Exhibit: What are the key responsibilities that come with your role as Vice President and Managing Director? Also, tell us about your journey with Dell Technologies India.
Raj Kumar Rishi: Our mission at Dell Technologies is to use technology to drive human progress, and my primary responsibility is to ensure that we consistently deliver on this mission by keeping customers at the centre of every product decision we make. Furthermore, as the VP and MD for the Consumer and Small Business segment, my job is to drive growth in India, which remains a top priority market for the company. It has been an incredible journey for me with this great company. I am a big fan of Dell’s openness, trust and empowerment culture.
Ex: Dell Technologies is a global technology leader. What specific strategies have you implemented to drive growth and innovation in the Indian market? Can you share some examples of how Dell Technologies India has successfully delivered value to its customers?
Raj: At Dell Technologies, we are relentless in our pursuit of providing the best-in-class customer experience. We truly believe that customers are the ones who drive us to bring innovations to our product lines every year. This approach has enabled us to make meaningful product decisions, such as improvements in thermal infrastructure in our gaming portfolio, a variety of form factors in the Inspiron and XPS series, the addition of an 18-inch form factor in the Alienware line-up after 2015 and providing budget-friendly gaming laptops without sacrificing performance under the G-series. Furthermore, we have taken a strong omnichannel approach with our extensive network of 632 Dell Exclusive Stores (DES), 3 Large Format Retail outlets (LFR), and over 5000 Multi-Brand Outlets (MBO) across 400 cities in India. To facilitate easy access and convenience, we have enhanced our store locator experience and lead management system, and we are constantly ensuring that there is a regular cycle for refurbishing these stores to increase the engagement rate. However, we recognize that we are living in an era in which the line between online and offline has blurred. As a result, our products are also available online at dell.com and other e-tail partners. This customer-first approach, combined with exceptional customer service and engagement with partners, has helped Dell Technologies become the most trusted brand in India for the fourth consecutive year, according to TRA.
Ex: How do you see the technology landscape evolving in India, and what opportunities and challenges do you anticipate in the coming years?
Raj: The country’s appetite for technology and the rate at which the technology industry is growing presents a significant opportunity for us to strengthen our offerings further. In the context of PCs, consumers in India are becoming more aware of what they require. A gamer, for example, is aware that improved thermals and performance will lead to marathon gaming sessions, a student is aware that a larger display and camera will make online classes more fun and engaging, and a creator is aware that 2-in-1 form factors, better connectivity, and immersive displays will lead to higher productivity while on-the-go. All of this is made possible by continuous innovation supported by integrating emerging technologies. With the convergence of traditional hardware, new technologies and architectures, such as AI and 5G, PCs can now deliver a brilliant, customized, and tether-free PC experience—and as we continue to embrace the digital-first world, we’re excited about how these technologies will shape the future of the PC industry.
Ex: The Indian gaming market is expected to grow from $2.8 billion in 2022 to $5 billion in 2025, growing at a 28-30% CAGR. What are some of the trends contributing to the gaming industry’s growth? How is Dell Technologies betting on the sector?
Raj: The Indian gaming market constantly evolves through innovation, investment, and overall efforts. The industry is thriving, with an expanding pool of gamers who want to consider gaming as a serious career option rather than just for leisure or entertainment. What we’re also seeing is that the industry is growing holistically. Thousands of software engineers, content creators, data analysts, game designers, social media specialists, venue operators, accountants, lawyers, and others are needed to make gaming more fun and realistic. This has increased the role of technology in gaming devices, and as a result, there is an influx of devices in the market every year that offers incredible power and performance. Given these shifting dynamics, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of all types of gamers. For example, for consumers new to PC gaming or moving from mobile to PC, the Dell G Series portfolio is a great place to start. On the other hand, Alienware has been designing premium, high-performance desktops and laptops for professional gamers. We have launched a robust product line-up across both these portfolios this year. In addition, our first gaming store in India demonstrates our ongoing commitment to engaging with Indian gamers. It’s more than just a store; it’s a hub for gamers and enthusiasts to meet, interact, and play their favourite titles on Dell’s latest devices while also exploring the various accessories and peripherals on offer. In terms of design, we’ve incorporated creative elements and cutting-edge technologies to keep players engaged and provide a comprehensive experience. The “Battle Zone,” which is essentially a section for gamers to face off against their opponents and try out the entire available ecosystem of devices, is the store’s main attraction.
Ex: Dell Technologies is known for its commitment to sustainability. Could you share some initiatives Dell Technologies India undertook to promote environmental responsibility and sustainable practices?
Raj: At Dell Technologies, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We’re inspired by the opportunity to improve things for our future generations. As per our 2030 ESG goal of advancing sustainability, for every product sold, we will reuse or recycle an equivalent product, 100% of our packaging and over 50% of our product portfolio will be made from recycled or renewable materials. In fact, our new Inspiron laptops are shipped in packaging that is made from 100% recycled and renewable materials and is 100% recyclable. Select Inspiron notebooks also use seamless logo technology in the lid, which helps reduce waste in the manufacturing process.
Ex: What advice would you give aspiring professionals wanting to build a successful career in the technology industry?
Raj: In today’s rapidly changing world, we are presented with a plethora of career options that were once viewed differently. Gaming has seen a significant shift in perception, with people today being dynamic, social, and successful, and proud to identify as gamers. Careers in video editing have also grown in popularity. As a result, today’s youth must take advantage of the various opportunities available. In an ever-changing job market, they must embrace technology and constantly upskill themselves.
Ex: Lastly, could you share any recent milestones, achievements, or upcoming projects that Dell Technologies India is excited about and that our readers should look forward to?
Raj: Being named India’s most trusted brand for the fourth time in a row by TRA is a significant milestone in our journey because it truly embodies our customer-first approach. Additionally, opening our first gaming store in India this year is a watershed moment as it allows us to foster innovation, interaction, and community building. We have also launched a number of marquee devices across product lines to meet the diverse needs of our customers. To summarize, it’s been an eventful year so far, and we will continue to leverage our technology expertise and listen to our customers to deliver meaningful products.