Sumeer Kher

Pioneer
DISC Type : IDS

Vice President, Customer Operations (APAC) at Ciena

Gurgaon, Haryana, India

Overview

Sumeer Kher is a results-driven executive with over 25 years of experience in the telecom and IT sectors, currently leading as Vice President of Customer Operations for Ciena in the APAC region. He specializes in strategic transformation, operational excellence, and profitability. People who have worked with him describe him as a visionary leader and an excellent people manager.

He is known for building strong professional relationships with both customers and internal teams. Recommendations highlight his energetic personality and his dedication to motivating, coaching, and supporting his team members to help them excel in their roles.

He holds certifications in Project Leadership from both North Carolina State University and The George Washington University.

Personality Overview

Dynamic But Sincere

Driven But Considerate

Decisive But Friendly

They have the unique ability to win both love and respect from their team (or outsiders)  They combine a unique set of diverse traits where they are fast and friendly but can slow down to be thorough when needed If they are convinced, they can become very strong champions for your product

Topics They Care About

APAC Customer Operations
As VP of Customer Operations for the APAC region, he is responsible for all aspects of service, including project execution, customer experience, and operational support.
Strategic Transformation
His professional headline identifies him as a "Strategic Transformation Leader" focused on delivering strategic direction for improved productivity and profitability.
Optical Networking
He has an exceptional understanding of optical technologies and his recent activity highlights Ciena's WaveLogic optical platforms for enhancing network capabilities.

Media Appearances

ETTelecom Interviews: Ciena's Sumeer Kher on network evolution. Featured in YouTube

See Now

Work History

5-2024
Vice President, Customer Operations (APAC) at Ciena
5-2019 - 4-2024
Senior Director, Regional Customer Operations at Ciena
7-2015 - 4-2019
Regional Service Director at Ciena
8-2013 - 6-2015
Regional Consulting Practice Director (Japan and Asia Pacific) at Oracle
3-2009 - 8-2013
Regional Vice President, Customer Service & Operations (Asia and EMEA) at Tekelec

Education

2008 - 2008
Project Leadership from North Carolina State University - College of Management
2007 - 2008
Integrated Course on Project Leadership from The George Washington University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 31 Location : Gurgaon, Haryana, India Job Level : Senior Designation : Vice President, Customer Operations (APAC) at Ciena
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Insights For Selling To Sumeer

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Ask them for a lunch or coffee once some rapport has been established
  • Use phrases like ‘your decision will’, ‘you will impact’ etc.
  • Build a trustworthy relationship while keeping the product center-stage

DONT's

  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions or pushing them, but take a formal approach
  • Don't lean very heavily into providing too much information, sharing whitepapers etc.
  • Avoid focusing only on the product or its ROI, keep building trust subtly

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Sumeer is

  • Nothing less than a strong combination of proof of results, relationship and high levels of professionalism is effective with them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Sumeer

  • They can say no while staying friendly, but can also be pursuaded to reconsider

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Sumeer move?

  • They are generally fast movers and can take quick decisions
  • Can Sumeer take some risk or not?

  • They have high risk-appetite but can get ahead of themselves once in a while. Observe carefully

You And Sumeer

Personality Compatibility


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