, peers, and superiors alike. Somak Banik is consistently acknowledged by his organization and his peers.

As a Guest Lecturer and Technical Advocate, he has reached out to more than 10K students across 50 Colleges between 2022-23, covering technical, corporate life, and life skills.

He has been a Chief Guest for various technical forums across India.

He is planning visits in 2024 for more than 10K students for their placements in 2025.

Apart from his professional achievements, he has made significant impacts on society. He is associated with two prominent NGOs in India – Mentor Together and Akshay Patra Foundation.

Under Mentor Together’s CSR activity, he successfully mentored more than 15 students between 2018 and 2023, and with ongoing efforts for 2023. This initiative ensures that children have access to real-life corporate skills by using Corporate CSR benefits without additional fees or intermediaries involved. He helps them enhance their interpersonal and communication skills, personality development, industry knowledge, and understanding, with support from corporate and NGO sponsorships.

Akshay Patra is actively engaged in Mid-Day meal programs, which focus on providing nutritious meals to students from underprivileged families.

He actively takes part in Kyndryl’s CSR initiatives in Bengaluru, such as the “Plant a Tree” initiative, “The Green Pedals” initiative, among others.

His academic journey is marked by a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Software Engineering from the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani. This robust educational foundation has been instrumental in shaping his career and research endeavors. The rigorous curriculum and exposure to cutting-edge technology at BITS, Pilani, provided him with the essential skills and knowledge that have propelled him to the forefront of his field. His academic achievements laid a solid groundwork for his professional pursuits, enabling him to tackle complex challenges with innovative solutions.

His prolific research output includes numerous papers published in esteemed international journals, reflecting his deep expertise and innovative thinking. His work has been featured in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Journal of Artificial Intelligence & Cloud Computing (JAICC), Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research (JSAER), Journal of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Science (JAIMLD), Journal of Technological Innovations (JTI), Journal of Economics & Management Research (JESMR), and the European Journal of Advances in Engineering and Technology (EJAET). These publications have significantly contributed to the body of knowledge in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and related fields. Each paper showcases his ability to address complex problems with novel solutions, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with current technology.

In addition to his research publications, he has played a critical role in the academic community as a peer reviewer for various international journals. His discerning reviews have helped maintain the high standards of scholarly work in the International Journal of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (IJAIML), International Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research and Development (IJAIRD), International Journal of Cloud Computing (IJCC), International Journal of Computer Engineering and Technology (IJCET), International Journal of Data Analytics Research and Development (IJDARD), Indian Journal of Scientific Reports, International Journal Of Computer Science And Information Technology Research (IJCSITR), Journal of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Science (JAIMLD), International Journal of Computer Science and Engineering Research and Development (IJCSERD), and the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). His contributions as a peer reviewer are invaluable, ensuring that only the most rigorous and impactful research is published.

His groundbreaking work and thought leadership have been widely recognized and featured in major media outlets. These features underscore his influence across various industries, including IT, banking, healthcare, and utilities. Outlook India highlighted his cross-industry expertise and versatility, showcasing how his skills extend beyond traditional boundaries to impact multiple sectors.

DNA India focused on his approach to architecting robust risk reporting systems in fintech, emphasizing his ability to create secure and efficient solutions in a rapidly evolving industry. MSN discussed his diverse impact from banking to healthcare, illustrating the broad scope of his work and its far-reaching implications. TFIPost explored his quest for data harmony across industries, shedding light on his efforts to integrate and streamline data processes for better decision-making. FreePressJournal addressed his efforts in overcoming challenges in AI and ML automation in secure environments, highlighting his commitment to advancing technology while maintaining security and integrity.

His achievements in education, research, peer review, and media presence illustrate a career dedicated to advancing technology and knowledge. His contributions have not only enriched the academic and professional communities but have also had a tangible impact on various industries. The Indian Achievers Award proudly acknowledges his outstanding accomplishments and his ongoing commitment to excellence. Through his work, he continues to inspire and lead, setting a high standard for future generations of engineers and researchers. His story is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in driving progress and achieving remarkable success.

His career is a testament to the transformative power of technology and its potential to drive significant improvements across various sectors. His work in banking and finance has led to the development of robust risk and regulatory reporting systems, ensuring compliance and enhancing operational efficiencies. In the utilities sector, he has leveraged his expertise to implement advanced cloud infrastructure solutions, optimizing resource management and service delivery. His contributions to healthcare have focused on integrating AI and machine learning technologies to improve patient outcomes and streamline administrative processes.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and driving digital transformation. His ability to navigate complex technological landscapes and deliver impactful solutions has earned him recognition and respect from peers and industry leaders alike. As a thought leader and innovator, he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, inspiring others to pursue excellence and embrace the transformative power of technology.

In conclusion, he has remarkable achievements in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and data science have made a lasting impact on academia, industry, and society. His dedication to advancing technology and fostering innovation has earned him a well-deserved place among the recipients of the Indian Achievers Award. As he continues to break new ground and drive progress, his contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of technology and inspire the next generation of innovators.