Global Delivery Executive | Leading Transformation and Operational Excellence
Meet Shailesh K Sharma from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a visionary leader and strategic powerhouse known for transforming ambitious ideas into measurable success. With a proven track record across Tourism, Technology, and Financial Services, he excels in driving commercial growth, operational excellence, and global project delivery.
Early Foundations and Education
Shailesh K Sharma’s journey began at the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, where he earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics & Power. This foundational education not only equipped him with a strong technical background but also sparked a curiosity about integrating technology with strategic business needs. This passion laid the groundwork for a career defined by visionary growth and global impact.
First Steps in the Professional World
Shailesh kicked off his career as a Senior Program Manager at eFunds Corporation from 1998 to 2005. This pivotal role allowed him to gain invaluable experience in program management and refine his skills in developing efficient project solutions. Prior to this, he served as a GIS Technologist for the Qatar Ministry of Electricity and Water, where he first grasped how technology could address real-world challenges.
United Online Communications: Laying Strategic Foundations
In 2005, Shailesh joined United Online Communications as a Principal Program Manager. Here, he played a crucial role in supporting the company’s rapid growth, helping enhance operational efficiency and reducing technology spend by $5 million through effective process retooling. Collaborating closely with teams across Marketing and Product, he aligned go-to-market strategies for maximum impact.
Reflecting on this period, Shailesh notes, “The key to operational success is constant recalibration — never being afraid to evolve, improve, and innovate.” His knack for identifying operational savings set the tone for transformative projects that followed.
Morgan Stanley: Scaling Leadership and Strategy
In 2010, Shailesh transitioned to Morgan Stanley as Vice President for IT Program, PMO, Product, and Business Management. Over six years, he spearheaded delivery of a $10 million data strategy program, leveraging machine learning and predictive analytics to enhance efficiency and generate significant cost savings. His leadership also drove the creation of the Shared Services Project Management Office, reducing project delays by 10% and improving operational alignment.
“Leadership is about more than just guiding a team — it’s about pioneering a shared vision and mobilizing others toward that vision,” Shailesh emphasizes. Managing over 350 project staff, he successfully navigated complex systems to deliver large-scale initiatives. This tenure also marked his early involvement in emerging technologies during the firm’s integration with Smith Barney, setting the foundation for future innovation-driven projects.
GlobeOne: Pioneering Fintech Innovations
Shailesh’s experience at Morgan Stanley set the stage for his next role at GlobeOne, a fintech startup specializing in mobile banking solutions. As the Global Head of Implementations, he led the expansion of teams across Vietnam, Mexico, Colombia, and Canada. His strategic oversight was vital for launching mobile banking solutions while ensuring compliance with multiple regulatory environments.
“True innovation is about understanding the needs of people and creating products that not only fulfill those needs but exceed expectations,” Shailesh believes. This principle guided his efforts, ensuring that fintech solutions were scalable, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated into local markets.
Xerox: Elevating Program and Risk Management
In 2017, Shailesh accepted the role of Vice President of EPMO and Risk Management at Xerox Holdings Corporation, overseeing a substantial budget of $160 million. He directed the Project Management Office, deftly managing IT risk across the organization. He established an IT Risk Management function that integrated with Enterprise Risk Management policies.
“Risk management isn’t about eliminating risk; it’s about understanding it, mitigating it, and harnessing it as a driving force for growth,” Shailesh explains. His focus on data analytics led to the creation of incisive KPIs that significantly improved organizational decision-making.
Royal Commission for AlUla: Shaping Tourism Under Vision 2030
Shailesh’s impactful tenure with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) spanned from 2019 until June 27, 2023, where he initially served as EPMO Director and later as the Director for Tourism Sector Planning. During his tenure, Shailesh managed budgets exceeding $4 billion and oversight of over 150 staff. His achievements include delivery against an acclaimed City Master Plan comprising projects valued at over $4 billion. He implemented a governance framework that improved project execution speed by 20%.
“Vision is just the beginning; it’s the ability to take bold steps with strategic precision that turns a vision into reality,” he reflects on his role in the Vision 2030 initiative. His leadership has optimized investment and operational efficiency while promoting local entrepreneurship through subsidies and private investments.
Current Role: Leading a Confidential Hospitality Project
In his current role, Shailesh is leading the orchestration of enterprise delivery of one of the confidential PIF projects in Saudi Arabia.
Global Expertise and Strategic Influence
Shailesh’s career has spanned multiple countries, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and India, giving him the ability to navigate various market challenges with cultural sensitivity. He holds advisory positions and has been part of multiple steering committees within RCU since 2019, further solidifying his influence in the field.
Shailesh’s Vision Moving Forward
As Shailesh K Sharma continues to champion initiatives under the Royal Commission for AlUla, his commitment to leveraging best practices in tourism, commercial operations, and sustainability remains unwavering. He is not just an executive; he is an architect of visionary growth, confidently translating vision into measurable, sustainable impact.
Endorsements: Voices of Praise for Shailesh K Sharma
Danielle W., M.S., PMP
Principal Program Manager @ SAP
“Shailesh was a very dedicated and driven employee, known for his sophisticated estimating models. A forward thinker and great leader, he is highly respected by peers. I highly recommend Shailesh.”
Jim Hart Silver Compass Coaching
“In a word, EXCELLENT! Shailesh kept project goals aligned with business objectives while bringing humor and inspiration to the team. I would hire him for any project without hesitation.”
The Nectar of Wisdom from Shailesh K Sharma’s Journey
- Embrace Change: Adapting to new challenges is crucial for personal and professional growth; evolution is key to success.
- Empower Teams: True leadership lies in inspiring and mobilizing others toward a shared vision, fostering a culture of collaboration.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Leveraging analytics enables informed decision-making, turning potential risks into opportunities for growth.
- Sustainable Development: Prioritizing sustainable practices not only enhances brand value but also contributes to long-term community well-being.
- Continuous Improvement: Never stop refining processes and strategies; innovation is a journey, not a destination.
Editorial Note
Shailesh K Sharma’s journey embodies the essence of visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. His ability to blend strategic foresight with operational efficiency not only drives impactful change but also inspires future generations of leaders. As he continues to translate vision into sustainable success, his story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and innovation in shaping a better tomorrow.
