C. Vijayakumar, CEO of HCLTech: Leading Through Innovation and Global Growth

Early Life and Education

Born in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, C. Vijayakumar’s journey began in the quiet hill town of Lovedale, where he attended The Lawrence School before moving to Thambu Higher Secondary School in Coimbatore. His passion for technology led him to earn a bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from P.S.G. College of Technology in Tamil Nadu. These formative years instilled in him a balance of discipline and curiosity that would later define his leadership style.

Early Career and Rise at HCLTech

Vijayakumar joined HCLTech in 1994 as a Senior Technical Engineer in its Comnet business. At the time, the company was still carving out its place in the global IT services landscape. Over the years, he steadily took on larger responsibilities, excelling in roles across sales, technology, delivery, and operations.

His ability to combine technical expertise with client-focused thinking propelled him into leadership positions. In July 2016, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer, and just three months later, in October 2016, he became the CEO, succeeding Anant Gupta. This swift ascent reflected not only his track record but also the board’s confidence in his vision for the company.

Strategic Vision and Transformation

When Vijayakumar took the helm, the IT services industry was entering a new era dominated by digital transformation, cloud adoption, and cybersecurity. He set out to reposition HCLTech from a traditional IT services firm into a leader in digital, engineering, and next-generation technology solutions.

One of his notable achievements has been scaling HCLTech’s software products and platforms into a billion-dollar business, adding a high-value dimension to the company’s portfolio. He also led significant expansions in cloud, AI, and cybersecurity services, ensuring HCLTech remained competitive against global peers.

Innovation and Global Engagement

Vijayakumar’s influence extends beyond HCLTech. He is an active member of the World Economic Forum’s IT Governors’ Community, serves on the US-India Business Council, and is part of the Wall Street Journal CEO Council. His commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident through HCLTech’s participation in UN Women’s “HeForShe” initiative.

Under his leadership, the company has consistently scored highly on ESG benchmarks like S&P Global, MSCI, and EcoVadis, reflecting a commitment to responsible business practices alongside financial performance.

Performance and Growth Under his Tenure

In FY24, HCLTech reported revenues of $13.3 billion, growing 5.4% year-on-year, one of the highest growth rates among global tier-1 IT services firms. The EBIT margin stood at 18.2%, while free cash flow jumped 27.7% to $2.6 billion. Over 37% of services revenue now comes from digital offerings, driven by cloud, AI, and cybersecurity capabilities.

His achievements have not gone unnoticed, Vijayakumar was named Business Today’s Best CEO of the Year (IT/ITES) in 2020 and ranked among the Top 10 Disruptive CEOs by HfS.

Reappointment and Legacy in the Making

In July 2024, HCLTech’s board approved his reappointment as CEO & Managing Director for a third term, extending from September 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030, making him the longest-serving active CEO among India’s top IT leaders. In FY 2024–25, he also became the highest-paid CEO in the Indian IT sector, earning over ₹95 crore (approx. $10 million).

Why His Leadership Matters for HCLTech Careers

For professionals exploring HCLTech careers, Vijayakumar’s tenure offers a clear signal: this is a company that invests in innovation, global growth, and its people. His focus on emerging technologies, talent development, and a performance-driven culture ensures that employees are part of a forward-thinking organization poised for long-term success.