Harshal Desai

About Harshal Desai

With 21+ years of global IT experience, I have successfully delivered complex IT solutions and led transformative programs spanning ERP rollouts, systems integration, cloud management, and digital transformations. My career has been built on a foundation of managing intricate technology deployments and optimizing business processes across multiple industries, including retail, energy, and telecommunications.Currently, I serve as the Head of IT Demand Management at Puma Energy, an affiliate of the Trafigura Group, where I oversee IT demand across across the globe. In this role, I am responsible for managing the end-to-end demand lifecycle, from understanding business requirements to delivering optimal IT solutions that align with Puma Energy’s strategic goals. I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, prioritizing and driving the execution of critical IT initiatives that enhance business growth, improve operational efficiency, and optimize costs.Prior to my role at Puma, I led a global ERP rollout program at Puma Energy, managing a diverse team of business, IT, and vendor stakeholders across multiple countries. I successfully implemented targeted business benefits across applications in Order to Cash, Finance, and Procurement, driving efficiency and enabling business scalability.I have held senior roles in Capgemini, Accenture, and Wipro, where I consistently exceeded performance expectations, leading teams through challenging business transformations and complex program executions in emerging markets.Throughout my career, I have developed a strong expertise in aligning IT and business strategies, ensuring that technology delivery not only meets but exceeds business expectations. I excel at navigating the intersection of business needs and technology solutions to create compelling value propositions, fostering growth, enhancing process efficiency, and driving cost optimization.I hold a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Electronics & Telecommunications from Mumbai University.Specialties:IT Demand Management & Digital InnovationEnterprise Program Management & Complex Release ManagementIT Delivery in Emerging MarketsStakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Team LeadershipERP Systems Integration & Business Process OptimizationSFDC Functional SpecializationITIL & Process ConsultingSupplier Coordination & Vendor NegotiationPresales & RFP Proposal ResponsesEnterprise Risk & Quality ManagementTraining & Development

Experience

1. Head of IT Demand Management

   Puma Energy

   Aug 2025 — Present · Mumbai, IN

   As a Head of IT Demand Management, I lead the function that bridges business strategy with technology execution. I am responsible for defining and driving the vision, governance, and operating model for demand management across the enterprise. By partnering with senior business and technology leaders, I ensure that IT investments are aligned to strategic priorities, optimized against available capacity, and positioned to deliver measurable business value.I oversee the full demand lifecycle — from intake and evaluation to prioritization, approval, and portfolio alignment. My role is to enable transparency, foster informed decision-making, and create a structured, value-driven approach to how IT resources are allocated. Through governance forums, stakeholder engagement, and performance tracking, I drive accountability and ensure that technology initiatives deliver tangible outcomes.Beyond process oversight, I act as a strategic advisor to executives, influencing the direction of IT-enabled transformation, driving innovation opportunities, and strengthening the relationship between IT and the business. My focus is on building a demand management capability that not only manages requests but also proactively shapes demand in line with long-term business objectives.Key focus areas include:• Establishing demand management as a strategic capability. • Partnering with executives to translate business vision into IT initiatives.• Driving governance and portfolio decision-making.• Ensuring demand aligns with enterprise architecture and IT roadmaps.• Enabling transparency through metrics, dashboards, and communication.• Maximizing business value realization from IT investments.

Education

• Mumbai University

  B.E., Electronics and Telecommunications

  2000 — 2004