Cognizant Appoints Thirumala Arohi as Chief Learning Officer Amid AI Revolution
In a strategic move to enhance its learning and development initiatives, Cognizant, a prominent US-based IT and professional services firm, has appointed Thirumala Arohi as its new Chief Learning Officer (CLO). Arohi, who brings nearly three decades of experience from rival Infosys, will report directly to Kathy Diaz, Cognizant’s Chief People Officer. This appointment underscores the growing emphasis on learning and skill development in an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Arohi’s Background and Experience
Thirumala Arohi has spent over 28 years at Infosys, where he held various leadership roles, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Head of Education for Training & Assessment and Learning Platforms. His extensive experience in the IT sector positions him well to lead Cognizant’s learning ecosystem. Arohi is based in Bangalore, a city that has become a global hub for technology and innovation.
Cognizant’s decision to create this new position reflects a broader trend within the IT industry, where companies are re-evaluating their business models to adapt to the rapid advancements in technology. As organizations increasingly rely on AI and automation, the need for continuous learning and reskilling has never been more critical.
The Importance of Learning in the Age of AI
Cognizant’s spokesperson emphasized that Arohi’s role will be pivotal in reimagining learning programs and platforms. He will explore innovative upskilling models and forge strategic partnerships to enhance the company’s learning initiatives. This focus on education is particularly relevant as the IT sector faces challenges in keeping pace with technological advancements.
The rise of AI has transformed the landscape of work, necessitating a workforce that is not only skilled but also adaptable. Companies are now prioritizing learning as a core component of their business strategy. Arohi’s appointment signals Cognizant’s commitment to shaping the future of work through a robust learning framework.
Cognizant’s Competitive Landscape
Cognizant, which has a significant presence in India with over 70% of its 343,800 employees based there, competes with major players like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, and HCLTech. The IT outsourcing industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with companies rethinking their delivery models to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Arohi’s appointment comes at a time when Cognizant is also making several other senior-level appointments in India. Recently, Sailaja Josyula was named the global head of its Global Capability Centre (GCC) service line, and Vishal Salvi was appointed as Senior Vice President and Global Practice Head for Cybersecurity. These strategic hires reflect Cognizant’s focus on strengthening its leadership team to navigate the complexities of the modern IT landscape.
Mergers and Acquisitions Strategy
In addition to leadership changes, Cognizant is also bolstering its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) team in India. The company has recently hired at least five consultants from prestigious firms such as EY, Deloitte, and PwC. This move is part of Cognizant’s strategy to pursue inorganic growth in the coming year, indicating a proactive approach to expanding its capabilities and market reach.
Financial Performance and Future Outlook
Cognizant’s financial performance has shown promising growth. In July, the company raised its projected annual revenue growth forecast to between 4.7% and 6.1%, translating to an estimated revenue range of $5.27 billion to $5.35 billion. For the second quarter ending in June, Cognizant reported a 14% increase in net profit, reaching $645 million, alongside an 8% revenue growth year-on-year to $5.25 billion. This performance exceeded the company’s own forecasts, highlighting its resilience in a competitive market.
Conclusion
Thirumala Arohi’s appointment as Chief Learning Officer at Cognizant marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the challenges posed by AI and technological advancements. As the IT industry continues to evolve, the emphasis on learning and skill development will be crucial for organizations aiming to maintain a competitive edge. With a strong leadership team and a clear focus on innovation, Cognizant is positioning itself to navigate the complexities of the future of work effectively.
