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Kishendran Gunalan
2026
2026

Kishendran Gunalan

Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Korea
Korea, Republic of

Numbers and facts

20+ years of experience in IT
10+ years of experience as a C-Level/VP in IT
Up to 500 internal users in the company
Holds an MBA or Executive MBA
Management team of up to 50—150 people
Member of the board of directors or similar body of the company
Digital transformation impacting the entire industry

Brief Biography

Kishendran Gunalan is a globally accomplished CIO who has led technology transformation across Malaysia, Singapore, India, and South Korea. With cross-industry expertise spanning oil and gas, technology, automotive, and financial services, he has consistently aligned IT strategy with enterprise value creation. Rising from core engineering roles to regional and market CIO leadership, he has modernized legacy ecosystems, strengthened governance, and optimized global IT operations. Known for driving large-scale digital transformation and cost-efficient operating models, Kishendran builds high-performance teams and positions technology as a strategic growth engine for sustainable, data-driven business expansion.

Achievements

Led enterprise-wide digital transformation within highly regulated environments, introducing digital platforms and automation while ensuring full compliance and operational stability. Modernized legacy systems, strengthened cybersecurity posture, and enhanced resilience without business disruption. Optimized IT cost structures, improved service quality, and built scalable governance models. Recognized for balancing innovation with risk control, enabling secure growth and sustained operational excellence across global markets.

Competencies

Strategic, globally experienced CIO driving enterprise-scale digital transformation across regulated industries. Proven ability to modernize legacy ecosystems, implement secure cloud and platform architectures, and strengthen cybersecurity while maintaining operational stability. Leads cost-efficient global operating models, cross-border IT integration, and data-driven decision frameworks. Trusted advisor to executive leadership, recognized for aligning technology strategy with business growth, governance, and long-term enterprise value creation.

IT Leadership Survey

  • Points for personal professional achievements 14

Community Evaluation of Competencies

  • Leadership skills 6
  • IT strategy development and its implementation 2
  • Risk management 1
  • Commercial success of implemented solutions 1
Total number of points 24
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