Kiran Chopra is AMS Technical Senior Manager for Workday at Fresenius Digital Technology (FDT) and brings a wealth of experience to her role. As a woman in technology with a diverse background, she is passionate about fostering innovation and equality in the workplace. How does Kiran drive innovation in HR technology at Fresenius? What excites her most about her current role? Read this interview to find out.
My business card says AMS Technical Senior Manager for Workday at Fresenius Digital Technology (FDT). AMS stands for Application Management Support, and I head the team that is responsible for all the technical aspects related to Workday, our new HR platform, which we introduced at the end of 2024.
We handle interfaces that connect other applications with Workday, manage system integrations, and oversee release management. Our priority and main objective is to ensure the smooth operation of the platform across more than 50 countries and for over 48,000 employees. We are currently in the stabilization phase after our go-live in December 2024, so we are addressing any issues and working on continuous improvements.
When I first joined, I was very impressed with how big the organization is. Several times I thought “Oh, wow, there’s yet another entity, another country, another business unit!” What truly excites me is the prospect of creating a unified global platform for this large and very heterogeneous organization. Previously, each country had different systems for various HR functions, making it challenging to build a cohesive global business. With Workday, we are moving towards a situation where all our processes can be streamlined and interconnected. This will allow employees to focus on their core jobs rather than having to navigate multiple systems.
I believe we play a vital role in supporting our colleagues working on Fresenius’ key focus areas of drug development and medical devices. By taking care of the basics and making HR processes more efficient, we are contributing to the company’s ability to save lives and improve healthcare. It is inspiring to be part of an organization that is making a significant impact.
First of all, their extensive technical experience combined with a solution-focused mindset. Each team member brings at least a decade of experience in the Workday ecosystem, which is invaluable given the platform’s complexity. But beyond their technical expertise, what is truly remarkable is their approach to challenges. They do not only identify problems; they actively seek solutions. This attitude is crucial in our field. Whether we are working to make different systems communicate or to find workarounds for complex integrations, my team consistently demonstrates their ability to think outside the box. Additionally, they always align technical details with the bigger picture – they understand how their work impacts the overall organization.
I have degrees in Business and Marketing, including a master’s in International Marketing. I started my career in marketing and project management, and I have worked in various industries, from fashion to PR to hospitality. Over time, I realized my strengths lay in organizing and ensuring client satisfaction, which led me to focus on project management and service delivery roles. I worked within various organizations, managing project implementations and client relationships. I entered the Workday ecosystem through a company where I managed AMS services for large clients. At that time, I also completed my Workday certifications in HCM and Engagement Management. Eventually, I was introduced to the opportunity at Fresenius by a former colleague. After a thorough interview process, I joined in August 2024 to head up the technical Workday platform.
Oh, definitely! I am a third-generation British Indian, so my grandfather came here in the 1960s, my dad was educated in the UK, and I was born here. And although my family is not really orthodox, in our community, there is often a mindset that women generally don’t go out and have a career. I was the first person in my family to go to university, and that was quite a big deal and also a fight. You will always hear me talking about these things because I am convinced that it is important to raise awareness: women can do absolutely anything, and we do it wearing high heels! At the same time, I am aware that we have a long way to go – there are still not many women with a strong background in tech and it is a great opportunity for the future.
Fresenius is a company with a strong history and culture. This provides a sense of stability and purpose, which is great for people who are committed to building something meaningful. At the same time this company is incredibly forward-thinking, open to new ideas, innovation, and flexible working arrangements. As such, there is also a strong focus on promoting women in tech and embracing people from different backgrounds. This balance of established success and openness to change creates a very positive work environment. As a working parent, I appreciate the flexibility and understanding that Fresenius offers. The fact that many employees have long tenures here, building their careers over decades, says it all about the opportunities for growth and progress within the organization.
I am so proud of my team and their positive attitude, always focused on solutions! The same is true for the wider Workday team at Fresenius – for successfully implementing the platform across so many countries in such a short timeframe. It is a remarkable achievement. I am really pleased. For me, it fits into the bigger picture of helping people at Fresenius – we support our colleagues in the business so they can go out and perform their life-impacting roles in medical advancement. On a personal level, I am proud of being able to maintain a successful career while supporting my family. Lastly, I am excited about the future of HR technology, particularly the integration of AI in platforms like Workday. All this has the potential to further streamline processes and enhance our ability to support the core mission of Fresenius in healthcare.
Thank you for the interview Kiran!