HCLTech has appointed Kiran Cherukuri as the Global GCC Practice Leader, underscoring its commitment to India’s burgeoning Global Capability Center (GCC) ecosystem. With over three decades of experience, Cherukuri returns to HCLTech to lead initiatives aimed at enhancing the company’s engagement with global enterprises establishing or expanding their offshore delivery centers in India.
Strategic Focus on India’s GCC Growth
Global Capability Centers have evolved from cost-effective outsourcing hubs to strategic digital innovation centers for multinational corporations. HCLTech’s decision to appoint Cherukuri aligns with this transformation, as the company seeks to strengthen its position in this rapidly growing segment. Rahul Singh, Chief Operating Officer—Corporate Functions at HCLTech, stated, "GCCs have evolved into centers of strategic digital innovation for global enterprises. HCLTech plans to double down on this fast-growing segment with a sharp focus on India."
The GCC market in India is experiencing significant growth. According to a report by Nasscom and Zinnov, the Indian GCC market is projected to increase from $64.6 billion in fiscal year 2024 to between $99 billion and $105 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by multinational companies establishing or expanding their presence in India to leverage the country’s vast and skilled talent pool. (reuters.com)
Cherukuri’s Return and Vision
Kiran Cherukuri brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Holding a degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, he has held leadership positions across established firms and entrepreneurial ventures. During his previous 14-year tenure at HCLTech, Cherukuri played key roles in Digital Foundation Services, Engineering and R&D, Industry Solutions, and Talent Solutions.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Cherukuri said, "I am excited to be part of HCLTech once again and contribute to the growth strategy for this segment. GCCs are poised to deliver higher value through the transformation of technology and skills."
Industry-Wide Emphasis on GCCs
HCLTech’s focus on GCCs reflects a broader industry trend. Other major IT services companies, including Infosys, Cognizant, Wipro, Capgemini, and Accenture, have established dedicated GCC practices. For instance, Infosys recently appointed Deval Shah to lead its GCC division, highlighting the strategic importance of this segment.
The shift towards insourcing through GCCs is gaining momentum as companies seek more control and efficiency in their digital transformation efforts. This trend is evident in the increasing number of GCCs in India, which have grown from over 1,700 to an expected 2,100-2,200 by 2030, employing about 2.5 million to 2.8 million individuals. (reuters.com)
Implications for the Indian IT Landscape
The expansion of GCCs in India has significant implications for the country’s IT industry. States like Karnataka are actively promoting this growth. Karnataka aims to double the number of GCCs to 1,000 and create 350,000 new jobs by 2029, offering incentives such as rent reimbursements and patent fee waivers to attract companies. (reuters.com)
Companies like Zeiss and Delta Electronics are also investing heavily in India. Zeiss has opened a tech-focused center in Bengaluru and plans to double its workforce in three years. Similarly, Delta Electronics aims to nearly double its Indian workforce within the next five years, aligning with the broader trend of international firms establishing GCCs in India. (reuters.com, reuters.com)
Conclusion
HCLTech’s appointment of Kiran Cherukuri as Global GCC Practice Leader signifies a strategic move to capitalize on the growing GCC market in India. With his extensive experience and the company’s commitment to innovation, HCLTech is well-positioned to support global enterprises in establishing and scaling their offshore delivery centers in India. This development reflects the broader industry trend of leveraging India’s talent pool to drive digital transformation and innovation.
