Biography

Jitendra A. Kavathekar is Institutional Advancement Committee Chair of the IONS Board of Directors.

He holds a 20+ year career bringing innovative ideas into the "light of day." He started his career with Hewlett-Packard Co, developing software for LaserJet Printers targeted for the Asia market. Not only did he develop patented technologies but also learned two years of Japanese and traveled extensively across Asia setting up HP's operations there. Jitendra became one of HP's youngest R&D Managers at the age of 27 and eventually elevated to become a director two years later.

Those defining early moments in his career set the foundation for extensive work in technology in Silicon Valley. After HP, Jitendra went on to work for Pixo, a startup, that delivered the first software elements in the iPod at its inception. He went on to lead Palm's core technology teams to drive a new generation of PDAs. His career took him to other famous companies in the valley such as Motorola, where he and his team were nominated for a Technical Emmy Award for their innovations, and Yahoo, where he was a Vice President and General Manager. 

Jitendra is currently the head of R&D for Accenture's Healthcare practice, a multi-billion dollar business where Jitendra's team focus on technologies that enable patients to live healthy lives. Guided by mentors, guides, and spirit, Jitendra has been in a fortunate position to lead teams to build innovative products that touch people's lives. As one of his closest mentors once told him "allow the dots to connect and enjoy the ride," a mantra he strives to follow every day. He continues to be excited and humbled to have the opportunity to work with truly remarkable people.

He holds a Masters degree in Computer Science from UW-Milwaukee and was awarded an honorary Doctorate degree in Philosophy from ITU, an honor he shares with Edward Teller, Steven Chu, and William Perry among other dignitaries. Jitendra lives in the foothills of Silicon Valley with his wife and daughter. His grand-uncle was Karmaveer ("King of Actions") Bhaurao Patil – a celebrated reformer in India who worked with Ghandi and is well-known for his legacy that created over 500 schools, 100 secondary schools, and three colleges for the downtrodden in rural India through his "earn and learn" campaign. Indian government awarded him the Padma Bhushan award and a stamp commemorating his lifetime achievement.