With over three decades of leadership experience in technology and business strategy, Ashwin Ballal has been appointed as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Freshworks. Ballal will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of IT infrastructure, systems, and operations at the company.
Most recently, Ballal served as EVP and CIO at Medallia, where he led and transformed IT and security, workplace services, corporate procurement, and travel. Prior to that, he was the Chief Information, Intelligence, and Data Officer at KLA Corp.
Ballal succeeds current CIO Prasad Ramakrishnan, who is retiring from Freshworks at the end of the quarter after six years of dedicated service. Ramakrishnan has been working closely with Ballal to ensure a smooth transition.
“Ashwin has a proven track record of implementing strategic IT initiatives, setting vision and strategy, driving large business transformations, and executing for hyper-scale growth,” said Ramakrishnan. “I’m confident that his leadership and vision will be instrumental in shaping the future of Freshworks’ IT landscape, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of technological advancements and continue to deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders and customers.”
Ballal is a past recipient of the HMG Strategy Transformational CIO Award and the CIO 100 Award from CIO Magazine. He holds a Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering and a postdoctoral degree in Material Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. Ballal earned his bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy from India’s National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK).
“I am thrilled to join Freshworks and be part of a team that is dedicated to driving innovation and delivering tangible value to its stakeholders,” said Ballal. “In today’s tech-driven world, prioritizing the integration of generative AI capabilities isn’t just about staying competitive—it’s about redefining operational excellence and elevating the employee experience to new heights. I look forward to collaborating with the talented teams at Freshworks to unlock new possibilities and drive transformative growth.”
