Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have become vital pillars of India’s corporate landscape, functioning as specialized hubs for multinational companies to harness global talent and resources. These centers, primarily focusing on operational support, have significantly impacted India’s economy by generating employment, fostering innovation, and driving technology adoption across various sectors.
Also Read: State of Global Capability Centers in India 2024
The leaders heading these GCCs play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of their centers, ensuring alignment with global objectives while adapting to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Indian market. Their leadership not only influences the performance of these centers but also sets the tone for the broader adoption of cutting-edge technologies and best practices within the country. This listicle celebrates these influential leaders who are steering their organizations toward greater efficiency, innovation, and success.
Download: The Comprehensive List of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India – 2023 Edition
(Listed in alphabetical order by company name)
Amit Talwar
Country Director / India Leader at AGCO
Amit Talwar is the India Leader for AGCO Corporation, overseeing the Digital Capability Center in Bangalore and the newly opened AGCO India Capability Center in Pune. His primary responsibility is to support business objectives in India by enhancing critical capabilities in IT, Precision Ag, Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Supply Management. These centers are crucial in delivering innovative farmer-focused solutions globally. AGCO India has been certified as a “Great Place to Work” in India. Mr. Talwar, recognized as a thought leader, frequently shares his expertise on talent, innovation, and capability development. Before AGCO, he managed John Deere’s IT Global Capability Center for 15 years. With over 28 years of experience, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Pune Institute of Computer Technology and a postgraduate diploma in Business Management from NMIMS, Mumbai.
Tanay Kediyal
Managing Director and Vice President at Allstate
Tanay’s career is marked by over 25 years of global leadership experience across multiple geographies and domains. As the Managing Director at Allstate India, he oversees Technology and Operations delivery, leading an organization of over 8,000 employees. His strategic leadership has driven teams in technology and financial services to achieve excellence in quality and innovation. After joining Allstate India as COO in 2021, Tanay led Operations before becoming Managing Director in January 2024. He focuses on aligning the organization with Allstate’s strategic vision, fostering innovation, and championing a transformative culture. Tanay is deeply involved in CSR initiatives, including sustainable rainwater harvesting and empowering underserved women and children, reflecting his commitment to social impact. He also leads diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, inspiring those around him. Previously, Tanay held key leadership roles at Wells Fargo, ANZ India, Cambridge Technology Partners, Tata Consultancy Services, and Larsen & Toubro. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering, a PGDBA, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Madhurima Khandelwal
Managing Director for the Credit & Fraud Risk(CFR) India Center of Excellence(CoE) at American Express
As the Managing Director for the Credit & Fraud Risk (CFR) India Center of Excellence (CoE) since September 2023, Madhurima leads a team of 1,700 talented colleagues who bring diverse skills and perspectives. This analytical powerhouse develops cutting-edge solutions for American Express’s global business, delivering world-class customer experiences daily. Under Madhurima’s visionary leadership, the CoE invests in talent strategies that attract, develop, and retain future leaders. With over 18 years at American Express, Madhurima has held various product strategy and analytics roles, including Head of AI Labs, where her team significantly enhanced the company’s Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence capabilities. Her leadership, characterized by a forward-thinking mindset, inclusion, and empathy, fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Mosur Saisekar
Chief Country Executive at Carelon Global Solutions
Mosur Saisekar (Sai) is the Chief Country Executive for Carelon Global Solutions in India. Under his visionary leadership, the team has expanded to over 18,000 associates across offices in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurugram. His strategic direction has enhanced talent expertise in emerging technologies, fostered a culture of innovation and automation, and maximized value for global stakeholders. With a career spanning over 30 years, Sai brings extensive experience in scaling large organizations, building strong operational processes, leveraging innovative technologies, and developing talented teams. Before Carelon, Sai served as CEO of Northern Trust Corporation in India and held leadership roles at State Street Global Advisors, Spectrum Fund Global Administration, and IBM Global Services.
Kamal Sharma
Global Digital Hubs Leader at Carrier
Kamal Sharma is a trailblazer in global capability centers, innovation, and deep tech, consistently pioneering groundbreaking transformations. Renowned for delivering exceptional digital advancements, Kamal’s leadership has significantly impacted the industry. With over two decades of experience, he contributes to Carrier’s ambitious global digital transformation goals by creating an innovative operating model called Connected Hubs, enhancing digital capability centers in India, China, and Mexico. Kamal’s leadership goes beyond strategy, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, enabling a diverse team to drive groundbreaking innovation. His dedication to building a collaborative and dynamic workplace reflects his commitment to inspiring those around him and instilling a profound passion for technology and innovation.
