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Profile summary

Karthik Chakkarapani is the SVP, Corporate Operations & CIO at Zuora. By embedding Agentic AI systems, connected data, and secure infrastructure into core workflows, he is accelerating decision-making, personalization, and engagement at scale.

Karthik is a forward-looking technology leader and champions AI literacy and a culture of innovation across the enterprise. He is keen on bridging the gap between emerging AI capabilities and practical business adoption to unlock new value.

Connect with Karthik on: Linkedin | X

Career highlights 

2025
SVP, Corporate Operations & CIO
2025
Advisory Board Member
2018
VP, Digital Transformation & Technology
2011
VP, Digital Transformation & Technology
2005
Director of IT
2001
Principal Consultant
1998
Senior Consultant
1995
Research Intern

Claim to fame

Spearheading AI-Driven Business Transformation

At Zuora, Karthik is leading a comprehensive AI-powered digital transformation initiative. This involves embedding Agentic AI systems and connected data into core workflows to enable scalable growth, operational efficiency, and personalized experiences for both customers and employees.

Redefining enterprise IT with user-centric design

Recognizing the growing complexity of enterprise technology, Karthik is pioneering a shift from traditional ticketing systems to intuitive, employee-friendly tools. His approach blends automation with human-centric design, ensuring that IT services are not only efficient but also seamless to interact with, especially for non-technical users.

Enabling scale through modern architecture

Enabling scale through modern architecture  To support the evolving needs of a global organization, Karthik is re-architecting IT systems with modular, scalable solutions that unify fragmented workflows. His focus on building a resilient digital foundation is enabling the business to scale AI-driven innovation while maintaining security and compliance at every level.

Karthik's AI philosophy

Karthik Chakkarapani
SVP, Corporate Operations & CIO, Zuora

“I’m very passionate about ‘agent of agents’ where an employee goes to one place to help them get their work done. It’s almost like one digital personal assistant.” Source

“True digital transformation is about completely reimagining the way an organization works: from systems to data, to processes, to experiences, to people. To implement, transformation at this level has to be backed by a strong vision and strategy and an airtight operating model to support that strategy.” Source

“Cultivate (and embrace) a beginner’s mindset: I’ve long stood by this philosophy. Business and customer needs continue to evolve, the world continues to have challenges that need solutions and new situations will inevitably prompt you to learn, grow and adapt.” Source

Awards and accolades

2025 Business Transformation 150 Award from Constellation Research Inc.
Box.Net 2011’s BoxStar Customer Hall of Fame
Innovation in Support Services Transformation, TSIA, 2021
Computerworld Honors Laureate Award - Enterprise Collaboration - 2011
Salesforce Leadership Award - 2016

What does it take to be an AI Champion? 

We’re not looking for trophies. We’re looking for trailblazers.

You’re an AI Champion, if you’ve: 
Implemented AI in the real world not a pitch deck.
Driven change across teams, even when it wasn’t easy.
Led from the front, helping your org rethink how work gets done. 
Sounds like something you’re doing right now? 

Tell us about your AI work