Cognizant gets a new India MD in Rajesh Varrier

Teaneck-headquartered Cognizant has appointed Rajesh Varrier as the global head of operations, chairman and managing director, India starting September 2, 2024. Prior to joining Cognizant, Varrier has been EVP, head of global services at Infosys Americas, as well as global head of Infosys' Digital and Microsoft businesses. He also worked as a senior vice president 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. "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," says Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar in a statement adding that "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 CMD India, Varrier will look after operations, delivery excellence, workforce planning, India Leadership Council, expansion in India and other key responsibilities. With its largest workforce based in India, he will be the touch point for its India-based employees "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," says Varrier in a statement.

Rajesh Nambiar, the current India head of Cognizant, is all set to take over as the next president of Nasscom. He will move out of Cognizant by the end of September. He will succeed Debjani Ghosh, whose term ends this year in November. Nasscom search committee for the new head which included Keshav Murugesh Group, CEO, WNS and Harish Mehta, Som Mittal, Krishnakumar Natarajan and Sindhu Gangadharan. In a statement Keshav says, “We are delighted to welcome Rajesh as the president-designate and thank Debjani Ghosh for her phenomenal contribution to the industry. Nasscom today stands on the brink of a monumental digital transformation. Our primary focus had been to identify an India evangelist who can not only sustain but also accelerate this transformation. We are confident that Rajesh’s leadership will further propel the tech industry's growth trajectory, expand its footprint in new markets, and strengthen India’s position as a global technology leader, even amid macroeconomic uncertainties.”

Nambiar has been a member of the Nasscom Executive Council before being elected as chairperson in 2023. On his appointment, Rajesh Nambiar, president-designate, Nasscom, says, “This is truly an exciting time for the industry, as we focus on the accelerated transition to AI-first companies, making talent our greatest competitive advantage, driving growth, and increasing investments in IP creation and R&D. I am both privileged and honored to take on this opportunity to collaborate with all stakeholders to enhance the Indian tech sector’s capabilities.”