Stantec names Shankar Kalyana chief technology officer
Stantec, a global design and engineering consultancy, has hired Shankar Kalyana, a former IBM fellow, as its first chief technology officer.
Based in Austin, Kalyana will report to John Take, chief growth and innovation officer, and will oversee the firm’s ongoing digital evolution. He will lead digital and technology teams that include more than 200 people globally and will support the ideation and commercialization of digital products and services, as well as tools for internal use.
Kalyana will also “collaborate” with Stantec’s digital practice group across all business lines, global operations, and innovation office, the firm said in a press release. Stantec’s digital practice areas include data analytics, design/delivery and automation, geospatial analytics, project and program information management systems, visualization, and digital development.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shankar Kalyana as Stantec’s chief technology officer,” Take said. “Shankar joins us at a pivotal time, with our next Strategic Plan, Stantec is positioning for growth, success and continued Global impact. He will play an integral role in our ongoing digital evolution, while driving delivery effectiveness.”
Kalyana has nearly 40 years of experience in technology consulting, with deep expertise in large-scale digital transformations powered by cloud, data, AI, and automation.
He previously spent 23 years at IBM, where he was a fellow and vice president. Before that, Kalyana was a consultant at several firms, including Deloitte.
He has a master’s degree in information science from Penn State University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Madura College, India.
“It is a unique privilege to leverage my experience and expertise in digital transformation at scale and apply it to a domain of great importance to humankind using technology in all its positive and constructive intent,” Kalyana said. “I am excited to join Stantec when climate change and sustainability have become center stage themes, and leading our influence in enhancing the quality of life for communities everywhere.”
Stantec is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada and has more than 26,000 people globally. The firm provides design and engineering services across buildings, environment, transportation, water, energy, mining and metals, community development, and the federal sector.
