In 2019, when Sandeep Seeripat joined Twinings Ovaltine, IT was largely seen as a support function. The company operated seven separate ERP systems, and technology was not viewed as a driver of growth. During the interview process, Sandeep asked a simple question: did the business want change or business as usual? The answer was change.

Today, Sandeep serves as Global Chief Business Transformation & Technology Officer, reporting to the CEO and leading transformation, technology, AI, cyber and digital strategy across nine business units serving more than 100 countries. Under his leadership, the Optimus programme transformed the company’s technology landscape, consolidating seven ERP systems onto SAP S/4HANA and earning the Business Network Innovator Award at the 2025 SAP UKI Customer Success Awards.

A recognised voice in business transformation, Sandeep has shared insights at UKISUG Connect 2025 and SAP NOW AI UKI. His message is clear: transformation is ultimately about people, not technology. That philosophy is captured in his upcoming book, The Transformation Trap.

And when he is not leading global transformation programmes, you are just as likely to find him waiting patiently behind a camera in the South African bush — sometimes for four hours — to capture a single wildlife photograph.