Bindhu Alvar Thiruvenkadathan
CIO
BMO
Bindhu Alvar Thiruvenkadathan is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Wealth Management Technology, BMO. In this role, Bindhu leads a high-performing team that delivers technology products and services to Wealth Management clients across the U.S. and Canada in the areas of self-directed investing, Global Asset Management, and Insurance. Bindhu has a passion for driving excellent client, advisor, and business value fueled by innovation, automation, and agility.
With over 20 years of leadership experience in business-tech strategy, digital alignment, delivery, and building high-performing diverse teams, Bindhu has a reputation for being a transformational change agent and a trusted advisor. She is committed to championing an inclusive environment and is passionate about her involvement in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives by imagining, promoting, mentoring, and leading related programs. Bindhu holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
My career path began in development and architecture. I was always drawn to the opportunity to help clients achieve their technology goals and moved into delivery, consulting, and transformation as I took on more senior roles. One of my previous roles was leading the sales and delivery for a few large Canadian banks before moving into the CIO role at BMO where our purpose-driven culture strongly aligns with my values – both personally and professionally. I now make it my purpose to provide business partners and clients with innovative technology solutions, and I make it my passion to help fuel innovation through diversity and inclusivity.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
To role model and commit to continuous learning. I truly believe that having a growth mindset helps us learn from each other and our mistakes, remain innovative, and helps us reflect on and pivot a plan for an improved outcome.
With disruption being a key theme of recent years, where do you see the CIO role going in the next 1-2 years?
The next couple of years will likely challenge and inspire us to become greater and more passionate innovators. I see the role of the CIO evolving – finding new ways to achieve transformation and operational efficiencies by changing the way we think and work, and ultimately doing things differently. With an ongoing innovative mindset, we can challenge ourselves to think beyond technology as a tool, to create a digital and client-first culture.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a CIO?
It’s challenging to choose just one piece of advice, but I can offer three! First, build your network. I have met mentors and colleagues in some unique circumstances, and I encourage new CIOs to also think outside the tech space and get involved with initiatives and organizations that are meaningful to you personally – a great way to collaborate and learn.
Second, pay it forward and help others succeed. I was extremely grateful to have leaders advocating on my behalf at certain stages of my career, and I now do my best to empower the next generation to achieve their goals. Recently, I had the privilege of co-judging at the University of Waterloo’s Innovation Challenge: Imagining the Future of Finance and networked with brilliant Gen Zs – our tech future is in good hands!
Finally, and importantly, make time for yourself. When I began my career, I found it difficult to set boundaries. Once I learned to better balance priorities, I became a stronger leader, mentor, and mom!
Tell us three fun facts about yourself.
- I have a BIG sweet tooth.
- Fall is my favourite time of the year.
- I can’t sing to save myself!
What is the value of joining an Evanta community?
Collaboration! The opportunity to network and partner with fellow business leaders has the power to inspire innovative thought and help drive positive change.
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