AI-First Transformation: Insights from Sunil Kumar
In this conversation, QXi Group CEO, Andrew Larholt, sits down with Sunil Kumar, one of the most experienced transformation leaders in the business. Over the past 26 years, Sunil has led global transformations at companies like Imperial Brands and Emirates Airlines, helping organisations navigate the complexity of change in today’s fast-moving business landscape.
In this in-depth discussion, they explore how transformation is evolving in an “AI-first” world, the critical role of people and processes (not just technology), and what truly drives success in large-scale programs. Sunil also shares leadership lessons from his own career, including how to balance pace with sustainability, and why vulnerability is a strength for modern leaders.
Whether you’re interested in AI, SAP, or the human side of transformation, this conversation is full of practical insights and big-picture thinking to help shape the way you approach change.
Watch the full conversation below:
Why Transformation Has Never Been More Urgent
We no longer live in an “uncertain” world, we live in an “unreliable” one. That’s how Sunil Kumar, transformation veteran and former Chief Digital Officer at Emirates Airlines, describes the pace of change businesses are facing today. In his 26 years across eight industries, Sunil has seen transformation evolve from being digital-first, to mobile-first, to cloud-first—and now, AI-first.
The Five Lenses of Transformation
According to Sunil, successful transformation isn’t built on technology alone. It rests on five core pillars:
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People – Change management, leadership, and talent alignment.
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Processes – Simplification and harmonisation across global operations.
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Operating Models – Adapting structures like managed services and SaaS delivery.
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Data – The foundation of AI, driving efficiency and insights.
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Systems – The technology layer that underpins change.
But what truly matters is business value. Transformations succeed when they generate measurable outcomes, not just outputs.
AI as a Core Driver
Sunil stresses that AI is no longer optional. If companies don’t embed AI into their transformation programs now, they will inevitably need to redo them in the coming years. He shares practical examples from the airline industry, such as AI-powered hiring and predictive maintenance, both of which drove significant cost savings and efficiency improvements.
The SAP Landscape
As one of the most widely adopted enterprise platforms, SAP continues to evolve. But as Sunil highlights, adoption requires patience, investment, and strong executive sponsorship. The real value comes not from SAP itself, but from how it enables a business-first transformation strategy.
Leadership Lessons
Reflecting on his career, Sunil shared three lessons he would give his younger self:
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Take time to pause and reflect rather than rushing.
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Don’t be afraid to be a vulnerable leader—it builds trust.
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Manage pace and sustainability, ensuring longevity in both career and health.
The Future of Transformation
For Sunil, the future is clear: organisations must adopt an AI-first approach, secure executive and board engagement, and ensure ownership of processes and data sits at the heart of their strategy. Only then can transformation deliver lasting impact.
