Cognizant Appoints Rajesh Varrier as Global Head of Operations and Chairman & Managing Director, India

Rhea-AI Summary

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) has announced key leadership changes. Rajesh Varrier will become Global Head of Operations on September 2, 2024, and Chairman & Managing Director of India on October 1, 2024. He replaces Rajesh Nambiar, who is leaving to become president of NASSCOM. Varrier, with 30 years of industry experience, will be an Executive Vice President reporting to CEO Ravi Kumar S.

Varrier's responsibilities will include operations, Delivery Excellence, workforce planning, and leading the India Leadership Council. He will focus on driving company transformation programs and executing Cognizant's growth plan across India. Prior to joining Cognizant, Varrier held leadership positions at Infosys and was CIO and Digital officer for Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced industry veteran Rajesh Varrier as Global Head of Operations and Chairman & Managing Director, India
• Varrier brings 30 years of service, operations, and digital experience to the role
• Focus on operational excellence, efficiency, and execution in the business model
• Emphasis on driving company transformation programs and growth plan execution across India

Negative

• Departure of current India Chair Rajesh Nambiar, potentially impacting continuity in leadership

Industry veteran brings 30 years of service, operations and digital experience to the role

TEANECK, N.J., Aug. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) today announced the appointment of Rajesh Varrier  as Global Head of Operations, effective September 2, 2024.  Additionally, he will be appointed as Chairman & Managing Director, India, assuming the role October 1, 2024, as Rajesh Nambiar leaves Cognizant to become president of NASSCOM. Varrier will be an Executive Vice President of Cognizant, reporting to Ravi Kumar S, Cognizant's Chief Executive Officer. Varrier will be based in Bangalore, India.

"Rajesh Varrier is a respected, experienced executive whose operational rigor and entrepreneurial spirit aligns well with Cognizant. As we drive further operational excellence, efficiency and a sharp focus on execution into our business model, this role is a natural orchestration point for our India-based operations," said Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S. "Additionally, the job of India Chair is deeply important to our culture and my years of working with Rajesh Varrier gives me great confidence that together, with our growing leadership team in India, we can continue to build upon our already strong foundation to be the employer of choice in India."

As Global Head of Operations and Chairman & Managing Director, India, Varrier's responsibilities will include operations, Delivery Excellence, workforce planning, India Leadership Council, expansion in India and other key responsibilities. Importantly, he will provide regional leadership for Cognizant's India-based employees with a strong emphasis on driving company transformation programs, and representing the company as it executes its growth plan across India.

"Cognizant's reputation is rooted in its talented associate base and the quality outcomes it delivers for its global clients," said Varrier. "I'm thrilled to help accelerate the company's growth journey, as leader of these critical business areas, and look forward to working with the amazing team the company has in place in India and globally."

Prior to joining Cognizant, Rajesh Varrier served as EVP, Head of Global Services and Infosys Americas, as well as Global Head of Infosys' Digital and Microsoft businesses. He also previously served as SVP of Digital Experience for the Microsoft business at Infosys. Before joining Infosys, Varrier was CIO and Digital officer for Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance and founder of the analytics firm Activecubes. He holds both an undergraduate degree in Physics and a post-graduate degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Mumbai.

Current India Chair Rajesh Nambiar will leave Cognizant at the end of September to become president of NASSCOM. Kumar added, "I am excited to see Rajesh Nambiar's appointment as the incoming president of NASSCOM, an organization Cognizant has partnered with for decades. Under his leadership we will continue to collaborate to further strengthen the Indian IT industry. I am equally excited for NASSCOM as they usher in their new leader. I wish Rajesh Nambiar success and look forward to working with him in his new role."

"Cognizant will always have a special place in my heart and I am immensely proud of the remarkable achievements and resilience of our associates and leadership team," stated Rajesh Nambiar, Chairman and Managing Director of Cognizant India. "I am honored and truly humbled to be appointed as the president of NASSCOM, an organization that has been instrumental in shaping the Indian IT industry. I look forward to collaborating with the entire IT ecosystem, including Cognizant, and am excited to contribute to the industry's transformation and future growth."

About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we're improving everyday life. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

For more information, contact:

U.S. Name Annette Busateri Email annette.busateri@cognizant.com

Europe / APAC Name Christina Schneider Email christina.schneider@cognizant.com

India Name Rashmi Vasisht Email rashmi.vasisht@cognizant.com

 

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SOURCE Cognizant

FAQ

When will Rajesh Varrier assume his new roles at Cognizant (CTSH)?

Rajesh Varrier will become Global Head of Operations at Cognizant on September 2, 2024, and Chairman & Managing Director of India on October 1, 2024.

What are Rajesh Varrier's main responsibilities in his new roles at Cognizant (CTSH)?

Varrier will be responsible for operations, Delivery Excellence, workforce planning, leading the India Leadership Council, expansion in India, driving company transformation programs, and executing Cognizant's growth plan across India.

Who is Rajesh Varrier replacing at Cognizant (CTSH)?

Rajesh Varrier is replacing Rajesh Nambiar, who is leaving Cognizant to become president of NASSCOM.

What is Rajesh Varrier's professional background before joining Cognizant (CTSH)?

Before joining Cognizant, Rajesh Varrier served as EVP, Head of Global Services and Infosys Americas, and Global Head of Infosys' Digital and Microsoft businesses. He was also previously CIO and Digital officer for Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance.