Hardik is working for Cisco’s Global Smart + Connected Communities group as Directorof Business Development and strategy. Hardik oversees Cisco’s large, marquee SmartConnected Communities projects for the Americas. Hardik joined Cisco after beingthe Chief Information Officer of the City of Chicago and Commissioner for ChicagoDepartment of Innovation and Technology for close to 5 years.
As the CIO, Hardik had been leading a team of 250+ employees and consultants withan annual budget of over $150 Million. Hardik also lead Mayor Daley’s charge foruniversal and affordable broadband for all Chicagoans through various initiatives,including the Smart Communities program. In last 3 years, Hardik brought over $25Million from Federal, State, Foundation and Private sector sources for Chicago’s SmartCommunities program. On the way, he was instrumental in establishing partnerships withChicagoland Healthcare providers, Utility and energy sector leaders as well as publicsafety, transportation and non-profit leaders.
Prior to joining the public sector, Hardik worked as a consultant with Oracle corporationin the US and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in India.
Hardik has an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management anda Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from M. S. University, Baroda, India.