Ian Selvarajah’s career has been defined by diversity. He has worked across manufacturing, banking and retail industries, among others, including positions in North America, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
The constant is that he helps companies improve efficiency, value and innovation by guiding them through digital transformations.
“Understanding how to combine technology and data with business processes has always been the centre line of my career,” he says.
Beyond the commercial space, Selvarajah has applied his skills to philanthropic work. He created the Ian Selvarajah Bursary in Business Technology Management to offset costs for Concordia students in financial need and founded a charity called Someone Like Me to promote diversity in leadership roles.
On his role in digital transformation
“Consumer behaviour and supply chains have evolved significantly. This isn’t just because of the impact of COVID-19, but the pandemic accelerated a lot of changes. My work doesn’t simply involve a technology transformation — it's an overall business transformation. Business technology management is a mindset for approaching problems to make the world better.”
The Concordia factor
“The Jeux du Commerce and other business case competitions helped me prepare for my career because they’re very similar to what management consultants do, which is to analyze how businesses are run. The case competitions are much less theoretical than your typical undergraduate program.”
Influential professor
“Meral Büyükkurt [supply chain and business technology management] was absolutely instrumental in giving me career advice. She's still a mentor of mine.”
On how to change the world
“My philanthropy focuses on education because I feel it’s the solution to so many of the challenges we face today, including poverty, inequality and racism. I am constantly inspired by the next generation of people who want to make a difference.”
Career satisfaction
“What drives me is having new experiences, pushing limits and opening doors for others. If someone like me can do it, so can you.”
Career advice
“Take risks. Risk-taking is a ‘muscle’ that has to be trained, like any other. The more risks you take, the more comfortable you become with them.”