In this conversation, Mr. Anil Sethi shares his vision of transforming Iris from a traditional distributor into a global solution-driven technology powerhouse. He highlights the company’s focus on AI-led supply chains, datacenter and cloud expansion, and strengthening partner ecosystems to drive scalable global growth.
IT Voice– Congratulations on your recent appointment as CEO of Iris Global Services. What excited you most about taking on this new responsibility?
Anil Sethi- Thank you. What truly excited me was the strong foundation Iris Global has built over the years—its credibility in the channel ecosystem, trusted OEM relationships, and a highly capable team. Taking on the CEO role at this stage presents a unique opportunity to scale the organization further and strategically position Iris for its next phase of growth. We are focused on deepening our footprint both in India and across global markets, particularly as we pivot toward high-growth verticals like Artificial Intelligence, Datacenter Solutions, and Cybersecurity.
IT Voice– Looking back at your professional journey, which prior experiences prepared you for leading Iris Global at this stage?
Anil Sethi- Success in this industry is built on the strength of the ecosystem. My prior leadership roles at Microsoft, IBM, TCS, and Dell Technologies have allowed me to sit on every side of the table—as a partner, a vendor, and a service provider.This ‘multi-lens’ perspective is what I bring to Iris Global. It allows us to anticipate channel dynamics before they shift and to align our internal operations with the high-level expectations of our global OEMs. For me, it’s about applying years of boots-on-the-ground experience to lead Iris with both empathy for our partners and a clear-eyed focus on scale.
IT Voice– In your initial days as CEO, what key strengths and opportunities have you identified at Iris Global?
Anil Sethi- At its core, Iris Global is powered by an unmatched logistical backbone and a culture of operational precision. However, the next phase of our journey is defined by agility and intelligence. The greatest opportunity we’ve identified is the integration of AI-driven insights into our supply chain and the transition toward a ‘Solution-as-a-Service’ model. By entering untapped markets with a digital-first mindset, we are transforming Iris from a traditional distributor into a modern technology catalyst
IT Voice– How has your leadership approach evolved as you step into the CEO role?
Anil Sethi- The immediate priority is to solidify our position as a full-spectrum solution provider. We are moving beyond traditional distribution by placing a heavy emphasis on our Data Center and Cloud portfolios. This shift is being supported by a renewed commitment to partner success—improving our digital touchpoints and operational flow to make it easier for our partners to scale with us. We are currently architecting the foundational roadmap that will allow us to expand our footprint without compromising the quality of our service.
IT Voice– What are your immediate priorities for Iris Global in the near term?
Anil Sethi- In the short term, my priorities are focused on strengthening partner engagement, improving operational efficiencies through technology, and sharpening our portfolio focus. We are committed to reinforcing the trust our partners place in us while streamlining our internal processes to be more agile. At the same time, I am focused on building a robust roadmap that supports long-term scalability, with Datacenter Solutions, Cybersecurity, and Cloud serving as our primary growth engines
IT Voice– What is your long-term vision for transforming Iris Global into a truly global brand?
Anil Sethi- I see Iris Global as a future-ready brand that defines how technology reaches the world. We are shifting the narrative from logistics to solution architecture. Our long-term goal is to be recognized globally as a powerhouse that empowers businesses with secure, scalable, and intelligent environments—making Iris a name that stands for reliability and transformative value on every continent.
IT Voice– How does your past experience help you navigate the complexities of global expansion?
Anil Sethi- Successful global expansion isn’t just about presence; it’s about precision. My experience has taught me that while markets differ, the demand for reliability is universal. I approach international growth by balancing a “global-standard” strategy with a “local-first” execution. By prioritizing strategic alliances and local expertise, we can navigate regulatory and cultural nuances with agility. This pragmatic, phased approach ensures that as Iris scales, we maintain the same high level of service and credibility that defines us in India.
IT Voice– Which global markets are currently on your radar, and how do you evaluate them?
Anil Sethi- We are evaluating markets where Indian IT products and global OEM solutions have strong demand and where channel-led models work effectively. Factors such as ease of doing business, partner maturity, and long-term growth potential play a key role in our assessment.
IT Voice– How will Iris Global differentiate itself from established global distributors?
Anil Sethi- We are shifting the narrative from logistics to intelligence. Established distributors are often hindered by legacy processes; Iris is built for agility. Our edge comes from a consultative mindset that prioritizes how a solution solves a business problem, rather than just how fast it can be shipped. We are positioning ourselves as the more nimble, reliable alternative for partners who need high-performance results without the bureaucratic friction.
IT Voice– How important is digital transformation in enabling Iris’ global ambitions?
Anil Sethi- Digital transformation is foundational. From supply chain visibility and partner engagement platforms to data-driven decision-making, technology will enable Iris to operate efficiently and seamlessly across geographies.
IT Voice– As you scale globally, how will you preserve Iris’ culture and values?
Anil Sethi- Culture is non-negotiable. As we grow, we will invest in leadership development, transparent communication, and strong governance to ensure our core values remain intact across regions.
IT Voice– What challenges do you foresee in this transition phase, and how are you addressing them?
Anil Sethi- The biggest challenge is always managing change while maintaining stability. You can’t just pivot overnight; you have to bring everyone—your team, your OEMs, and your partners—along with you. My focus is on clear communication and phased execution. By ensuring stakeholder alignment at every step, we can manage a smooth transition without losing our momentum. Ultimately, my priority is ensuring that this strategic shift translates into consistent, sustainable year-on-year growth.
IT Voice– Finally, where do you see Iris Global Services over the next 3–5 years?
Anil Sethi- Over the next 3–5 years, I see Iris Global evolving into a future-ready distribution leader that sets the benchmark for reliability and innovation. Our focus on AI, Datacenter Solutions, and Cybersecurity isn’t just a strategic choice; it’s a commitment to staying ahead of the technology curve while strengthening our partner ecosystem. We believe the next phase of growth belongs to organizations that don’t just adapt to change, but help define it. That is the direction we are taking Iris—driving consistent growth while ensuring our partners are equipped for the future.
