Rainbow Chicken’s head of IT Ugan Reddy is confidently “counting his chickens before they hatch” as he gears up to implement his digital vision at the poultry producer. With his extensive experience in the industry, he is also committed to developing the next generation of IT leaders.
Solid parenting, and a relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth, have all played a pivotal role in shaping the leader Ugan Reddy is today. The newly appointed head of technology at Rainbow Chicken described his mother as compassionate and forgiving, qualities that balanced his drive and ambition.
“She also nurtured my determination to improve myself constantly,” he added.
Ugan’s father always did his best to provide for his children, despite limited financial resources. “His strong moral and ethical values deeply shaped my character and leadership style. From him, I learnt the importance of integrity and doing what’s right, even in difficult circumstances,” he noted.
The idea to pursue a career in IT germinated very early on in Ugan’s life, at the age of 11 to be precise, and all it took was an entry-level PC.
“It all started in 1990 when my older brother bought our first desktop PC, which had an Intel Pentium processor and 4MB of RAM – something that seems laughable by today’s standards,” he reflected. “From that moment, I was obsessed and that early exposure sparked my fascination with technology, and I knew then that IT was the field I would grow up to work in.”
From consulting to implementing
A few years later, he completed his BCom in computer systems networking and telecommunications. He started his journey as a technologist with PwC, working as an IT consultant. And, it is often said that any techie worth their salt, most likely cut their teeth in consulting.
His consulting background in selling solutions, combined with years of experience as an IT executive overseeing project implementation, has proven invaluable. This wealth of knowledge has refined and sharpened his expertise in the IT field over the years.
“My expertise lies in leading large-scale projects focused on cloud transitions, virtualisation, and advanced infrastructure solutions,” he explained. Ugan added that he is committed to driving the adoption and integration of innovative technologies alongside governance, risk, and control policies that enhance competitive advantage, boost revenue, cut costs, and unlock value.
“As a leader of major IT transformations and change management, I excel at guiding organisations through significant transitions. My leadership is defined not only by delivering results but also by building high-performing teams, fostering a culture of motivation, mentorship, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives,” he said.
Whether working in diversified investment firms or the poultry industry, Ugan’s favourite part of his job is the people. The opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives is what he finds most rewarding.
“I enjoy the challenges that arise from a business standpoint and the need to coordinate efforts across teams to achieve common goals. The problem-solving and collaboration required to drive success are what truly energise and motivate me.”
A new adventure
Ugan recently joined Rainbow Chicken, venturing into new territory. However, he has ambitious plans for one of South Africa's largest food producers.
“I decided to join Rainbow Chicken because it presented an exciting opportunity to leverage my IT experience in a new industry,” he explained. “The poultry sector is undergoing significant change, and I’m eager to contribute to its digital transformation.”
What excites him the most is the opportunity to apply advanced technology solutions to streamline operations, enhance supply chain efficiency, and drive innovation within a traditional industry. “It's a unique challenge that I’m looking forward to tackling!”
While entering a new industry can be daunting, Ugan sees it as an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives to the table.
“One of my main concerns is ensuring a seamless transition, as industries like poultry come with their own complexities and specific needs,” he noted. “However, I’m confident that my background in IT strategy and governance will allow me to navigate these challenges effectively.”
Ugan’s eyes light up when he talks about “my digital transformation”, that’s because he has ambitious plans for Rainbow Chicken in that regard.
“My plans involve modernising IT infrastructure, embracing automation, and implementing data-driven solutions to improve productivity,” he explained.
Ultimately, his vision is to position Rainbow Chicken as a technology-driven leader in the poultry industry.
“IT plays a crucial role here – whether it's through optimising the supply chain, improving biosecurity measures, or using data analytics to drive better decision-making. My goal is to integrate technology that enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and creates a competitive advantage for the business,” he added.
Taking projects across the finishing line
Then there’s every techie's favourite part – working with technology. “A recent and exciting project was formulating the overall group IT strategy,” he explained. “This involves collaborating closely with various teams and business units to develop a comprehensive plan that aligns with our business objectives. It's a dynamic process of strategising, planning, and preparing for successful execution across the organisation.”
However, the path to success isn’t without its challenges. Luckily, hardships are nothing new for Ugan. His upbringing taught him resilience and that’s the approach he took to tackle the setbacks in his career.
“The biggest hurdle in my career has been navigating the complexities of aligning IT initiatives with rapidly evolving business demands while ensuring the main element: people buy-in,” he reflected. “Overcoming this challenge required a balance of technical expertise, clear communication, and strong leadership. I focused on building relationships, fostering collaboration, and maintaining a clear vision for how IT could drive business growth.”
Ugan added that by staying adaptable and continuously improving his skills, he was able to overcome these challenges and ultimately achieve success.
Paying it forward
To be a truly holistic leader, one must cultivate interests beyond technology. For Ugan, his passion for people extends beyond the workplace, seamlessly aligning with his pursuits – empowering the youth and giving back to the community.
“I am involved in initiatives that focus on mentoring young professionals, helping them develop skills and guiding their career paths,” he said. “I also participate in charity work and speak at events, sharing insights on leadership, technology, and personal growth to inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Ugan remains deeply connected to his love for technology. He has a keen interest in exploring the latest gadgets and occasionally indulges in DIY tech projects, challenging himself with hands-on innovations. In between that, Ugan also makes time for some fresh air in the great outdoors. “It helps me stay balanced and refreshed,” he said.
This interview was originally published in the second issue of CIO South Africa magazine, 2024. Click here to discover the qualities Ugan values most when identifying future IT talent.
