T Koshy, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), stands at the forefront of a transformative journey to reshape India’s e-commerce sector. With a wealth of experience in leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives, Koshy is leveraging his expertise to build a more inclusive and accessible digital marketplace. His leadership at ONDC reflects his commitment to democratizing digital commerce, ensuring that both buyers and sellers from across the country can participate equitably in the booming e-commerce ecosystem.
A Vision for Inclusive E-Commerce
ONDC was established with a mission to revolutionize the e-commerce landscape in India. It aims to create an open, interoperable network that empowers consumers and sellers alike. By eliminating the dominance of large e-commerce players, ONDC strives to create a level playing field where even small and medium-sized businesses can thrive. The network’s vision is to enable a broad-based participation, making e-commerce more accessible to people across the country, irrespective of their geographical location or digital literacy.
T Koshy’s role as MD and CEO is pivotal to this mission. His leadership is instrumental in driving the vision behind ONDC, ensuring that it operates as a catalyst for growth and inclusivity. Under his guidance, the platform aims to integrate diverse stakeholders in the e-commerce ecosystem, including buyers, sellers, and service providers, into a unified digital commerce network that promotes fairness and transparency.
Experience and Expertise in Digital Transformation
Before taking the helm at ONDC, T Koshy had an illustrious career as a Senior Partner at Ernst & Young (EY) in India, where he led consulting practices across various sectors, including government and public services. His work in Identity & Social Protection, Digital Service Delivery, Health, Education, and Public Finance has been highly impactful. Koshy’s consulting career saw him play a key role in numerous national and global initiatives aimed at solving population-scale problems through digital solutions.
Among his notable contributions are key projects in India, including the creation of the Unique Identification (Aadhaar) system, the Vaccine Intelligence Network (VIN), and the Co-WIN platform, which was used for India’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign. His involvement in these high-impact projects has shaped his understanding of the intersection between technology and large-scale service delivery, providing him with the expertise needed to lead ONDC.
Key Projects and Global Impact
Koshy’s experience extends beyond India. He has contributed to several international projects, particularly in the areas of identity management and social protection. As a Senior Partner at EY, Koshy worked on projects funded by global development agencies such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). These projects aimed at addressing key issues in developing countries, including improving access to social protection programs, digitizing service delivery, and enhancing public sector capabilities.
In India, Koshy’s leadership in transformative projects like the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has been instrumental in driving digital solutions at a national scale. His role in the design and implementation of these projects has given him deep insights into the challenges and opportunities of deploying large-scale digital platforms.
Looking Forward: The Future of ONDC
With ONDC, Koshy is channeling his expertise to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in India’s digital economy. By democratizing digital commerce, ONDC aims to provide a platform for inclusive economic growth, helping small businesses and local vendors access a wider market. Through innovations in technology, data interoperability, and digital payments, ONDC is set to transform India’s e-commerce ecosystem, benefiting millions of consumers and sellers across the nation.
T Koshy’s vision for ONDC reflects his belief that digital solutions, when designed inclusively, can drive social and economic transformation. As ONDC evolves, Koshy’s leadership will continue to be central in shaping a more equitable and dynamic digital commerce ecosystem in India.
Conclusion
T Koshy’s journey from leading transformative government projects to steering ONDC showcases his deep commitment to harnessing digital technologies for public good. As ONDC progresses, Koshy’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring the platform fulfills its promise of transforming the e-commerce sector and empowering businesses of all sizes. His unique blend of expertise in public sector initiatives and digital innovation positions him as a key figure in the future of India’s digital economy.