Neeraj Sharma, a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of exemplary leadership experience, has left an indelible mark on the global technology landscape. With a remarkable track record in steering multinational corporations to unprecedented growth, Neeraj's journey has been defined by strategic acumen, visionary leadership, and a commitment to fostering innovation and diversity.
A Storied Leadership Journey
Neeraj Sharma's illustrious career spans four major multinational corporations – Dell, HP, IBM, and Lenovo – where he held pivotal global leadership roles, including CEO and VP. His impact has been truly global, with a footprint extending across 36 countries in five distinct geographies – India & South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Japan, and Korea. Neeraj's leadership prowess has been instrumental in generating a staggering $5 billion in revenue throughout his career.
His role as the founding CEO of Lenovo stands out as a testament to his transformative leadership. Under Neeraj's guidance, Lenovo's business growth skyrocketed by 4x in just one year. This achievement not only showcased his ability to break through business myths but also solidified Lenovo's position as a major player in the technology industry.
Technology Enabler and Strategic Business Director
Neeraj Sharma's expertise as a technology enabler is evident in his roles at HP, IBM, and Lenovo. With a focus on cloud, data centers, products, and services, he positioned HP as the Best Imaging and Printing Company in India, achieving a 70% market share, margin growth, and cost reduction. His laser-focused approach as a CEO was instrumental in building commercial and SMB businesses, specializing in cloud and commercial products, across Dell, HP, IBM, and Lenovo.
As a strategic business director, Neeraj propelled brands to multi-million-dollar revenues and high market share positions. He led HPE to win the Asia Pacific Leadership Award for Small and Medium Business growth across 36 countries. showcasing his ability to drive success in diverse markets.
A Visionary Futurist and Industry Influencer
Beyond his roles in corporate leadership, Neeraj Sharma is recognized as a futurist, consultant, and coach. An AI enthusiast and an ever-learner, he attended Harvard to further his knowledge, contributing innovative ideas and insights to the industry. His impromptu coaching style, coupled with deep listening and data decluttering, has created not just teams but committed tribes.
His industry influence is widespread, with prime media coverage, speaking engagements at prestigious forums like Canalys-Forum APAC in Macau, and mentions in management books. Neeraj Sharma's impact extends to advisory roles in organizations such as Momspresso, mycity4kids, and Board Member-Advisory at Bottle Lab Tech Pvt Ltd.
Executive Experience: Driving Growth Across Geographies
Neeraj Sharma Dell Technologies Ltd India's roles include General Manager and Senior Director Sales, where he doubled the revenue in North Corporate India. His VP & GM – Channel (SMB) role at HP Enterprise-APAC & Japan saw him achieve steady-state, double-digit growth for eight consecutive quarters since 2013.
As President of the Imaging & Printing Group, India, Neeraj led the transformation in the printing business in 2011 and securing a dominant market share for Laser/Inkjet printers. His tenure as MD & CEO at Lenovo India Private Limited marked a period of rapid brand consolidation, and exceptional customer satisfaction. He propelled business growth in lenovo to 4x revenue in 5 quarters.
During his tenure at IBM, Neeraj Sharma played a pivotal role in elevating the ThinkPad notebook brand to unprecedented heights, making it one of the strongest and most successful IBM brands in India. Through strategic leadership and keen business acumen, Sharma steered the ThinkPad brand to market leadership, achieving outstanding results and earning accolades within the organization. His efforts were further recognized in 2004 when he was honored with the ALT Honor Roll key ring by IBM, a testament to his exceptional contributions in driving success and innovation within the company.
Propelling Growth in Lenovo: A Vision Realized
Neeraj Sharma's impact on Lenovo was pivotal during its takeover of IBM's desktop and notebook businesses. He strategically positioned Lenovo to drive sales and build a robust corporate brand, focusing on the SMB and So-Ho markets. Under his leadership, Lenovo transitioned to be more local and nimble, responding adeptly to regional trends. The company achieved market leadership, with a particular emphasis on non-metro regional markets.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Neeraj Sharma Dell contributions have not gone unnoticed, with 23+ global and national industry accolades to his name. Recognized as one of the top CEOs with HR orientation and featured among the top 20 CEOs in India with a people-centric approach, he has left an enduring impact on the industry.
A tech-savvy leader with sharp business acumen, Neeraj Sharma's achievements have been acknowledged by industry experts. Sue Barsamian, Board Member of various NASDAQ and NYSE-listed organizations, and Chief Sales Officer, SVP Marketing – HPE Software, commends him as a "data-driven leader with great business instincts."
Community Engagement
Beyond his professional achievements, Neeraj Sharma is known for his impromptu coaching style, which involves data decluttering through deep listening. He fosters a committed tribe within organizations and advocates for gender-neutral, merit-based workplaces.
As an ever-learner and AI enthusiast, Neeraj Sharma has extended his influence through sharing innovative ideas and insights. His media coverage includes NDTV Boss' Day Out, and he has been a speaker at prominent forums like Canalys-Forum APAC in Macau.
Neeraj Sharma stands out for his ability to stay focused on tasks while effectively handling multiple responsibilities. His attention to detail is noteworthy, allowing him to delve into intricacies without losing sight of the bigger picture. What sets him apart is his knack for envisioning creative solutions, even in challenging situations. Neeraj's strength lies in balancing a focused approach with a keen eye for detail, coupled with the ability to think innovatively when faced with complex problems.
Enduring Legacy and Future Leadership
Neeraj Sharma Dell legacy extends beyond the boardroom. Recognized for his mentoring abilities, he has fostered enduring industry relationships and advocated for gender-neutral, merit-based workplaces. His unique blend of wit and grit, coupled with a long list of industry accolades, establishes him as a leader who leaves a lasting impact on industry peers.
As we step into the future, Neeraj Sharma remains a forward-thinking futurist, combining technology and leadership to generate billion-dollar gains worldwide. His 'Crystallizing Intelligence' leadership style continues to guide organizations through change, challenges, and risks at all levels.
