Gaurav Kheterpal: Architecting the Future of AI-Powered DevOps from the Heart of India

The Unconventional Path to Tech Leadership

In the rapidly evolving world of enterprise technology, few professionals embody adaptability quite like Gaurav Kheterpal. With more than two decades of experience across telecom engineering, mobile development, cloud architecture, and AI-driven DevOps, his career shines as a masterclass in reinvention, innovation, and community-oriented leadership.

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The Foundation: BITS Pilani and an Engineering Mindset

Gaurav’s journey began at BITS Pilani, one of India’s elite engineering institutions. Armed with strong fundamentals in engineering, he entered his professional “first innings” in the telecommunications sector — a domain known for technical precision, complexity, and global impact.

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First Innings: The Telecom Years

In the early phase of his career, Gaurav worked deeply in:

• Protocol stack development
• Device driver creation
• Telecom infrastructure applications

A notable milestone was his tenure at Alcatel-Lucent in Paris, where he collaborated with European telecom experts. The exposure to global thinking, technical excellence, and cross-cultural teamwork shaped his approach toward innovation and leadership.

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The Pivot: Discovering Salesforce in Jaipur

In 2007, Gaurav moved back to Jaipur, Rajasthan, marking the beginning of a new chapter. He discovered the Salesforce platform, which at that time was rapidly emerging as a major force in cloud-based enterprise applications.

This shift represented a transformation:

• From traditional development → To cloud and CRM innovation
• From backend systems → To customer-centric digital solutions

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Becoming “The Salesforce Mobile Guy”

As mobile technology exploded globally, Salesforce mobile integration was still a niche skill. Gaurav spotted this opportunity early.

He mastered mobile-first solutions on Salesforce, which earned him industry recognition as:

“The Salesforce Mobile Guy”

This demonstrated his foresight to position himself where mobile + cloud innovation converged — a major turning point in his journey.

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Community Leadership: Multiplying Impact

Gaurav’s contribution to the global Salesforce community turned him into a widely respected leader.

Achievements include:

• Multiple-time Salesforce MVP
• Inducted into the MVP Hall of Fame
• 13 Dreamforce sessions as a speaker
• Mentoring and knowledge-sharing through content and events

This reinforced his personal belief:

Leadership isn’t just about expertise — it’s about enabling others to succeed.

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The Entrepreneurial Leap: Vanshiv Technologies

In January 2023, Gaurav founded Vanshiv Technologies, a fast-growing global consulting firm focused on:

• Multi-cloud architecture
• Data & AI-powered transformation
• CRM modernization for enterprises

Within just 18 months, Vanshiv achieved Summit-tier (Platinum) Salesforce Partner status — a feat that typically takes years.

The company operates across:

🌍 United States
🌏 Australia
🇮🇳 India

Vanshiv’s culture is built on:

• Trust
• Integrity
• Transparency

Supported by a “SWAT team” of best-in-class cloud professionals.

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Strategic Leadership Beyond Entrepreneurship

Gaurav has strengthened the enterprise technology landscape through advisory and executive roles:

• Chief Technology Officer — MTX Group
• CTO — Maverick AI
• Strategic Advisor — Salesforce Practice at multiple firms
• Platform advocacy roles shaping the future of CRM ecosystems

He continues to influence not only his company’s journey but the direction of the entire ecosystem.

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The Evangelist Era: Leading AI-Powered DevOps at Copado

In September 2025, Gaurav became Chief Evangelist at Copado, the global leader in AI-powered DevOps.

His responsibilities include:

• Building and nurturing the Copado Community (100k+ members globally)
• Driving India and APAC regional expansion
• Designing localized education and upskilling initiatives
• Evangelizing AI-powered DevOps solutions worldwide

A major achievement — establishing Copado’s India headquarters in Jaipur, demonstrating that world-class careers can thrive beyond India’s metro hubs.

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Google Developer Expert Recognition

In 2025, Gaurav was honored as a Google Developer Expert (GDE) in Artificial Intelligence — positioning him at the forefront of global AI innovation.

