Vijay Luthra

Whether he’s guiding digital transformation efforts as Wealth Management CIO or serving as the executive sponsor of the Asian Leadership Business Resource Council (ALBRC), Vijay Luthra believes in enabling everyone to lead.

With over two decades of experience in financial services, Vijay thinks the principles of Service, Integrity, and Expertise set Northern Trust apart. “They permeate throughout the organization,” Vijay explained. “I've seen folks cross functional boundaries to do the right thing, and this is what our clients would want.”

Vijay has managed technological evolution throughout his nine years at Northern Trust, from leading Infrastructure Engineering & Operations to being the Chief Technology Officer and now CIO of Wealth Management. “Every couple of years, I'm fortunate to have gotten a new challenge to take on,” he said.

As part of the corporate priority of “Strengthening the Foundation,” Vijay is one of the driving forces of digital transformation in Wealth Management. This “Digital Metamorphosis” is focused on improving the client and partner experience from end-to-end. The holistic digital strategy employs new technologies and implements incremental change—all with the client experience in mind.

The process has taught him the importance of hiring smart people and listening to them. “If I enable everyone to lead and if they have what they need to succeed, I think that's the right way to scale in this new digital age.”

In an ever-shifting technology landscape, Vijay finds that sharing common goals helps people adopt change. “Have a clear picture of the north star, where we want to go,” he explained. “We may not have all the answers, but we’ll figure it out collectively as a team.”

Vijay also applies this approach as the executive sponsor of the Asian Leadership Business Resource Council (BRC). The BRCs are employee-led resource groups that provide tools and resources to support the development of an inclusive culture. As the executive sponsor, his role is to help the BRC align plans, make connections, and remove roadblocks to achieve their goals.

“What got me excited is understanding the challenges our community members are facing and how to promote programs or events that help them,” Vijay shared. “What are they lacking? What do they want to see more of? You have to define what engagement means and measure yourself against that.”

As an advocate for growing leaders at all levels, Vijay emphasizes the importance of investing in your soft skills. He notes that communication and representing yourself are important for moving forward in your career. “Northern Trust is a relationship driven company and building those networks and building those relationships is extremely important.”

It’s those relationships that Vijay is most proud of in his career at Northern Trust so far. “I’m proud of the trust that leadership has in me. I never take that for granted and work hard every day to earn it,” he explained. “I’m also proud of the trust I’ve earned with my teams.”

FAST FACTS

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Current location: Naperville, Ill.

Time at Northern Trust: 11 years

Favorite food: It’s a tie between Mexican and Indian

Favorite sports teams: Chelsea for soccer. For football, my kids were born in Princeton, New Jersey so the only option I get to pick is the Giants. 

Hobbies: Getting involved in my kids’ activities and sports. I meditate a few times a week as a stress reliever and my kids meditate with me.

Currently reading: Innovators Dilemma by Clayton Christensen. To be honest I am reading it for the 3^rd OR 4^th time. The books central idea of ‘incubate new ideas or perish’ resonates quite a lot with me! 

Cause you are passionate about: I’m extremely passionate about STEM education for kids. I taught my kids how to code and most summers I lead something for the neighborhood kids.

Dream dinner companion: Jeff Bezos for sure. What started as an online bookstore is now a $2 trillion juggernaut. Reading about his first principles and problem solving approach has been very inspirational. He’s a very logical thinker!

Best advice: “Blame nobody. Expect nothing. Do something.” The Giants coach Bill Parcels shared this, and it’s a great reminder to keep taking action and moving forward.