Mr. Santosh T. Kawari
Mr. Santosh T. Kawari is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Alliance University, providing strategic leadership for the University’s technology vision, digital transformation, IT infrastructure, information systems, and emerging technology initiatives.
With over 30 years of experience, he brings extensive expertise spanning telecommunications, embedded systems, software development, IT infrastructure and operations, network management, information security, IT audit, and technology-led business operations. His career combines deep technical expertise with enterprise technology leadership and entrepreneurial experience.
Prior to joining Alliance University, Mr. Santosh worked with organizations including KAVVERI Telecom, SLN Technologies, and IBM, across telecommunications, embedded systems, software technologies, and IT infrastructure management & operations. Earlier in his career, he led teams involved in the design and development of VSAT Antenna Control Systems and embedded system projects for ECIL, DRDL, and ISTRAC. He also co-founded a technology startup focused on software applications for the education and healthcare sectors and BPO operations, where he served as Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
At Alliance University, Mr. Santosh leads initiatives aimed at strengthening the institution’s digital capabilities and building a secure, scalable, and future-ready technology ecosystem. He spearheaded the design and implementation of the University’s enterprise-wide IT infrastructure and conceptualized and led the development and implementation of an in-house, web-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system covering teaching and non-teaching functions, complemented by a cloud-hosted, open-source Learning Management System.
His current focus includes technology strategy, modernization of IT infrastructure and digital platforms, and harnessing emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), to enhance institutional capabilities and support the University’s evolving academic and administrative requirements.
In addition to his role as CIO, he has contributed to key institutional leadership and advisory responsibilities at Alliance University, including serving as Advisor to the Office of the Registrar.
Mr. Santosh holds a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from B.V.B. College of Engineering & Technology (now KLE Technological University) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management in Information Systems.
Through his combination of technology leadership, industry experience, entrepreneurial perspective, and institutional knowledge, Santosh continues to advance Alliance University’s journey toward a digitally enabled, agile, secure, and future-ready academic ecosystem.
