Cognizant Appoints Rajesh Varrier As CMD & Global Head Of Operations

Cognizant has appointed Rajesh Varrier as its new Global Head of Operations, effective 2 September 2024. Varrier will assume the role of Chairman & Managing Director, India, starting 1 October 2024, as Rajesh Nambiar leaves the company to take up the position of President of NASSCOM.

Varrier, who will be based in Bangalore, will report directly to Ravi Kumar S, Cognizant's Chief Executive Officer.

"Rajesh Varrier is a respected, experienced executive whose operational rigor and entrepreneurial spirit align well with Cognizant. This role is a natural orchestration point for our India-based operations," said Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant.

Varrier’s new responsibilities will include overseeing operations, Delivery Excellence, workforce planning, and leading the India Leadership Council. He will also focus on expanding Cognizant's presence in India and executing the company’s growth plans.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Varrier said, "I’m thrilled to help accelerate Cognizant’s growth journey and look forward to working with the amazing team the company has in place in India and globally."

Rajesh Nambiar, who will be stepping down at the end of September, expressed his pride in the achievements of Cognizant India and his excitement about his new role at NASSCOM. "Cognizant will always have a special place in my heart. I am honored to contribute to the industry's transformation as the incoming President of NASSCOM," Nambiar stated.

Before joining Cognizant, Varrier held key positions at Infosys, including EVP, Head of Global Services, and Head of Infosys Americas. He has also served as the CIO and Digital Officer for Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance and founded the analytics firm Activecubes.