Kiran Rao
Product + Tech Hybrid Leadership | 25+ Yrs Across AI/ML, SaaS & Platform Engineering, Semiconductors | 0→1 Builder & Org Transformer | Ex-Founder | Scaled GCCs into First-Gen Product Hubs
- Role
- VP Product & Engineering at Rakuten India
- Location
- Bengaluru, KA, IN
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Kiran Rao
I help organisations discover new paths to success on their transformation journeys. A…
Experience
VP Product & Engineering
Aug 2022 — Present · Bengaluru, IN
Architect of Dual Product Transformation: AI/ML-led Observability Platform & Telecom OSS to SaaS Shift.Strategic Overview:Drove large-scale transformation across Rakuten’s SixthSense (Observability & AIOps) and Symbuild (Telecom OSS) product lines—turning engineering-heavy execution units into outcome-led, product-first organizations. Unified global teams across product, design, engineering, and GTM, embedding customer-centricity and cross-functional alignment into every layer of execution.Key Highlights:• Defined long-range product vision and roadmap across observability, AI, and telecom domains• Embedded intelligence into platforms through anomaly detection, predictive diagnostics, root cause automation, and self-healing capabilities• Unified global product, design, engineering, and GTM teams under a single operating model• Led platform evolution from service delivery to SaaS with strong product-market alignment• Built and scaled product management function from the ground up, establishing rituals, roles, and growth pathways• Partnered closely with Sales, Marketing, and CXOs to sharpen positioning and drive strategic adoption• Positioned Rakuten’s GCC as a global product innovation hub with full lifecycle ownership
Education
University of Mysore
B.E., Electronics and Communication
1993 — 1997
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
M.Tech, VLSI Design Tools & Technology
1998 — 2000
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