Ram Iyer
Role in the Center: Advisory Board Member
“An eternal optimist and servant leader, eager to sail from safe harbors of known to blue oceans of unknown” is Ram Iyer’s personal philosophy. Ram Iyer is Sr. Director of eCommerce and Digital Strategy at Microsoft's Worldwide Consumer Sales Organization, based in Redmond. He embodies a blend of visionary digital strategy and hands-on eCommerce expertise. With over two decades spanning digital marketing, retail startups, and technology, Ram's career is a testament to continuous learning and leadership through influence. An author of the Amazon bestseller "Leading through the Pandemic," he's recognized among Asia's 50 Most Talented Retail Professionals and has received accolades for retail excellence. Ram's commitment to mentoring, underscored by his advisory roles and teaching engagements, alongside his personal pursuits as a yogi, cyclist, baker, and family man, paints a picture of a well-rounded, passionate professional dedicated to driving digital transformation and fostering growth in the next generation of leaders.
More About Him!
Ram Iyer has led significant digital and e-commerce transformations across global markets, notably enhancing Microsoft's retail operations and digital sales strategies. His tenure at various organizations has been marked by pioneering omni-channel initiatives, driving substantial eCommerce growth, and leveraging digital innovation to achieve record sales performances. Iyer's strategic leadership in digital marketing and retail sectors underscores his ability to navigate complex challenges, resulting in transformative business outcomes and operational excellence.
Ram Iyer's professional recognitions begin with the prestigious Microsoft Gold Club Award for his innovative work in partner capability assessments and omni-channel solutions. He was also honored with the SPJIMR Alumni Award for Corporate Excellence, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the business world. He has also been recognized as one of the "50 Most Talented Retail Professionals" by CMO Council Asia and received the "Retailer of The Year Award" from Economic Times for his achievements at Vodafone India and The Collective, highlighting his impactful contributions to both retail and digital landscapes.
Ram Iyer's keynote in Oct’23 "The Era of AI in Marketing" was enthusiastically received by both students and faculty, highlighting his profound engagement with education. With guest lectures at prestigious institutions like IIMA, IIMB, SPJIMR, and mentorship roles for University of Washington students and Microsoft's early-career talents, Ram demonstrates a strong commitment to educational development. He is eager to collaborate with faculty, students, and the industry to influence the future direction of the Center, showcasing his dedication to shaping future leaders and innovators.
