Praniti Lakhwara

CIO @Zscaler | Transformation Leader | Open to Board Opportunities

Praniti Lakhwara is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Zscaler, a leading provider of cloud security solutions. She has been in this role since May 2021, where she is responsible for overseeing the company's IT solutions and driving strategies to enhance operational efficiency and scalability. Lakhwara's leadership focuses on creating a seamless experience for customers and employees while managing a robust IT infrastructure.2 5

Background and Career Path

Lakhwara's career trajectory is notable for its diversity; she initially aimed to become a pilot but pivoted to technology after learning to code. This "accidental" path led her to various senior IT leadership roles before joining Zscaler, including positions at Conga, Nimble Storage, Guidewire, and Invisalign.1 2 Her extensive experience encompasses process optimization, automation, and the management of enterprise applications such as ERP and CRM systems.3 4

Education

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University, which has equipped her with strong analytical and problem-solving skills crucial for her roles in IT leadership.2 4

Achievements

Lakhwara has received several accolades throughout her career, including being named the Bay Area CIO of the Year in 2017. Her strategic vision and execution-focused approach have significantly contributed to improving organizational efficiency and profitability at the companies she has worked with.3 6

Current Role at Zscaler

At Zscaler, Lakhwara leads initiatives aimed at scaling operations and building a world-class IT organization. Her focus includes upskilling teams to adapt to future technological needs and enhancing the overall agility of IT departments amid economic uncertainties.1 2 5 In addition to her role at Zscaler, she was appointed to the board of directors at Bread Financial in June 2024, further expanding her influence in the tech industry.7

Praniti Lakhwara's journey reflects her adaptability and commitment to leveraging technology for business success, making her a prominent figure in the technology sector.