Leading Software Development & Product Modernization
IT Domain Leader / AVP

Innovative, results-driven Software Engineering Leader & Product Innovator with extensive experience driving the development, deployment, and modernization of business-critical platforms and software solutions for global organizations.

  • Enterprise Cloud Modernization & Cost Reduction: Migrated ETS systems to AWS, cutting costs by 25% and boosting performance for 230K+ users.
  • AI & Automation for Efficiency: Secured AI funding, automated test content, and cut project costs by ~20% with RPA.
  • Revenue Growth Through Digital Strategy: Led Praxis transition to Salesforce, adding e-commerce and increasing revenue by 20% in six months.
  • Large-Scale Program Leadership: Managed $60M+ budgets, led 250+ professionals, and cut infrastructure costs by 40%.
Contact Ketan
30%+
Efficiency Gains
  • 30%+ Efficiency Gains
  • $100M Generated Annual Revenue
  • $40M Project Budgets
  • 94% Staff Retention
  • 12% Staff Promotions

Industries​

  • Education Technology
  • Steel Plant Automation
  • Dairy Plant Automation
  • Drivers for MedTech devices

About Ketan

  • Executive
  • Product Engineering
  • Cloud Transformation
  • AI & EdTech Innovation

Core Skills

  • Cloud Computing
  • AI and Automation
  • Product Engineering
  • DevOps
  • Educational Technology
  • Project Leadership

Case Studies

Tech Strategy Aligned with Organizational Goals

Situation

At my current role at ETS, we were facing challenges with system scalability and cost-efficiency, which were critical for our large-scale assessment platforms.

Task

My task was to develop a strategy to modernize the IT infrastructure and migrate critical systems to the cloud to ensure scalability, reduce costs, and improve performance.

Action

I led the vision and execution of migrating our critical systems (e.g., test registration and assessment platforms) to AWS, collaborating with cross-functional teams to align on priorities, timelines, and deliverables. This required managing vendor relationships, handling security considerations, and ensuring minimal disruption during the migration.

Results

The migration reduced infrastructure costs by 25% and improved system performance, supporting over 230,000 daily users. This strategic initiative also set the stage for a revenue increase by 20%, driving business growth.

Leading Teams for High-Quality App Delivery.

Situation

While overseeing cloud migration and modernization at ETS, ensuring high-quality application delivery was crucial, especially when we had to launch new platforms to support K-12 assessments.

Task

I needed to oversee and guarantee the quality of several high-stakes assessment systems while working with development, QA, and operations teams across multiple regions.

Action

I implemented a rigorous quality assurance process, incorporating automated testing, CI/CD frameworks, and performance monitoring tools. I also worked closely with the QA teams to establish testing protocols for functional, integration, and regression testing, ensuring the applications met both business and regulatory standards.

Results

This initiative reduced defects by 15% in the initial release cycle and resulted in a successful deployment with minimal user disruption. Furthermore, it fostered a culture of continuous improvement across teams, increasing collaboration and reducing testing turnaround time by 20%.

Automated Workflows to Boost Business Efficiency

Situation

During my time at ETS, we faced inefficiencies in data ingestion and quality control processes that were impacting project timelines and cost.

Task

My objective was to lead the implementation of RPA to automate these processes and reduce manual effort.

Action

I initiated an RPA strategy, evaluating and selecting the right tools (UiPath) for the job. I collaborated with business and IT teams to identify key automation opportunities, then oversaw the RPA development and deployment across the relevant functions.

Results

The RPA solution reduced project costs by 20% and improved process accuracy, allowing teams to focus on higher-value work. The initiative was recognized as a major contributor to improving operational efficiency within the organization.

Risk Management & Compliance Assurance.

Situation

In my role at ETS, ensuring compliance with educational standards and regulations was critical, especially when migrating critical testing systems to the cloud.

Task

I was responsible for mitigating risks related to data security and regulatory compliance while overseeing the migration.

Action

I collaborated with legal, security, and compliance teams to develop a comprehensive risk management plan. We performed detailed security assessments and ensured that all systems complied with federal and state regulations, including FERPA and accessibility standards.

Results

The migration was completed successfully without any compliance or security incidents. We maintained full regulatory compliance, which helped us secure a $100M+/year state contract. (5 year contract, total revenue $500M+)

Ketan is an outstanding partner and problem solver, bringing a unique ability to bridge the gap between technology, assessment design, and operational execution.

“With deep knowledge of ever-changing technology and a solution-driven mindset, in addition to a keen understanding of client needs and business acumen, Ketan consistently creates and implements solutions that are both customer and technology driven.”

-Ann Johnston

“Ketan is an outstanding partner and problem solver, bringing a unique ability to bridge the gap between technology, assessment design, and operational execution. His collaborative approach fosters strong relationships across cross-functional teams, ensuring that complex initiatives move forward smoothly while balancing the needs of educators, policymakers, and students.”

-Mary Anne Arcilla

“Ketan's strategic vision and execution led to significant improvements in our systems, including a successful migration to AWS that reduced operational costs and enhanced performance. His innovative approach to implementing AI-driven solutions and RPA workflows brought about remarkable efficiencies and cost savings.”

-Daniel Wakeman

“Ketan is highly detail-oriented, with a keen ability to manage resources and finances effectively, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Beyond his technical and operational expertise, he excels in building strong relationships with business partners, fostering collaboration, and driving strategic initiatives forward.”

-Peter Chan

Beyond The Office

See What Colleagues Say About Ketan

Contact

(609) 462-1208

ketanthakkeris@gmail.com

/ketanthakker10/

Let's grab a coffee and chat.