“Life is about choices, and I definitely made a good one,” Program Manager Kumar Subramanian reminisces about his decision to move from India to Finland as a young bachelor of engineering. Instead of heading to California, his professor recommended Kumar to continue his engineering studies at Aalto University in Espoo. “Why not? Let's give it a try!” Kumar thought and flew to Finland, where he still lives after 20 years.
Kumar Subramanian enjoys heading the Motion business area's international IoT backend services. 
Kumar values continuous learning. "Curiosity - one of ABB's values - helps reach new levels and lead the way." 
Kumar feels at home in Finland but also has the opportunity to visit India on his business trips.
Engineering career off to a good start in Finland
Kumar’s master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, with a major in networking technology, first led him to Nokia Networks. The career continued as a software developer and technical consultant in various companies.
“ABB was already familiar to me through motors and drives from my studies back in India, so I was happy to join the ABB team as my next step. I started as a digital expert in ABB Marine and Ports in Vuosaari to develop energy-efficient solutions for cruise ships. A little later, I got the opportunity to head the digital architecture team in Drives, a division which develops and produces variable speed drives. Those optimize operation of motors and significantly help the industry cut CO2 emissions through increased energy efficiency”, Kumar explains.
Running global programs
Kumar gradually progressed from technical to management roles. Today he heads global IoT backend services in the Motion business area. “I feel that everything I have experienced in my career has been beneficial and has helped build my competences in this direction. As a program manager, I can use my technical and operational knowledge, as well as management experience,” says Kumar.
He enjoys working with international teams and customers. “ABB is a big company, but small teams make it work very well,” he says. “My line manager works in Germany and I have colleagues around the world from many cultures. I feel I've learnt a lot from others, too. The role requires an understanding of the big picture, but ABB has offered me such a big perspective.”
My job matters
When thinking about the purpose of his job, Kumar says: “In all my roles I've been involved in the solutions that increase energy efficiency and had an opportunity to build a more sustainable world, which is really important to me personally as a dad. The culture at ABB is so strong that it helps you think about energy savings options everywhere, even in your personal life.”
Kumar also appreciates the management trainings in which he has had the opportunity to participate. He is currently studying for his MBA. “It’s good to challenge yourself every now and then,” he winks. “The guest speaker lectures that I conduct for students at Aalto are also inspiring.”
Kumar finds his new home country a great place to live in. “I feel Finland has helped me have an excellent life.” When asked about the best thing in Finland the answer is clear: “All the water, I just love Päijänne!”
Have a look at the video, in which Kumar tells us more about his job:
