Rajeev Dutt, Swiss GRC General Manager for MEA and APAC, is a visionary leader with over 25 years of cross-industry experience spanning various application software, VLSI design services, and the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) industry. He has also been honored as the “Most Outstanding Leader in GRC Innovation and Strategic Growth 2025” by CToday Awards. Known for his strategic insight, Rajeev has been a game-changer in driving organisational achievement through value-based leadership, innovation, and people-led growth.

A Career Defined by Unexpected Turns

Rajeev started software programming, eventually moving into implementation positions. It was when he took charge of customer-facing tasks. While visiting various cities, he handled sales queries and product demonstrations, with channel partners appreciating his efforts on many occasions. Although he was initially apprehensive due to his aversion to sales targets, a six-month experiment urged by his senior resulted in a significant change in his life. Sales, Rajeev realised, meant money, traveling, and meaningful human relationships. “Sales is the best-paid easy job, but the worst-paid hard job,” he states, highlighting how that jump changed his career and life perspective.

Leadership Rooted in Values, Impact Beyond Recognition

Rajeev firmly believes that genuine leadership is grounded in values, equity, and commitment to making a meaningful impact. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not just a company policy to him, but rather strategic initiatives that lead to business excellence. Rajeev sets objectives, maintains anti-bias habits, promotes equitable hiring and promotion, and facilitates open discussions as part of his leadership philosophy. By laying significant stress on training, festivals that reflect cultural practices, and equitable measures, he creates an atmosphere of welcome for each person.

However, Rajeev’s notion of success extends beyond corporate performance and accolades. To him, professional reputation isn’t about awards but trust, counsel, and remembrance. His legacy is mentoring, leadership, and innovation—helping others grow while driving business into the future. Fulfillment in personal life comes from striking a balance between business and personal pursuits, cultivated through spirituality, lifelong education, and bonding with loved ones. His wife, a pillar of strength, is also crucial in maintaining this balance, underscoring that leadership is as much about integrity as professional brilliance.

From Cross-Industry Expertise to the Future of GRC

Rajeev’s transition from software coding to VLSI design in Silicon Valley gave him valuable insights into international markets and emerging technologies. Although seemingly disparate, those experiences proved beneficial when he transitioned to Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). From starting one of India’s earliest CRM platforms to establishing virtual VLSI design centers and spearheading Swiss GRC’s expansion, his career has been marked by flexibility and ingenuity.

Based on his cross-sector experience, Rajeev recognises the major forces redefining the future of GRC. Artificial intelligence and automation are revolutionizing compliance and fraud detection, while integration with ESG renders risk management more sustainable. Behavioral economics is a compelling approach to human-related risk, and RegTech facilitates more responsive compliance solutions. In contrast, the rapid pace of cybersecurity threats underscores the need for more robust digital risk management. With an innovative combination of technology, regulatory acumen, and business strategy, Rajeev continues to break new ground in innovation, keeping organisations resilient in a changing world.

Words of Wisdom: Advice to Future Professionals

Rajeev identifies typical pitfalls among emerging professionals, including relying too heavily on technical capabilities, shying away from uncomfortable conversations, and neglecting networking. He believes AI literacy, storytelling, emotional intelligence, and cross-disciplinary thinking will be essential in the next decade. His message is simple: Success is about adaptability, lifelong learning, and purposeful leadership.