The future of international development lies at the intersection of rapid technological change and sustainable economic policy. I operate at the convergence of these two worlds. My expertise connects the immediate demands of humanitarian response with the long-term strategic goals of economic development and regional integration. I help international organizations bridge the gap between technical possibility and policy reality.

With over a decade of experience across the United Nations system, I have transitioned from leading digital response in complex humanitarian emergencies to shaping high-level digital economy frameworks at the regional commission level. My work now focuses on the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA) mandates. I align Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation strategies with the Arab Digital Agenda to drive socio-economic resilience and accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals.


AI Governance & Economic Development: I architect governance frameworks that enable nations and institutions to harness AI for economic growth while mitigating risk. Moving beyond theory, I lead the implementation of secure AI systems that support evidence-based policymaking and economic forecasting. My approach ensures that digital innovation directly contributes to national development plans and regional economic integration.

True sustainability requires connecting emergency response with long-term development. I possess deep experience navigating this nexus. I translate the agility required for humanitarian field operations into the robust policy structures needed for development agencies. I foster data interoperability between diverse stakeholders to ensure that digital investments yield lasting economic benefits for the region.

Digital Trust & Cybersecurity Leadership Innovation cannot exist without security. Holding CISSP, CISM, and CISA credentials, I integrate security by design into national and organizational technology roadmaps. I provide high-level advisory on cyber resilience to protect critical digital infrastructure and data sovereignty. This ensures that the digital economy is built on a foundation of trust and compliance.

 Digital transformation is fundamentally about people and culture. I act as a translator between technical engineering teams and senior political leadership. I cultivate data-driven cultures that empower decision-makers to utilize advanced analytics for resource allocation and strategic planning.

Shahzad Asghar

ProcUrPal

ProcUrPal is an AI-powered procurement platform built to streamline sourcing for enterprises and government buyers, enhancing cost efficiency, transparency, and decision-making at scale. Our intelligent automation and real-time insights optimize eAuctions, RFPs, and supplier management, making procurement smarter and faster.

Why ProcUrPal?
✅ AI-Powered Sourcing – Smart buyer-supplier matchmaking
✅ Seamless eAuctions & RFP Automation – Faster, transparent procurement
✅ Real-Time Insights & Compliance – Data-backed decisions, risk mitigation
✅ Enterprise & Government Focus – Trusted by Fortune 500, BFSI, Manufacturing, Defense, Railways & Government Entities

Certifications & Recognitions
🏆 ISO 9001 & ISO 27001 Certified – Industry-leading quality & security
🏆 Recognized by DPIIT, Government of India as an innovative startup
🏆 ‘Innovative Leaders of The Year 2024’ – Business Connect Magazine
🏆 ‘Best Use of AI in Procurement & SaaS’ – StartUp Awards 2024 at India AI Summit

At ProcUrPal, we don’t just digitize procurement—we revolutionize it.

Founder & CEO

BrandBlaze

As Founder & CEO of BrandBlaze, I lead strategy, business growth, team excellence, innovative marketing, international startup expansion, and client success while scaling operations and sharing insights.

TeamLease Digital

- Country Leadership role defining & leading Business Operations, P&L, Sales, Strategy & GTM.
- Driving end to end IT Infrastructure Managed Services portfolio (P&L, Business Development, Pre-Sales, Service Delivery) of Telecom, IT Infrastructure, SaaS, FMS, DaaS, Cloud, Managed security Solutions, Asset Management Tools and end to end Service Delivery.
- Carving a new market for "IT Infrastructure Managed Services" with TeamLease Digital presence in India building mind share, wallet share & market share.

AVP & Business Head - Infrastructure Managed Services

Lenovo

-  At a Leadership role and part of APAC GEO, driving entire portfolio of Software & Solutions, Managed 
 Services Portfolio which includes End User Managed Service, Microsoft CSP, SaaS, Cloud Solutions, 
 Managed security Solutions, Asset Management Tools, Smart Education Solutions, Service Delivery.
-  Responsible for developing plans and strategies for building high revenue growth. Collaborate with 
 PAN India cross segment sales teams (Enterprise, Global, GSI, Govt, BFSI, SMB, Mid-Market, Consumer 
 and Education, Commercial Channel), review their operations and ensure resources deliver profitable 
 growth.

