Headline

AI Expert for Kannada | Senior Localization Expert | Native Kannada SME (13+ Years) | Operations & LQA Expert | Helping Global Brands with Cultural Precision

About

Results-oriented Localization, Language Operations, and Content Strategy Leader with 13+ years of experience bridging strategic operations and linguistic craftsmanship. As a Native Kannada Linguist, I deliver high-precision localization across AI, IT, Medical, Legal, Gaming, and Marketing domains, and have consistently managed 1.5-2 million words annually with a 99%+ on-time delivery rate. I serve as the Lead Kannada Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Google's flagship products, including Maps, Pay, Play Store, Assistant, Gemini, and YouTube, ensuring linguistic accuracy, cultural relevance, and superior user experience at scale. I lead a cross-functional team of ~8 linguists, driving operational excellence through workflow automation, rigorous LQA protocols, and data-driven reporting - combining strategic quality leadership with hands-on translation expertise on high-stakes projects. Honored with the Language Team INDIC Award (2023) and STAR Award (2018) for leadership, innovation, and sustained contributions to global localization excellence. Core Competencies: Operations: Localization Project Management, Workflow Automation, Vendor Management, Capacity Planning, Talent Acquisition, KPI Reporting & Analysis. Quality & Technical: Linguistic Quality Assurance (LQA), Root-Cause Analysis, CAT Tools (Trados, MemoQ), QA Tools (Xbench, Verifika), Machine Learning Datasets (AI). Linguistic Assets: Native Kannada SME, Glossary Creation, Style Guide Development, Contextual Decoding, Transcreation.

Location

Bengaluru

AI stack

claude

openai

Work experience

Lead Linguist at Lionbridge Technologies, Nov 2016 - Jul 2026 · 9 yrs 9 mos, Bangalore, High-Volume Leadership: Successfully directing a core team of ~8 Kannada linguists, overseeing the end-to-end delivery of 1.5–2 million words annually for the past decade. Quality Assurance: Establishing rigorous QA protocols using tools like Xbench and Verifika, reducing linguistic error rates through data-driven reporting. Workflow Automation: Revolutionized task allocation by implementing automation strategies, significantly reducing administrative overhead. Resource Development: Spearheading recruitment and internal training on CAT tools, contextual decoding, and glossary adherence. Subject Matter Expertise: Personally handling high-priority localization for AI (Machine Learning) and Marketing content to ensure cultural relevance.

Language Lead at Lionbridge Technologies, Nov 2016 - Jul 2026 · 9 yrs 9 mos, India, • Led a team of 7 in-house linguists and managed 6 freelancers to ensure high-quality localization for Google projects. • Contributed to the language industry through innovative solutions and effective resource management over 9 years and 9 months. • Transitioned from Senior Linguist to Language Lead, showcasing growth and expertise in linguistic services at Lionbridge Technologies.

Localization Specialist at Lionbridge Technologies, Nov 2016 - Jul 2026 · 9 yrs 9 mos, India, At Lionbridge Technologies, I played a pivotal role in localizing over 65 Google products as the Kannada language Lead. My responsibilities included reviewing translations, participating in client meetings, and conducting LQE analysis to enhance localization quality. I also facilitated glossary and style improvement suggestions, ensuring our team maintained high standards in translation accuracy and cultural relevance.

Bulletin Producer at Yash Broadcasting Pvt Ltd, Sep 2015 - Nov 2016 · 1 yr 3 mos, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, • Ensured high-quality content delivery and broadcast excellence by producing accurate and timely news bulletins • Improved content workflow and broadcast efficiency by coordinating programming and optimizing news desk operations • Managed news input processes, streamlined content organization and editorial operations • Demonstrated operational versatility by successfully managing multiple newsroom roles during staffing shortages, ensuring uninterrupted productivity and news delivery

Senior Copy Editor at Panorama Television Pvt. Ltd., Mar 2014 - Aug 2015 · 1 yr 6 mos, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, • Delivered accurate, high-quality news content and timely bulletin production • Enhanced news quality and editorial accuracy through meticulous copy editing, content validation, and editorial oversight • Produced & managed news bulletins, ensured timely delivery, editorial excellence, and compliance with publishing standards • Improved content quality, accuracy and operational efficiency through effective newsroom coordination and editorial leadership

Senior Copyeditor at Panorama Television Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore Karnataka (Etv News Kannada), Mar 2014 - Aug 2015 · 1 yr 6 mos, Delivered accurate, high-quality news content and timely bulletin production.

Language expert at Webdunia, Jul 2013 - Feb 2014 · 8 mos, Chennai, • Conducted localization work as a Senior Linguist for various Google projects, ensuring high-quality translations. • Reviewed and arbitrated LQE reports to maintain linguistic accuracy and consistency across projects. • Managed diverse translation projects in IT, Banking, Insurance, and Medical sectors, enhancing cross-industry communication.

Education

Master's degree, M.Sc Electronic Media, Karnatak University

PG Diploma in Translation, Translation, Karnatak University