Amol Deshpande, Group Chief Digital Officer & Head of Innovation at RPG Group, believes that the real story of AI isn’t about instant gratification; it’s about a disciplined evolution built on data readiness, collective learning, and a pragmatic approach to innovation.
Chief Data Officer of RPG Group
While the world envisioned AI composing symphonies and solving world hunger, RPG Group set out with a purpose-driven ambition to make AI a catalyst for meaningful, measurable transformation across the enterprise.
Leading the company’s AI journey, Amol and Digital team have discovered that sustainable transformation grows steadily brick by brick, data point by data point. RPG’s AI initiatives are progressively reshaping how the organisation thinks, decides, and operates.
“It’s about building enduring foundations that enable continuous progress,” Amol reflects. “We’re developing long-term capabilities that create lasting impact.”
AI: Built on Data, Driven by Insight
Amol emphasises that AI’s potential shines brightest when powered by strong, well-curated data against applicable use cases.
“AI-ML is a dynamic engine; it thrives on clean, contextual, and well-governed data,” he says. At RPG, this means reinforcing data infrastructure, embedding governance frameworks, and integrating human expertise as an essential pillar of success.
He adds, “AI elevates people it enhances their potential and extends their impact. It thrives through people who leverage technology with business understanding.”
Beyond the “Me Too” Mindset
In a landscape filled with “AI-enabled” solutions, RPG Group stands out with clarity of purpose: AI must create genuine value.
Amol champions thoughtful innovation. “True transformation emerges from reimagining processes with intelligence and purpose,” he explains.
This approach has helped RPG focus on initiatives that drive productivity, quality, safety, and customer value, all while ensuring scalability, sustainability, and long-term ROI.
The Real Value and Responsible Growth of AI
Every AI success story at RPG is rooted in strategic investment and mindful growth. Amol highlights the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility, ensuring optimal use of resources, talent, and technology.
“The key,” he says, “is to channel AI where it amplifies value most effectively delivering both business impact and sustainable outcomes.”
RPG’s AI programs are guided by a three-tiered innovation framework:
- AI/Gen AI for everyday business tasks
- AI/Gen AI for operational efficiency and business process enhancement
- Game-changing AI for breakthrough innovation
“Our philosophy is simple. Purposeful innovation creates enduring transformation,” he said.
The Discipline Behind the Breakthrough
Amol describes AI adoption as a journey of disciplined experimentation and continuous learning. Each initiative at RPG follows a cycle of explore, validate, scale, and evolve, building strength and expertise with every step.
Quoting poet Majrooh Sultanpuri, he reflects:
“Main akela hi chala tha… log saath aate gaye aur karwan banta gaya.”
(“I started alone, but others joined, and soon it became a movement.”)
That, he says, captures the true essence of AI at RPG Group – a movement driven by collaboration, curiosity, and consistency.
A Quiet Revolution of Mastery
AI at RPG is ushering in a transformative era, redefining how the company thinks, decides, and operates. From supply chains to customer engagement, the change is evident – not as disruption for disruption’s sake, but as purposeful, data-led value creation.
In Amol’s words, “We’re cultivating mastery, not chasing miracles. And mastery is what powers transformation that endures.”