Indian-American becomes US Army's first Chief Information Officer
What's the story
Indian-American Dr. Raj Iyer has taken over as the first Chief Information Officer of the US Army after the Pentagon created the position in July 2020. One of the highest-ranking Indian-American civilians in the US Department of Defense, Iyer, who holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Army.
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Iyer's responsibilities as the CIO
Equivalent in rank to a three-star General, Iyer will supervise an annual budget of $16 billion for the US Army's IT operations. Over 15,000 civilians and military personnel posted across 100 countries will work under him. Iyer will direct the execution of policies and programs to modernize the US Army to achieve digital overmatch against near-peer adversaries, such as China and Russia.
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Iyer's career extends over 26 years
Iyer was a partner and managing director at Deloitte Consulting LLP, where he led multiple technology programs. He has supported a range of defense and commercial clients on strategy, innovation, and modernization. He has established the first office of the Chief Technology Officer in the Army, co-founded a successful technology start-up, and led recovery programs such as Obamacare. He also holds a patent.
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He holds multiple degrees, is a native of Tamil Nadu
Iyer holds a Ph.D. and an M.Sc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas, Arlington along with an MBA from the University of Michigan. Iyer, a native of Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, grew up in Bengaluru and completed his graduation from NIT Trichy. Iyer is married to Brindha, a healthcare IT program manager in the US government. They have two sons, Ashwin and Abishek Iyer.