Anand Santhanam's avatarPerson

Anand Santhanam

Global Principal Delivery LeaderAmazon Web Services (AWS)

Tampa, FL

Skills

Artificial Intelligence
AWS
Cloud Computing

About

Anand Santhanam is the Global Principal Delivery Leader at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He specializes in digital transformation strategies, focusing on cloud adoption, AI/ML integration, application modernization, and modern digital business strategies for Fortune 500 companies. His expertise includes Lean Portfolio Management, Scaled Agile, and Value Stream Mapping to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Anand contributes thought leadership through articles and expert panels on topics such as Generative AI strategies, cloud cost optimization, and digital transformation frameworks. His published works include insights on controlling cloud costs and leveraging generative AI for competitive advantage. Anand has also developed a value realization framework to address the complexities of digital transformation projects, emphasizing productivity improvement, operational resilience, and business agility. His leadership at AWS focuses on achieving cost efficiencies, enhancing productivity, and reducing emissions for clients.

Published content

How to Create Smart AI Training That's Empowering, Not Frustrating

expert panel

For many workers, learning artificial intelligence tools has quietly become “a second job”—one layered onto already full workloads, unclear expectations and rising anxiety about job security. Instead of freeing time and cognitive energy, AI initiatives often increase pressure, leaving employees feeling overworked or even disposable. A 2024 McKinsey report on generative AI adoption found that employees are more likely to experience burnout when AI tools are introduced without role redesign or workload reduction, even as productivity expectations rise. Similarly, a recent study from The Upwork Research Institute reveals that while 96% of execs expect AI to improve worker productivity, 77% of employees feel it’s only increased their workload (with an alarming 1 in 3 employees saying they will quit their jobs within the next six months due to burnout). Members of the Senior Executive AI Think Tank—a curated group of leaders in machine learning, generative AI and enterprise AI applications—note that this growing problem is not necessarily due to employee resistance or lack of technical ability, but how organizations sequence AI adoption, structure learning and communicate intent. Below, Think Tank members offer a clear roadmap for introducing AI as a system-level change—not an extracurricular obligation—to help ensure this technology empowers people rather than exhausts them.

How FDA’s Elsa Is Changing GovTech: AI Experts Weigh In

article

The FDA’s new generative AI tool, Elsa, could signal the start of AI-native government operations—streamlining scientific reviews, increasing public transparency, and reshaping how trust is earned in digital-era governance. But as Elsa ushers in new efficiencies, AI leaders warn: Success depends on human oversight, ethical frameworks, and explainable systems.

How the UK’s New AI Policy Could Transform Teaching

article

The UK now officially permits teachers to use generative AI for grading, planning, and communication—signaling a major shift in how education systems embrace automation. Members of the AI Think Tank share where AI can genuinely ease the burden on educators and where human judgment must remain front and center to preserve trust, creativity, and accountability in the classroom.

Deepfakes and Democracy: What Media Platforms Must Do Next

article

As deepfake technology grows more convincing and widespread, it’s become a critical threat to public trust and democratic discourse. Members of Senior Executive’s AI Think Tank explore how platforms and media organizations must respond—with detection tools, transparent policies and global collaboration.

Extra Protection or Risky Threat: The AI Security Reality

article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rewriting the rules of cybersecurity—helping businesses stay ahead of cyber threats while also introducing new vulnerabilities. As companies race to adopt AI-driven security tools, are they prepared for the risks AI itself presents? Members of the AI Think Tank discuss the opportunities and challenges in cybersecurity today.

Closing the AI Skills Divide: Practical Steps from Experts

article

The AI talent shortage is a critical issue for the tech industry. Members of the AI Think Tank share innovative and actionable strategies—from fostering academia-industry collaboration to leveraging global talent—to help organizations overcome this challenge and build a sustainable workforce.

Company details

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Company bio

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading cloud computing platform and a subsidiary of Amazon, offering over 200 fully featured services including compute, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning, and IoT. Launched in 2006, AWS pioneered the pay-as-you-go model for cloud services, enabling businesses to scale resources dynamically without upfront infrastructure costs. It operates globally through a network of data centers across 105 availability zones, ensuring high reliability and low latency. AWS is widely used by startups, enterprises, and public sector organizations for its flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, maintaining a dominant market share in the cloud industry.

Industry

Information Technology & Services