**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 has dedicated nearly three decades to HCLTech, first taking the helm in October 2016 and receiving a second term in July 2021, along with the role of managing director.
Among IT company leaders, Vijayakumar’s tenure is second only to Srikrishna Ramakarthikeyan of Hexaware Technologies, who has been in his position since August 2014. Vijayakumar is the longest-serving CEO among India’s top five IT firms, followed by Salil Parekh of Infosys, who has been in charge since January 2018. In contrast, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, 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 2016 to June 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 worth $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 confidence in Vijayakumar is bolstered by its rapid growth over the past two years, even amid economic uncertainties affecting the $283 billion IT industry. 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 leadership has positioned HCLTech as a formidable player in the IT landscape.
**FAQ**
*What is the significance of C Vijayakumar’s reappointment as CEO of HCL Technologies?*
C Vijayakumar’s reappointment signifies HCL Technologies’ commitment to maintaining strong leadership and continuity, especially as the company has outperformed its peers in growth and revenue generation in recent years.
