CEO - RTIH Spoke

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – RTIH Spoke

💼 Type: Full-time | Leadership Position | Contractual 1 Year (extendable)

🧭 Reports to: Group CEO, RTIH Hub, and the respective spoke Board of RTIH

📍 Location: Designated RTIH Spoke (within Andhra Pradesh)

About RTIH

The Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH), established under the Government of Andhra Pradesh through the Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society (APIS), is a Section 8 not-for-profit company serving as the State’s principal platform for innovation and entrepreneurship.

RTIH operates under a Hub-and-Spoke model, with the Hub at Amaravati guiding five regional Spoke Foundations — in Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Anantapur — to deliver localized innovation programs and startup support.

The Spoke Foundations drive regional entrepreneurship, ecosystem development, and grassroots innovation outreach.

Role Overview

The CEO – RTIH Spoke will be responsible for leading the overall operations of a designated Spoke under the strategic direction of the RTIH network.

This role will ensure smooth execution of startup programs, outreach, innovation challenges, and ecosystem development initiatives within the district.

As CEO, the incumbent will be accountable for the Spoke’s performance, stakeholder engagement, and effective coordination with the Hub for finance, HR, reporting, and governance matters.

Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Leadership & Program Implementation

• • Lead the overall operations, incubation, and innovation programs of spoke.
  • Translate the Hub’s strategic directives into actionable regional plans and deliver measurable impact.
  • Develop and execute annual operational plans aligned with the Hub’s approved frameworks.
  • Build a culture of performance, integrity, and collaboration across the Spoke team.

B. Startup & Ecosystem Development

• • Drive startup scouting, incubation, and mentorship activities in the region and districts assigned to the Spoke.
  • Strengthen linkages with local academic institutions, entrepreneurs, and technical communities.
  • Organize startup events, demo days, and community-building activities to foster innovation.
  • Work with Hub teams to identify promising startups for state-level programs and national exposure.

C. Governance & Coordination

• • Ensure compliance with the RTIH Governance & Delegation of Authority Policy and the Spoke Board’s resolutions.
  • Approve finance and HR information specific to the Spoke, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting to Hub teams.
  • Maintain robust internal controls, documentation, and audit readiness in alignment with Hub guidelines.
  • Participate in Board meetings, prepare performance updates, and ensure transparency in decision-making.

D. Representation & External Engagement

• • Represent RTIH spoke at regional forums, startup events, and institutional partnerships.
  • Collaborate with the Hub’s functional heads (Finance, Incubation, Partnerships) for seamless execution.
  • Build visibility for the Spoke and advocate for its entrepreneurs within the broader RTIH ecosystem.

Qualifications & Experience

• • Degree in Management, Technology, or Entrepreneurship from a reputed institution.
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in innovation management, incubation, or startup ecosystem leadership.
  • Proven record of building or scaling incubation or entrepreneurship programs.
  • Strong strategic, operational, and leadership skills; ability to manage teams and stakeholders effectively.
  • Experience in government or CSR-linked innovation ecosystems preferred.
  • Fluency in English mandatory and Telugu desirable.

Core Competencies

• • Strategic planning and program execution.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a deep understanding of startup ecosystems.
  • Governance, compliance, and financial acumen.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship management skills.
  • Passion for regional development and inclusive innovation.

💰 Compensation: ₹20–24 lakhs per annum (CTC), based on experience and interview performance, and inclusive of a performance-linked 25% bonus.