Capgemini India CEO Ashwin Yardi to Transition to Non-Executive Chairman Role
In a significant leadership shift, Capgemini, a prominent French IT services and consulting firm, has announced that Ashwin Yardi will retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its Indian operations. This transition marks the end of a transformative seven-year tenure for Yardi, during which he played a pivotal role in establishing Capgemini as a leader in the Indian IT landscape.
A New Chapter for Yardi
Effective January 1, 2026, Yardi will take on the role of non-executive chairman of Capgemini in India. In this capacity, he will focus on nurturing relationships with key stakeholders and supporting his successor, Sanjay Chalke, during this transition. The announcement was made in a statement from the company on Wednesday, highlighting the strategic importance of this leadership change.
Sanjay Chalke: The New CEO
Sanjay Chalke, who currently serves as Capgemini’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) in India, will step into the CEO role. Chalke’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to reinforce Capgemini’s position in India, which has become a critical hub for client delivery, talent acquisition, and innovation. He will also join the group executive committee, further solidifying his influence within the organization.
Aiman Ezzat, CEO of Capgemini, expressed confidence in Chalke’s leadership, stating, “Under his leadership, we look forward to accelerating our growth even further, deepening our impact, and continuing to strengthen India as a center for innovation, technology, and transformation.”
Yardi’s Legacy
Yardi’s tenure has been marked by remarkable growth for Capgemini in India. Under his leadership, the workforce expanded from approximately 105,500 to nearly 180,000 employees. This growth reflects not only the increasing demand for IT services but also Capgemini’s strategic investments in talent and technology.
Ezzat acknowledged Yardi’s contributions, stating, “Ashwin has been instrumental in establishing Capgemini’s industry leadership and talent in India.” His efforts have positioned the company as a formidable player in the competitive IT services market, which has seen rapid evolution over the past decade.
Chalke’s Track Record
Chalke brings a wealth of experience to his new role. As COO, he has led multiple transformation programs aimed at enhancing operational excellence and talent acquisition. His focus on building cross-functional synergies across business units has been crucial in streamlining operations and improving service delivery.
Before joining Capgemini, Chalke served as the executive vice president and head of Sogeti India, where he was responsible for leading the Sogeti division within Capgemini. He also held a significant role at DXC Technologies (formerly CSC), where he managed global teams for key clients in the SAP business. His diverse background equips him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the IT services landscape.
The Broader Context
The transition in leadership at Capgemini comes at a time when the Indian IT sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. According to industry reports, the sector is projected to reach $350 billion by 2025, driven by increasing digital transformation initiatives across various industries. Companies like Capgemini are at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging technology to drive innovation and efficiency.
The Indian IT services market has evolved significantly since the early 2000s, when companies primarily focused on providing cost-effective solutions to Western clients. Today, firms are increasingly investing in research and development, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing to stay competitive. Capgemini’s strategic focus on innovation and talent development positions it well to capitalize on these trends.
Looking Ahead
As Yardi transitions to his new role, he will continue to play a vital part in shaping Capgemini’s future in India. His experience and relationships within the industry will be invaluable as the company navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Chalke’s leadership will be closely watched as he takes the helm. His track record of driving transformation and operational excellence will be critical in maintaining Capgemini’s competitive edge in a rapidly changing market.
Conclusion
The leadership transition at Capgemini India underscores the company’s commitment to growth and innovation in a dynamic IT landscape. With Ashwin Yardi stepping into a non-executive role and Sanjay Chalke taking over as CEO, Capgemini is poised to continue its trajectory of success. As the Indian IT sector evolves, the strategic decisions made by these leaders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the company and the industry at large.
