Vinay Kumar

Vinay Kumar

Head of Information Technology | Tim Hortons - Middle East

Vinay is a seasoned technology executive serving as Head of Technology (CIO) at Tim Hortons Middle East, spearheading digital transformation and business automation across the GCC region. Certified in Digital Transformation from IIM Ahmedabad, Vinay brings extensive expertise spanning ERP implementation, IT infrastructure management, end-to-end service delivery, strategic planning, and commercial negotiations. He has built a strong reputation for aligning technology initiatives with business priorities — consistently delivering programs that drive operational efficiency, scalability, and measurable outcomes across large, complex organizations. His career reflects a compelling cross-industry journey — from managing high-volume FMCG operations at Coca-Cola (FBO) and enabling retail transformation at Bata, to leading restaurant technology ecosystems at McDonald's and Tim Hortons Middle East. This diverse exposure across FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Supply Chain & Manufacturing has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of end-to-end value chains, customer-facing operations, and backend supply systems. A hands-on leader with a structured, governance-first approach, Vinay is recognized for converting complex digital ambitions into practical, business-focused solutions — making him a trusted technology partner for senior leadership in fast-paced, operationally demanding environments.

6:20 pm - 6:50 pm

Panel discussion 1 : The next decade of IT leadership

Discussion points:
What will define bold and unstoppable CIOs in the future?
The balance between innovation, risk management, and business outcomes
Moderator:
Upkar Singh | Corporate IT Head | Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited
Panelists:
Nikhil Kumar Nigam | Director Technology - Global Operations | MSM Group
Vinay Kumar | CIO | McDonald's India - North and East (Part of MMG Group)
Dr. Sunil Pandey | Director (IT) | Institute of Technology & Science
Mohit Tandon | General Manager - IT | Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute & Action Cancer Hospital

3:05 pm - 3:35 pm

Power Panel: From Competition to Co-Creation: Why CIO Communities Win Faster

Moderator:
Adnan Rafique Ahmed, Risk Management and Business Continuity Expert | Rasikh Group (Institute), Smart Irtekaz
Panelists:
Dr. Mansoor Ali Yusuf Baig, Digital Transformation and AI Strategist / Expert, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center
Vinay Kumar, Head of Information Technology, Tim Hortons - Middle East
Mohammed Al Shobani, Chief Information Officer, AviLease
Ali Saif, Head of Information Technology, Tanmiah Food Company