Rajesh Gopinathan

Rajesh Gopinathan, the former CEO and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is a seasoned leader who has left an indelible mark on India's IT services landscape.

His journey from the Chief Financial Officer to the helm of TCS is a testament to his exemplary leadership and vision.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1971, Rajesh Gopinathan's story is one of academic brilliance and determination. He completed his schooling at St. Mary’s Convent Inter College RDSO Manak Nagar in Lucknow, graduating in 1987.

He pursued a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Regional Engineering College, Tiruchirappalli, which is now the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli.

In 1996, he earned a post-graduate diploma in Management (PGDM, equivalent to an MBA) from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA).

Career Trajectory

Rajesh's professional journey began in 1996 when he joined the Tata Strategic Management Group, where he worked on strategic assignments with various Tata companies.

However, his career truly took off in 2001 when he joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in the United States to lead the company's newly established e-business unit.

He played a pivotal role in designing and implementing TCS' new organisational structure and operating model.

In 2013, Rajesh was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of TCS, where he demonstrated his financial acumen and strategic thinking. Under his astute leadership, TCS achieved remarkable financial growth and operational excellence.

His extraordinary contributions to the company culminated in his elevation to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in February 2017, making him one of the youngest CEOs in the Tata Group's history.

During his tenure, TCS continued its upward trajectory and became a $22 billion global IT powerhouse, with a workforce of over 469,000 associates.

Milestones and Achievements

Under Rajesh Gopinathan's visionary leadership, TCS reached remarkable milestones:

Market Capitalization: TCS crossed the significant threshold of USD 100 billion in market capitalisation in April 2018, solidifying its position as India's most valuable company.

Brand Value: TCS' brand value surged to USD 15 billion in 2021, ranking it among the top three most valuable brands in the global IT services sector, according to the Brand Finance 2021 report.

Continued Growth: Throughout Rajesh's tenure, TCS maintained its status as a Global Top Employer, with the highest retention rate in a competitive industry.

Resignation and Legacy

In a recent development, Rajesh Gopinathan resigned as the CEO of TCS, effective May 31st, 2023, marking the end of an era.

His successor, K. Krithivasan, the company's President and global head of the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) vertical, was named CEO-designate effective March 16, 2023.

Rajesh fondly recalled his journey at TCS as an absolute privilege and a period of tremendous growth and transformation for the company.

Awards and Recognitions

Rajesh Gopinathan's contributions have been celebrated with numerous awards and accolades, including:

• India's Best CEO in the category of Super large companies by Business Today (2021)

• Outstanding Business Leader of the Year - CNBC TV18 India Business Leader Awards (2020)

• Management Man of the Year - 40th Bombay Management Association Corporate Leadership and Academic Awards (2019)

• CEO Force for Good Award - Globe by CECP (2019)

• Best CEO (First Place) - Institutional Investor's 2018 All Asia Executive Team Rankings

His remarkable journey and transformative leadership have cemented Rajesh Gopinathan's legacy as a titan in India's IT industry, leaving behind a flourishing TCS that continues to thrive in the digital age.