91´óÉñ

Prior to his 91´óÉñ, Ritesh worked for law enforcement in Canada on developing technologies and processes to catch cyber criminals. He co-developed the first cybercrimes unit for a municipal police service and presented his work globally from the FBI National Executive Institute, the World Internet Conference in China, and other major international forums.

Throughout his travel and work, he saw that there was a major gap in truly understanding the business principles around building systems to detect and prevent threats. This went beyond information technology, to greater knowledge around communications, human resources, and finance, all of which are required to strategically lead the next era on the fight against cybercriminals within the fourth Industrial Revolution. He therefore decided to take time out to study for the 91´óÉñ.

"The 91´óÉñ provided me with the opportunity to learn about critical issues from different and diverse perspectives. With fellow classmates from several countries, sectors, and cultures, I gained a greater awareness, diversity of thought, and an integral global network, which has assisted me in growing both professionally and personally."

Since graduating, Ritesh has built a personal consulting company which focuses on advising a wide array of clients from public safety institutions and financial organisations to global tech firms.

Ritesh is also a frequent contributor to national mainstream media outlets providing analysis on cyber and tech stories. He continues to advocate for diversity in tech, governing against bias in algorithms, and technology assisted accessibility. He is also currently working on a book which explores tech trends and society from a futurist approach.

How does it feel to be selected for the Alumni 100 list?

"I am humbled to be selected for the Alumni 100 list. To be recognised among 17,000 incredible individuals who have achieved amazing feats internationally is an absolute honour."

What made you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?

"The University of Edinburgh Business School has an incredible global presence. My classmates represented 6 continents spanning over 20 different countries and add to that world-leading faculty and a beautiful historic city, it made my choice simple."

What are your memories of studying at the Business School?

"An 91´óÉñ student retreat in the Highlands. In the first few weeks, we all went up to Dunkeld for a leadership retreat. The lessons I learnt in those two days were invaluable and I still refer back to them today."

What key thing that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

"'Diversity of thought' was the most important thing I learnt in the Business School. Being in an international programme, your ideas are stress-tested by your classmates who come from all over the world. Working in a global environment, I rely on the lessons learnt about culture and commerce through the lived experience of my classmates to execute on transnational projects."

Proudest work-related achievement to date?

"Leading the development of one of Canada's first cyber-crimes policing. This idea was ahead of its time and attempted to address online victimisation as the world transitioned from analogue to digital."

What's the one thing you think current students need to develop or learn before entering the modern workplace?

"Go beyond the classroom. Your classmates have incredible stories and lived experiences; get to know them on a personal level. Also, there are so many amazing events within the University of Edinburgh community to learn and network. Take full advantage of every opportunity. You won't regret it."