**C Vijayakumar Secures Five-Year Extension as HCL Technologies CEO**
C Vijayakumar, one of the longest-serving CEOs in the Indian IT sector, is set to continue his leadership at HCL Technologies for another five years. The Noida-based company’s board approved his reappointment, effective from September 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030, pending shareholder approval.
At 57, Vijayakumar is a seasoned veteran of HCLTech, having dedicated nearly three decades to the organization. He first took on the role of CEO in October 2016 and was granted a second term in July 2021, along with the title of managing director after Shiv Nadar stepped down as chief strategy officer.
Among IT company leaders, Vijayakumar’s tenure is second only to Srikrishna Ramakarthikeyan of Hexaware Technologies, who has been in his role since August 2014. Vijayakumar is the longest-serving CEO among India’s top five IT firms, followed by Salil Parekh of Infosys, who has held his position since January 2018. In contrast, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro Ltd, and Tech Mahindra have seen leadership changes in the past two and a half years.
Under Vijayakumar’s leadership, HCLTech surpassed Wipro to become the third-largest IT outsourcer in India in July 2018, a position it has maintained. He is also the highest-paid CEO in the Indian IT sector, earning ₹84.16 crore as of March 2024, although his current salary remains undisclosed pending the release of HCLTech’s annual report for FY25.
His extension is largely attributed to HCLTech’s strong performance compared to its competitors. From April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2025, the company achieved a compound annual growth rate of 8.94%, the highest among the leading IT firms. Under his guidance, HCLTech generated an additional $9.3 billion in revenue from October 1, 2016, to June 30, 2025, nearly equivalent to Wipro’s total revenue.
In August 2023, HCLTech secured its largest contract under Vijayakumar, a six-year deal with Verizon Communications valued at $2.1 billion. The company has also focused on software products, distinguishing itself by acquiring and licensing intellectual property to develop and sell software solutions.
HCLTech’s rapid growth over the past two years, even amid economic uncertainties affecting the $283 billion IT industry, has further solidified confidence in Vijayakumar’s leadership. The company reported $13.8 billion in revenue for the last fiscal year, marking a 4.3% increase.
Despite facing challenges, such as improving operating margins, Vijayakumar’s strategic direction has positioned HCLTech favorably in a competitive landscape.
**FAQ**
**What is the significance of C Vijayakumar’s reappointment as CEO of HCL Technologies?**
C Vijayakumar’s reappointment signifies continued stability and strategic leadership at HCL Technologies, reflecting the company’s strong performance and growth in the competitive IT sector.
