Winner. Business Leader of the Year 2024

Vijeta Aluru

Position: Product Owner
Company: Ford Motor Company
City: Canton, Michigan
Country: USA
Economic/Business Sector: Software & IT Services / Customer Experience

Vijeta Aluru's professional journey is a testament to her dedication, adaptability, and pursuit of excellence in the field of product development and customer experience. Her academic foundation in Information Technology, combined with extensive professional experience, has shaped her into a dynamic leader known for her innovative and customer-centric approach.

Vijeta's academic path began at Osmania University in India, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Information Technology. This rigorous program equipped her with strong technical expertise and analytical capabilities, serving as the bedrock of her career. The knowledge and skills gained during her undergraduate studies have been integral to her problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking throughout her professional journey.

Following her graduation, Vijeta launched her career in India, where she contributed her skills to several esteemed organizations, including HSBC Global Technology in Hyderabad. Her tenure at HSBC was marked by notable achievements and recognition for her performance. One highlight was her selection for a short-term assignment in the UK, which provided her with valuable international experience and broadened her global business perspective. This opportunity enhanced her understanding of cross-cultural dynamics and enriched her strategic approach to problem-solving.

Currently, Vijeta serves as a Product Owner at Ford Motor Company, where she leads the Rewards and Loyalty program. In this role, she leverages her leadership skills and innovative mindset to drive customer engagement and satisfaction. Her tenure at Ford has been distinguished by versatility and professional growth, including positions as Business Analyst and Product Designer. These varied roles have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of product development and customer experience management, enabling her to design and implement impactful solutions.

Vijeta's dedication to continuous learning is evident in her pursuit of professional certifications. While serving as a Product Owner, she completed the Forrester CX course, a prestigious program that deepened her expertise in customer experience strategies. This certification has empowered her to lead projects with a keen focus on aligning with customer needs and adhering to industry best practices, further enhancing her ability to drive results that resonate with stakeholders.

Vijeta Aluru’s career exemplifies a seamless blend of technical proficiency, strategic insight, and customer-focused leadership. From her formative years at Osmania University to her current influential role at Ford Motor Company, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her journey continues to inspire peers and industry professionals, underscoring the impact of dedication, adaptability, and continuous growth in achieving career success.

Vijeta Aluru has built an impressive career marked by a commitment to innovation and excellence in customer experience and product development. Her professional journey is distinguished by a series of significant accomplishments that underscore her strategic leadership and creative vision.

One of Vijeta’s hallmark achievements was spearheading the launch and expansion of Ford’s Loyalty Program. Initially introduced as a pilot, this program quickly evolved into a full-scale national initiative spanning the USA and Canada. Designed to enhance customer engagement by offering rewards for various owner interactions, the program's membership base surged from 2 million to over 15 million — an extraordinary testament to its success and the trust it inspired among customers.

Such a monumental achievement was the result of strategic foresight, operational proficiency, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Vijeta employed data-driven methodologies to ensure the program met evolving customer expectations and aligned with market trends. Her ability to implement targeted, agile adjustments kept the initiative dynamic and relevant, setting a benchmark for loyalty programs across the industry.

Vijeta’s expertise has been recognized by leading industry publications, including Tech Bullion, Tech Announcer, and Time Business News. Beyond recognition, she has contributed her thought leadership to respected platforms such as The Science Times and University Herald, enriching the discourse on customer-centric strategies and product innovation. Additionally, Vijeta has served as a judge for the Globee Awards and the Brandon Hall Group, roles that have broadened her perspective on industry excellence and underscored her commitment to celebrating innovative achievements.

Her influence extends to digital platforms, where she has been featured in Ford’s LinkedIn newsletter, followed by a robust audience of 3.9 million. This exposure has amplified her voice within the industry and provided inspiration to her peers.

A strong advocate for fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, Vijeta is dedicated to mentoring teams to think creatively and push boundaries. Her leadership approach emphasizes leveraging data-driven insights and adaptability to create impactful, customer-focused solutions that drive sustainable growth. Through her visionary strategies and dedication to excellence, Vijeta Aluru continues to lead by example, setting new standards in customer experience and product development.