Ataur Rahman Qadri is the India Head – Software Sales for RMG Messtechnik Gmbh, spearheading digital transformation and software innovation in the gas sector. With 17 years of industry experience, Mr. Qadri has built his career on a foundation of technical expertise, strategic sales leadership, and a commitment to making technology impactful for businesses and communities. His journey spans roles in power systems, renewables, and advanced energy technologies, driving major projects and cultivating high-performing teams across India.
In a recent interview with The Enterprise World, Mr. Ataur Rahman Qadri shared valuable insights about his leadership philosophy, professional journey, and the milestones that have contributed to the company’s impressive growth. Here are some highlights from the engaging discussion.
Q1. Can you share your journey to becoming India Head – Software Sales at RMG Messtechnik, including what inspired you and any pivotal moments that shaped your career?
Looking back, it’s been an exciting 17 years journey filled with challenges, opportunities, and defining moments. I started with M. Tekpro Engineering in technical and commercial roles—those years gave me the foundation to understand power systems inside out. The real turning point came when I joined Schneider Electric in 2010.
Over the next decade and a half, I grew from handling regional accounts to driving strategic sales for the Power Systems portfolio. During that time, I drove consistent order and revenue growth, led digital transformation initiatives, and managed large-scale projects for PSUs, utilities, EPCs, and private clients across Northern and Western India.
In 2025, the opportunity to head software sales for RMG Messtechnik in India aligned perfectly with my vision for a future of energy that is data-driven, automated, sustainable, and customer-centric. My inspiration has always been the transformative power of technology—how the right solutions deliver real impact for businesses, communities, and the environment.
Q2. Your transition from Schneider Electric to RMG. How do you see this change?
Moving from Schneider Electric, a global energy leader, to RMG Messtechnik, a specialist in gas measurement, has been an exciting shift. At Schneider, I worked on large-scale projects, collaborated with high-performing teams, and helped drive digital transformation—building strengths in strategy, scalability, and stakeholder management.
RMG is a different challenge, and that’s what makes it exciting. Here, I’m building their India digital business from the ground up: creating go-to-market strategies, forging partnerships, localizing solutions, and positioning RMG as a trusted digital partner for the gas sector. This transition isn’t just a career move; it’s an opportunity to apply everything I’ve learned in a specialized, high-growth segment on the brink of massive digital transformation.
Q3. Could you describe a particularly challenging moment in your leadership journey, how you addressed it, and the lessons you learned from it?
One challenging moment was the rollout of the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) for the Moradabad Smart City project at Schneider Electric. These were high-value projects with multiple stakeholders, strict timelines, and constantly evolving regulatory norms.
Aligning government bodies, EPCs, and technology teams was a huge task. The key lesson I learned was that communication and stakeholder engagement are just as critical as technical expertise. I adopted a collaborative approach—building trust, ensuring transparency, and involving decision-makers early. This reinforced my belief that leadership in complex projects is about influence, not just authority, a principle consistently demonstrated by Ataur Rahman Qadri.
Q4. What personal achievements or milestones in your career are you most proud of, and why?
There are several milestones I hold close. I’m proud of the diversity of my experience—working across power systems, renewable energy, and advanced technologies like Battery Energy Storage Systems, spanning sectors from Oil & Gas to Data Centers and Transportation in various Indian geographies.
Among specific achievements, I’d highlight solutions for UPPTCL GIS substations, the DHBVN Smart City project, and the ETAP ADMS deployment for Moradabad’s Smart City project.
These successes represent not just numbers, but innovation, teamwork, and—most importantly—the creation of tangible value for customers.
Q5. How do you ensure innovation, team motivation, and alignment with the company’s vision, and can you share examples where this made a tangible impact?
Innovation begins with curiosity. At RMG, I encourage my team to question existing processes and propose improvements. My motivation strategy relies on empowerment—giving autonomy with accountability and celebrating wins together. For example, when defining our Go-to-Market strategy for AMR and AMI solutions, we involved cross-functional teams in ideation. This inclusive approach led to a robust strategy tailored to customer needs. It not only delivers results but also builds trust and alignment.
Q6. How do you see the software sales industry evolving in the APAC region, and what trends are you most excited about?
The APAC software sales landscape is being reshaped by three major trends:
- SaaS and OPEX-driven models: Utilities now prefer flexible, scalable subscription solutions.
- IoT and AI-driven automation: Real-time analytics and predictive maintenance are becoming industry standards.
- Sustainability and regulatory compliance: Digital solutions are helping companies pursue carbon reduction goals.
I am particularly excited about data monetization and AI-powered analytics, which will redefine customer engagement and operational efficiency.
Q7. What is your analysis of the Indian gas industry and its prospects and challenges?
The Indian gas industry is at a very interesting stage. The government’s ambition to increase natural gas’s share in the energy mix from about 6% to 15% by 2030 is promising. Major investments in infrastructure open great opportunities for technology and automation players. Demand is driven by urbanization, industrial growth, and cleaner fuels. However, challenges remain—last-mile connectivity, reliance on imported LNG, volatile global prices, and stricter safety compliance for legacy systems. Experts like Ataur Rahman Qadri believe that overall, the outlook is bright and digitalization will be the key enabler.
Q8. What are your insights on digital transformation in the gas industry and why is it important?
Honestly, digital transformation in the gas sector is not just important anymore—it’s absolutely critical. With rising demand, tighter regulations, and higher expectations, utilities must shift from reactive to predictive operations. Automation, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance save time, reduce losses, and boost safety, while smart metering and analytics improve transparency and efficiency. Technologies like IoT, AI, and cloud-based platforms are enabling a complete shift in how gas utilities operate. At RMG, we believe this transformation will define the sector’s future in India.
Q9. How are RMG solutions tailored to customer requirements?
At RMG, we provide end-to-end solutions—hardware and software integrated within the customer’s ecosystem. Our portfolio includes meter data management, AMR, AMI, and supervisory control solutions for real-time monitoring. IoT and analytics platforms offer predictive insights and centralized energy accounting, with cybersecurity as a core element. We supply high-precision meters, flow computers, and modular measurement stations engineered for reliability and rapid deployment. Our solutions form an integrated system that supports digitalization and operational excellence.
Q10. Are there any upcoming partnerships, acquisitions, or strategic collaborations that RMG Messtechnik is planning?
Absolutely. We are actively exploring collaborations with system integrators, panel manufacturers, and EPCs to deliver digital solutions. These partnerships will strengthen our technology stack and help us provide data-driven decision capabilities for our clients.
Q11. What proprietary methods or unique approaches set your solutions apart?
Our consultative approach sets us apart. We don’t just sell software—we co-create solutions with clients, ensuring their operational and financial goals are met. Our integration with legacy systems and focus on cybersecurity makes our solutions future-ready. RMG’s global reputation for precision engineering and reliability, built over decades, is part of our unique strength.
Q12. What guidance would you offer to new professionals in your industry?
Ataur Rahman Qadri exemplifies the power of staying curious and continuously learning. His approach encourages calculated risks and emphasizes building relationships rooted in trust—not just transactions. By leading with purpose and understanding the ‘why’ behind every initiative, Ataur Rahman Qadri turns challenges into meaningful opportunities for growth.
