The R88 team was established to address inefficiencies in the implementation of digital systems and transformations. Too many well-thought-out strategies and solutions were not being realized due to poor execution, and R88 was established to help clients ensure success. The founders are pioneers of several successful businesses and have assisted financial clients in transforming into digital enterprises. Their solutions span across digital banking, treasury management, AI/ML, and payment services.
R88 leadership—the real master blasters
The structure for successful
The R88 team is led by a successful duo whose individual successes and complementary passions and thought processes create a strong partnership. Their clear vision and strategic approach drive the success of R88, leading to significant ROI and cost savings for clients through digital transformation initiatives.
R88 fosters an entrepreneurial culture, welcoming ideas and valuing contributions from all team members. This inclusive environment encourages accountability and ownership, making the team unique and highly effective.
Meet Ken Russell
President at R88, Inc.
Ken Russell is a financial services executive and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in digital technology. As the founder and president of R88, Inc. since April 2009, he has driven digital transformations in banking and financial services, focusing on retail and commercial banking, outsourcing, enterprise core banking software, and enterprise distributed software.
Ken leads a team of digital technology experts who help clients navigate the complexities of implementing and developing new digital technologies, saving them time, frustration, and financial resources. The consultants at R88 possess deep knowledge of digital technologies and major enterprise banking software vendors, providing unbiased guidance and collaborating with key stakeholders to achieve business goals.
Known for his strategic insight and hands-on execution, Ken excels in defining business-transforming strategies and leveraging technology. His passion for inspiring people to deliver exceptional value is reflected in R88’s success. The company selects associates based on their expertise and passion for the business, fostering a can-do, collaborative approach to building stronger, more efficient organizations.
Under Ken’s leadership, R88 has a proven track record of managing large-scale transformational change, automation, and risk management, delivering projects on time and on budget with exceptional quality.
Meet Kishore Khandavalli
CEO
Kishore Khandavalli is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in starting, scaling and acquiring ventures. He is the founder and CEO of several companies including 7T, iTech US, Inc. and RiseIT Solutions. 7T was established in 2012. His ability to lead companies toward success is unmatched in his field. As an award-winning entrepreneur and experienced keynote speaker, Khandavalli has a keen ability to steer and guide start-ups into successful enterprises.
He was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year in 2022. He was also a recipient of Wells Fargo Asian Business leader finalist award in 2010. He is an avid flying enthusiast and a private pilot. He is an active member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO). He holds a Master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Akron, OH.
Before founding iTech in 2003, Khandavalli served as the President of Primesoft which he founded in 1997. Primesoft grew substantially by 2000 when it merged with Goldstone Technologies. He spearheaded the merger and subsequently led the combined organization until 2002. As the CEO of the combined companies, he expanded its operations worldwide with over 400 employees in three different continents.
Prior to venturing into the IT industry, Khandavalli worked as a research and development engineer at Enerfex, a technology think tank in Vermont. At Enerfex, he developed a unique patented technology to capture greenhouse gases and reuse them as industrial refrigerants.
let's begin your digital transformation
R88 has been on the cutting edge of technological innovation in fintech serving the banking and financial services industry, through all aspects of retail and commercial banking, including digital channel transformation, payments, core banking software and outsourcing, enterprise distributed software and beyond. Our experts help our clients navigate even the most challenging aspects of selecting and implementing new technology, saving them time, frustration, and financial resources.