This recognition validated his multi-platform expertise spanning:

• AI and machine learning
• Cloud modernization
• Enterprise systems integration

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Multi-Cloud Mastery: The MuleSoft Edge

As a MuleSoft Ambassador, he continues to lead in multi-cloud and integration strategies — critical as enterprises increasingly operate across hybrid and multi-platform architectures.

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Community Building in Tier-2 India: Jaipur Developer Fest

In 2017, Gaurav co-organized Jaipur Developer Fest — an event designed to uplift developers outside typical tech epicenters. It brought global opportunities, mentorship, and recognition to thousands of young Indian technologists.

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From Delivery to Enablement: The Leadership Shift

Throughout his roles — from technical lead to VP to evangelist — Gaurav has steadily evolved toward enabling others.

His leadership philosophy:

• Empower → Don’t micromanage
• Mentor → Don’t gatekeep
• Multiply → Don’t just produce

He is proof that great leaders grow leaders.

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The Writer Mindset

A natural storyteller, Gaurav is a prolific writer who simplifies complex technology topics into relatable learning experiences. His writing continues to educate and inspire thousands worldwide.

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India at the Center of Global Innovation

Gaurav strongly advocates for India’s rising position in global technology. His vision:

✔ Build high-value jobs in Tier-2 cities
✔ Democratize access to modern tech opportunities
✔ Empower Indian developers to drive global innovation
✔ Help India evolve from service delivery → innovation leadership

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AI-Powered DevOps: The Next Frontier

Gaurav’s mission at Copado centers around bringing AI intelligence into DevOps workflows through:

• Risk prediction
• Automated testing
• Deployment optimization
• Productivity improvements

This work prepares developers and businesses for the future of automation and intelligent software delivery.

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Key Takeaways from a 24-Year Career

Lessons from Gaurav’s journey:

• Master fundamentals early
• Stay adaptable and embrace change
• Build meaningful community relationships
• Take calculated risks
• Think globally and act locally
• Grow by empowering others
• Reinvent yourself for every new wave of technology

A career is not a straight line — it is a journey of continuous reinvention.

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Conclusion: A Blueprint for the Modern Tech Professional

From developing protocol stacks in Paris to leading AI-powered DevOps innovation from Jaipur — Gaurav Kheterpal has proven that global success doesn’t require leaving home soil.

His story inspires millions of Indian technology professionals to dream bigger:

🚀 Great careers can be built from anywhere
🤝 Community accelerates success
🎯 Future belongs to those who embrace constant learning
🌍 AI innovation is the next big opportunity

Gaurav is not only building the future of AI-Driven DevOps — he is empowering the next generation to build alongside him.

Professional Achievements & Global Recognition

Gaurav Kheterpal is globally recognized for his leadership in AI-powered DevOps, multi-cloud architecture and community enablement.

✔ Career Highlights

• 25+ years in enterprise tech, product development & strategic account leadership
• Among the Top 3 globally certified Salesforce experts
• Strong partnerships experience across Salesforce ecosystem
• Hands-on builder — always ready to deliver as developer + architect

✔ Recognition & Industry Honors

• Google Developer Expert — AI (2025)
• Salesforce MVP Hall of Fame (2023) — 7× MVP
• MuleSoft Ambassador (2024)
• Trailblazer Success Story (2018)
• Salesforce Developer Success Story (2015)
• Appcelerator Titanium Titan
• webOS Ambassador for India

✔ Awards & Hackathon Achievements

• 🥈 Appcelerator Enterprise App Challenge — 2014
• 🥈 Salesforce Global Mobile Dev Challenge — 2012
• 🥉 Salesforce Global Mobile Dev Challenge — 2013
• 🏆 Dreamforce Mini Hacks Winner — 2012
• 🏆 Salesforce Hammer of Thor — 2011
• 🏆 BBM Apps Hackathon Winner — 2012
• 🎖Finalist — Windows 8 Hackathon — 2012

✔ Global Speaking Footprint

Speaker at the world’s biggest tech stages including:
Dreamforce, Salesforce World Tour, TrailheaDX, India Dreamin’, London’s Calling, TiConf, SenchaCon, Apttus Accelerate — 13+ Dreamforce talks alone.