National Manager -Software & Managed Services (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan)

Sr. Manager - Government Business

Xerox

Handled Xerox A4 Printers & MFDs, A3, Wide Format Printers, Digital Production Printing Presses and Xerox branded paper Business for Eastern India.

Senior Business Manager

Sify

Responsible for SMB and Enterprise and Channel Business of Sify Technologies in Eastern Region (West Bengal, North East, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh).

Head - Emerging Enterprise Business

Reliance Communications

Handeled Large Direct Sales Team (DST) , Channel Partners,  National and Regional Corporate accounts mapped to the WB circle.

Manager Enterprise Wireless Group

As Area Manager, West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand, responsible for Channel Development of Sify iWays. Previously responsilbe for Sify Iways expantion in Punjab and Haryana.

Area Manager -Eastern India

TARAHAAT INFORMATION AND MARKETING SERVICES LIMITED

To manage the operations and expand the network of Tarahaat in states of Punjab, Haryana, U.P. and M.P.

TARAhaat is a Development Alternatives Enterprise. Development Alternatives, a pioneer sustainable development enterprise was established in 1983.

Activities of the DA Group have been supported by the Indian Government and by international agencies including those of Switzerland, Canada, United States, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and the European Union. The Group’s efforts have been recognized through numerous national and international awards including the prestigious United Nations Sasakawa Environment Prize, the Stockholm Challenge Award, the Klaus Schwab Award for Outstanding Social Enterprise, the Jawaharlal Nehru Prize of the Indian Science Academy and the UN Global 500 Roll of Honor

Expansion and Territory Manager

With over 25 years of leadership experience across global organizations like Lenovo, Xerox, Sify, and Reliance, I have built a strong foundation in enterprise IT, SaaS, cloud computing, and digital transformation. Throughout my corporate career, I have led large teams, managed multi-million-dollar business portfolios, and driven complex sales and procurement strategies.

From Corporate Leadership to Entrepreneurship

Driven by a passion for innovation, problem-solving, and impact-driven business strategies, I transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. I founded ProcUrPal, an AI-powered procurement platform designed to revolutionize enterprise and government procurement. ProcUrPal leverages artificial intelligence and automation to enhance transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in procurement processes.

The platform has been widely recognized for its innovative approach to procurement technology, earning multiple industry accolades, including:

Innovative Leader of the Year – Business Connect Magazine
Best Use of AI in Procurement & SaaS – India AI Summit
WAHStory’s 50Under50 Recognition

Beyond procurement, my passion for business growth and digital strategy led to the establishment of BrandBlaze, a startup consulting and digital marketing firm. BrandBlaze helps businesses scale, establish strong market access, and implement effective go-to-market (GTM) strategies. Our expertise spans lead generation, brand positioning, digital marketing, and strategic business consulting, supporting startups and enterprises in building sustainable growth.

Mentorship & Industry Contributions

Believing in the power of mentorship and knowledge-sharing, I actively contribute to the startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem. I serve as a mentor for the E-Cells of IITs and IIMs, guiding young entrepreneurs on:

Fundraising strategies and investor readiness
Go-to-market (GTM) strategies and market penetration
Scaling businesses and achieving product-market fit
Technology adoption and business process automation

As a jury member and judge for startup pitching events, I evaluate and support high-potential ventures, helping emerging businesses refine their business models, secure funding, and navigate growth challenges.

I firmly believe that true success lies in innovation, collaboration, and creating lasting value. Through mentorship and advisory roles, I aim to share my real-world insights, empower businesses to scale effectively, and inspire the next generation of leaders to build impactful, technology-driven solutions.

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Shahzad Asghar

Vikas Chadda

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