Kumud is responsible for all aspects of the Information Services function at Direct Energy. Since joining the company in 2005 as Chief Information Officer, he has championed the use of business process engineering techniques and established a framework for effective business transformation. Initiatives such as these have supported the company's fast growth and attracted accolades including InfoWorld100 and CIO100 awards. During 2009, Direct Energy was named by Computerworld as 'one of the 100 best places to work in IT'.

In addition to his CIO responsibilities, he has executive oversight of customer operations and business continuity functions. As executive sponsor of the Direct Energy Leadership Council, he is responsible for implementing talent management best practices across the company. Kumud is also a member of Direct Energy's Executive Committee.

His business career spans a dozen countries and multiple industry sectors, with roles in operations, strategy and technology. Prior to Direct Energy, he held CIO roles for Qwest Communications and Dresdner Kleinwort, and performed in a variety of roles at UBS and Morgan Stanley. As an independent consultant, he has advised JP Morgan and ING, as well as the boards of private software and telecom companies.

Kumud has a passion for innovation, frequently encouraging the adoption of new technologies to create business advantage. In 2008, he was named by Computerworld as 'best in class' among its 100 Premier IT Leaders. A chartered engineer, he is a Fellow of both the British Computer Society and the Institution of Engineering & Technology. Kumud holds an honors degree in electronic engineering from Bangor University in Wales.