Cognizant Appoints Rajesh Varrier as New India CMD Following Nambiar's Move to Nasscom

Cognizant, a leading IT company, has announced the appointment of Rajesh Varrier as the new Global Head of Operations and India Chairman and Managing Director. This follows the resignation of Rajesh Nambiar, who will take over as Nasscom president. Varrier's responsibilities will encompass operations, delivery excellence, workforce planning, and expansion, among other key duties.

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Varrier will officially assume his role as Global Head of Operations on September 2, 2024, and as Chairman & Managing Director, India on October 1, 2024. He will be based in Bangalore and report directly to Ravi Kumar S, Cognizant's Chief Executive Officer. "Rajesh Varrier is a respected, experienced executive whose operational rigour and entrepreneurial spirit aligns well with Cognizant," said Ravi Kumar S.

Leadership Transition at Cognizant

Before joining Cognizant, Varrier held significant positions at Infosys. He served as EVP, Head of Global Services and Infosys Americas, and Global Head of Infosys’ Digital and Microsoft businesses. His previous roles also include SVP of Digital Experience for the Microsoft business at Infosys. Additionally, he was CIO and Digital Officer for Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance and founder of the analytics firm Activecubes.

Varrier's educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Physics and a post-graduate degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Mumbai. His extensive experience in digital transformation and leadership roles makes him a valuable addition to Cognizant's executive team.

Focus on Operational Excellence

Ravi Kumar S emphasised the importance of the India Chair role to Cognizant's culture. He stated, "...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." Varrier's appointment is seen as a strategic move to drive further operational excellence and efficiency within the company.

Varrier will also lead Cognizant’s India-based employees with a strong focus on driving company transformation programmes. He will represent the company as it executes its growth plan across India. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Cognizant’s operational capabilities and workforce management.

Strategic Leadership for Growth

Cognizant highlighted that Varrier’s role would involve providing regional leadership for its India-based employees. This includes overseeing operations, delivery excellence, workforce planning, and expansion efforts. The company believes that his experience aligns well with their goals of driving operational excellence and efficiency.

Varrier’s appointment marks a significant leadership transition for Cognizant as it continues to strengthen its presence in India. His extensive background in digital transformation and leadership roles positions him well to lead Cognizant’s growth initiatives in the region.

The announcement underscores Cognizant’s commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities and workforce management under Varrier’s leadership. The company aims to build upon its strong foundation and continue being an employer of choice in India.

Cognizant's decision to appoint Rajesh Varrier reflects its strategic focus on driving growth and operational excellence in India. His leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving these objectives while ensuring efficient workforce management and delivery excellence across the region.