Atheer Bets on AI Expertise with Oracle Vet Nandula at the Helm

SAN FRANCISCO, November 4, 2025 – Atheer, a leading provider of frontline execution platforms for highly regulated industries, today announced the appointment of Srikanth Nandula as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The move underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR) to revolutionize how work gets done on the front lines, particularly in sectors like life sciences, automotive, and oil & gas.

Nandula joins Atheer from Oracle, where he served as Senior Vice President, leading large-scale enterprise product and engineering initiatives focused on SaaS applications, AI, cloud infrastructure, and data platforms. Industry analysts see the appointment as a strategic move by Atheer to accelerate its innovation pipeline and solidify its position in a rapidly growing market.

The Rise of 'Human Work Execution' Platforms

The appointment arrives amid a significant shift in industrial operations. Companies are increasingly recognizing the need to digitize frontline work—the tasks performed by technicians, operators, and field service personnel—to improve efficiency, safety, and compliance. This has fueled the growth of platforms like Atheer’s, which combine XR, AI, and collaboration tools to provide real-time guidance, remote assistance, and data-driven insights.

“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how work is executed,” says one industry analyst. “Companies are realizing that their frontline workers are a critical asset, and they need to provide them with the tools and information they need to succeed. Platforms that can deliver that are going to be in high demand.”

Market research supports this trend. Reports from IDC and Statista project the global frontline operations solutions market to reach $12 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 15%. The demand for digital work instructions and AI-powered assistance is particularly strong, driven by the need to reduce errors, improve safety, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Nandula's Expertise: A Strategic Fit

Nandula’s experience at Oracle positions him well to lead Atheer’s technology strategy. During his tenure, he was instrumental in developing AI-driven analytics and automation tools for enterprise customers, and oversaw the creation of cloud-based solutions that are used by Fortune 500 companies.

“Srikanth brings a deep understanding of enterprise software, cloud technologies, and AI,” says a source familiar with the appointment. “He’s a proven leader with a track record of delivering innovative solutions, and he’s excited about the opportunity to apply his expertise to Atheer’s platform.”

While Atheer has already established itself as a leader in XR-powered frontline execution, the addition of Nandula’s AI expertise is expected to unlock new levels of functionality and value. Potential applications include predictive maintenance, real-time quality control, and personalized training programs.

AI and XR: A Powerful Combination

The integration of AI and XR is a key differentiator for Atheer. XR provides immersive, hands-on guidance for frontline workers, while AI provides the intelligence to personalize that guidance, anticipate problems, and automate tasks.

“The combination of XR and AI is incredibly powerful,” explains an industry source. “XR provides the 'how,' while AI provides the 'what' and 'why.' This allows frontline workers to perform complex tasks more efficiently and effectively.”

For example, AI can analyze data from sensors and equipment to predict when maintenance is needed, and then use XR to guide technicians through the repair process step-by-step. Similarly, AI can analyze images and videos to identify defects in products, and then use XR to highlight those defects for quality control inspectors.

Addressing the Challenges of Frontline Digitization

While the benefits of frontline digitization are clear, there are also challenges. Many frontline workers are not tech-savvy, and they may be resistant to new technologies. Additionally, the harsh environments in which many frontline workers operate can make it difficult to deploy and maintain technology.

“It’s important to design frontline solutions that are easy to use and reliable,” says an industry source. “You can’t just throw a bunch of technology at frontline workers and expect them to figure it out. You need to provide them with the training and support they need to succeed.”

Atheer appears to be addressing these challenges by focusing on user experience and designing solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of frontline workers. The company’s platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, and it can be deployed on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart glasses.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Work

The appointment of Srikanth Nandula signals Atheer’s commitment to driving innovation in the frontline operations space. As the demand for digital solutions continues to grow, Atheer is well-positioned to lead the way, empowering frontline workers with the tools and technology they need to succeed.

“The future of work is about empowering people with technology,” says one industry expert. “Companies that can do that will be the ones that thrive.”

With its focus on AI, XR, and user experience, Atheer is poised to play a key role in shaping that future. The company’s platform has the potential to transform how work gets done on the front lines, improving efficiency, safety, and compliance in a wide range of industries.