Sanjeev Sinha, President – IT & Digitalization, India Power
Across industries in 2025, organizations are prioritizing two core areas—effective data use and cybersecurity. While some trends are universal, others are industry-specific and compliance-driven. The rapid adoption of AI and Generative AI is transforming automation, predictive analytics, customer service, and personalized marketing. Service providers are embedding GenAI into client solutions. Simultaneously, Zero Trust Architecture, cloud-native modernization, 5G, edge computing, and hybrid workplace tech are shaping the modern enterprise.
CIOs & Security-First Culture in Power Sector
In the power sector, CIOs are emerging as strategic leaders, driving initiatives like smart grid modernization, AI-based forecasting, and IoT-enabled monitoring. Leveraging big data, digital twins, and real-time analytics, they enhance power generation, distribution, and maintenance. CIOs also lead energy transition efforts by integrating renewables and smart energy systems, while ensuring cybersecurity through Zero Trust models and compliance with NERC standards.
As IT and OT converge, upskilling teams in AI, IoT, and cloud is essential. For Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) organizations, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Multi-layered defense strategies include onboarding security training, phishing simulations, and executive involvement. Risk Committees oversee cyber readiness, ensuring alignment with CERT-in and national guidelines for robust infrastructure protection.
AI and Zero Trust in Cybersecurity Strategy
Organizations are adopting AI-powered SOCs (Security Operations Centers) to detect, prioritize, and respond to threats across IT and OT environments. Machine learning models now analyze behavior patterns for early threat detection, including insider threats. Automation in patch management and vulnerability scanning reduces exposure risks. Zero Trust Architecture is becoming non-negotiable to protect national infrastructure.
Leadership Evolution: Tech Roles Reimagined
CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, and DPOs are transitioning into strategic, cross-functional roles:
◆ CIO: Digital strategist & transformation leader
◆ CTO: Innovation architect & tech futurist
◆ CISO: Cyber resilience leader & trust enabler
◆ DPO: Strategic advisor for data ethics & governance
While DPO duties may overlap with CIO/CTO/CISO roles in smaller firms, independence is ideal to avoid conflicts of interest—subject to Risk Committee oversight. AI fluency and collaboration across functions are now crucial competitive advantages.
