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Pankaj Kedia
Bringing wearable and shareable technology to every man, woman, child, and pet around the world.
Professional Background
Pankaj Kedia is a seasoned global business strategist and product marketer with over 25 years of experience in the technology sector. He has dedicated his career to driving innovative solutions and achieving remarkable results, particularly in the mobile, wireless, Internet, and wearable technology segments. Known for his insightful approach and leadership skills, Pankaj has held pivotal roles at Qualcomm and Intel Corporation, significantly influencing how consumers engage with technology.
In 2014, Pankaj Kedia founded Qualcomm's wearables business and has since played an instrumental role in establishing it as a leader in the industry. Under his leadership, Qualcomm has consistently shipped groundbreaking products, with a new customer product released every week based on the Snapdragon Wear family of platforms. His comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and consumer needs has made Qualcomm's wearable business thrive, spanning various product lines including smartwatches, kid watches, smart trackers, and wearable companion devices.
Transition to Qualcomm
Prior to his noteworthy tenure at Qualcomm, Pankaj spent 17 years at Intel Corporation. Here, he transitioned from engineering roles to business development, shaping the company's mobile strategy significantly. He was notably responsible for launching game-changing products such as the Intel Atom processor and Intel Centrino Mobile Technology. These technologies revolutionized mobile computing and transformed everyday Internet access for consumers, marking significant milestones in the progression of mobile technology. His ability to drive strategic engagements and foster relationships within the technology ecosystem positioned Intel at the forefront of innovation in mobility.
Throughout his career, Pankaj has been recognized as a prominent industry speaker. He has shared his expertise on various platforms, serving as a key spokesperson for Intel on mobile segments like Atom and mobile internet technologies. Additionally, his contributions to discussions around disruptive innovation and market trends have made him a sought-after expert, often quoted in mainstream media outlets.
Education and Achievements
Pankaj Kedia’s educational foundation is both robust and diverse, equipping him with the essential skills and knowledge for success in high-tech business environments. He began his formal education at the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Industrial Engineering, laying a strong technical groundwork for his future endeavors.
Furthering his education, Pankaj pursued a Master of Science in Engineering with a focus on Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Michigan, emphasizing his commitment to understanding complex systems and their efficiencies, which is vital in the tech world.
He also holds an MBA with a concentration in Strategy, Marketing, and Operations from The Wharton School, one of the leading business schools globally. Alongside his formal degrees, Pankaj completed various continuing education courses in Management, Leadership, Design, and Photography at Stanford University. He has also participated in the Leading for Extraordinary Results (LER) Program at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, further enhancing his leadership capabilities.
Achievements
Pankaj's innovative spirit and expertise have led to several notable achievements throughout his career:
- Founded and currently leads Qualcomm's wearables business, effectively managing its product lines with full P&L responsibility.
- Overseeing a product launch cadence of one new customer product per week, showcasing his commitment to innovation and market responsiveness.
- Instrumental in the development and market introduction of the Intel Atom processor and Intel Centrino Mobile Technology, both of which significantly enhanced mobile internet access.
- Holds an early defining patent (#7725748) for a low power subsystem for portable computers, displaying his technical prowess and contribution to sustainable technology.
- An active speaker at TED and TEDx events, where he shares insights on technology trends and innovation, exemplifying his role as a thought leader in the tech community.
Final Thoughts
Pankaj Kedia continues to lead with vision and dedication, making a substantial impact on the technology landscape through his work in smart wearables and mobile technology. His unique blend of strategic insight, engineering expertise, and market understanding positions him as an influential figure in the ever-evolving world of tech. As he continues to innovate at Qualcomm, Pankaj exemplifies the role of a business strategist in a highly competitive industry, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and contribute to the technological breakthroughs of tomorrow.
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