Sid Verma | Digital Thread Podcast | Momenta

Digital Industrial Transformation

Unlocking the Secrets of a Digital Visionary: Sid Verma's Journey in Building High-Growth Digital Businesses Across Industries

Welcome to an exhilarating new episode of the Digital Thread podcast! In this edition, our esteemed host, Ken Forster, engages in an insightful conversation with Sid Verma, a highly experienced Digital Industrial Transformation Advisor.

Sid is known for his expertise in building profitable, high-growth digital product and services businesses across diverse industries, including industrial, aerospace, and automotive sectors. With an impressive background, he most recently served as the CTO and President of Digital & Innovation at Astec Industries, a prominent industrial leader boasting over 4,500 employees. Prior to that, Sid held the position of Chief Product Officer - Industrial Advisory at Hitachi Vantara and served as VP and Global Head - IoT for Industrial/Energy at Siemens Advanta. Notably, he spent seven years at Deloitte Digital, where he served as the Practice Lead for Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things.

Sid's academic achievements include an MBA from Rotman and an M. Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ottawa. We are thrilled to have him join us on this captivating episode, sharing his knowledge and experiences.

Tune in for an enriching discussion that delves into the world of digital transformation and industrial advancements. Let's explore how Sid Verma's insights and expertise can pave the way for transformative changes in various industries.

 Discussion Points:

• What would you consider your digital thread (the one or more thematic threads that define your digital industry journey?
• You have an impressive decade-long track record of successfully leading digital industrial transformation practices for Deloitte Digital, creating a $55 million topline practice, and at Siemens Advanta, building and running their US and European vertical market in IoT Industrial and Energy. Could you share some of your more memorable engagements?
• How have you seen Digital Industrial Transformations change over that time?
• Our executive search team placed you at Hitachi Vantara in 2020 as Chief Product Officer, Industrial Advisory, and Lumada IIoT & Insights. This was a cross-over role with a foot in advisory and product leadership. What was your remit there, and what are you most proud of?
• Most recently, you served as CTO and President – Digital & Innovation for Aztec, a leading global manufacturer of specialized equipment for asphalt road building, aggregate processing, and concrete production. In fact, your tenure there had you ringing the bell on NASDAQ. What was your focus, and what were some of your key accomplishments?
• After almost 15 years of digital industrial transformation, you must have a keen sense of success factors. What do you see as the key predictors of success for an organization starting such a transformation journey?
• In our recent conversations, you mentioned your passion for reshoring Industrial AI. Can you elaborate on this?
• Industrial Automation is at an important crossroads, given reshoring, the energy transition, and labor challenges. What are the key trends you are observing regarding the future of the industry?
• So, what’s next for you?
• In closing, where do you find your personal inspiration? (e.g., book recommendations, articles, podcasts, people, etc.)