G RAVI
Vice CEO of BEL Thales Systems Limited

M. Tech. in Computer Science and Data Processing

I have worked with the Indian Air Force as Aeronautical Engineer for 24 years having joined in 1988. I was involved in maintenance of avionics of fighter class of aircraft, software development for IAF projects, program management of AWACS Program at a foreign OEM premises, procurement and contract management at Air HQs.

Why did you choose this career path?

After a long innings with the IAF, I realized that working with an avionics major and technology oriented company such as Thales would widen and enhance my knowledge on the state-of-the-art and futuristic technologies that would be available for the Air Forces.

Tell us about the highlights in your career with Thales.

I joined the Customer Support division of Thales in India in 2012 as a Domain Account Manager of ATM radars. During my stint in the Customer Support Domain, I was able to close long term maintenance contract for the ATM radars with the customer. I was further able to support their modernization needs through Thales’ flagship solutions.

Subsequently, I was involved in business development in 2015, supporting the Key Account Manager (KAM) for DRDO in his initiatives, actively. In September 2016, I was promoted to the role of KAM DRDO.

In August 2018, I took over as the Vice CEO of BEL-Thales Systems Limited.

How do you overcome the challenges in your job?

Shaping solutions out of complexities is one of the key leadership competencies that Thales possesses and guides its employees to work on. I would say this has worked in my favour quite well.

What’s next?

I would continue to give my best in this role in the time to come.

Why should one consider a career with Thales?

Thales is a technological giant with a constant urge of providing innovative solutions to the customer. At the same time, it is a very employee-oriented organization too. It offers a challenging & satisfying work environment and enough opportunities to its employees to learn on the job and grow their careers with Thales.