Maneesh Sehagal
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at DBS Tech India
A seasoned technology leader with over 25 years of experience, Maneesh Sehagal leads DBS Tech India (DTI) as Managing Director and CEO. His 13-year journey at DBS reflects a deep alignment with the bank’s vision and strategic goals. Maneesh excels in building high-performing teams, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and managing complex stakeholder relationships. His leadership is purpose-driven, customer-focused, and emphasizes risk and control culture. As CEO of DBS Tech India, Maneesh oversees the bank’s first technology development center outside Singapore, a hub of over 4,000 developers and technologists. Under his leadership, DTI is crucial in delivering next-generation technology and software-enabled business platforms for DBS’s global operations. His expertise in crafting innovative technology strategies and leading global teams positions him as a key contributor to DBS’s digital transformation efforts.
George Inasu
Managing Director and Country Head at Fidelity
George Inasu is the Managing Director and Country Head at Fidelity National Financial India (FNF India), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial Inc. He also serves on the Board of Directors for FNF India and Commerce Velocity India. In his role, George oversees FNF India’s Global Operations, successfully expanding the organization from 150 to 5,000 employees across multiple geographies. With nearly two decades at FNF, he has held various leadership roles in Operations, Projects, Strategy, and Business Transformation in both the US and India. Since returning to India in 2015, George has focused on transforming FNF India through Generative AI and Automation and fostering a people-first culture, resulting in a 19% improvement in Great Place to Work scores. Previously, he held leadership positions at Hewlett Packard and Ocwen. George is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, with a Post-Graduation in Financial Management and is a certified Six Sigma professional.
Aneelkumar Savalagi
Head, Global Leader – IT Engineering & Operations at Giant Eagle
Aneelkumar Savalagi is a technology leader with over 18 years of experience in IT functions, having successfully led numerous enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives to achieve operational excellence and drive value. He leverages technology to meet corporate needs, grow revenue, and expand profit margins. Currently, he heads the IT Technology Digital Infrastructure, Platform Engineering, and Operations functions for Giant Eagle GCC (Global Capability Center) in India. In this role, he synchronizes IT and business cultures, aligning technology with business strategy and goals. Aneelkumar has been recognized with the CIO 100 Game Changer Award, Aspiring CXO Award, and Technology Excellence Award. He is also a member of the CIO Association of India, Bangalore Chapter.
Saurabh Saxena
Site Leader & Senior Vice President at Intuit
Saurabh Saxena is the Site Leader for Intuit India and Senior Vice President of Product Development for the Go-To-Market Technology team. With over 16 years at Intuit, Saurabh has progressed from a staff software engineer to leading a team of over 1,800 employees. His team focuses on end-to-end product development, technology, and engineering innovation to address customers’ most critical financial issues. Under his leadership, Intuit India has become a strategic growth hub, consistently ranking among the best companies to work for and recently recognized as the top firm for data scientists in India. Saurabh has been honored as one of India’s Most Trusted Leaders and a Visionary Leader in AI.
Kaushik Das
Managing Director at JCPenney
Kaushik is a versatile Senior Executive with over 24 years of global experience in transformation, strategy, operations, customer experience, and enterprise program management across Retail, Fintech, Financial Services, and Consulting. He has worked across multiple geographies, specializing in building, scaling, and transforming complex capabilities and work streams. At JCPenney India, Kaushik drives innovation and transformation, leading a talented team to enhance and modernize capabilities, making fashion more accessible and rewarding for diverse families. His past roles include senior leadership positions at Giant Eagle GCC, Kabbage, and Target, with early experiences at IBM and GE. Kaushik holds a Master’s in Genetics & Molecular Biology from Presidency College Kolkata.
Nayeema Kouser
Director- GBS, Global Capabilities Center at Kraft Heinz
Nayeema leads Kraft Heinz India GCC with a vision to drive sustainable growth, transform organizational culture, and enhance process discipline and innovation. With extensive experience managing large, diverse teams across Boston, London, Switzerland, and India, her leadership mantra is ‘Innovation and Empowerment.’ She has held pivotal roles in IT services, reinsurance, banking, and FMCG, focusing on aligning organizational strategy with business objectives and optimizing resources to meet current and future demands. With over two decades of leadership experience, Nayeema believes in creating an environment where individuals embrace change and take ownership of their work. Her goal is to build a resilient and agile organization that adapts to market dynamics and sets new industry standards. She emphasizes nurturing talent, fostering inclusivity, and maintaining a commitment to excellence for long-term success.
Sirisha Voruganti
CEO & Managing Director at Lloyd’s
Sirisha Voruganti brings over 31 years of global executive experience in research labs, product engineering, strategy, mergers and acquisitions, business development, and consulting across both public and private sectors. As the CEO and MD of Lloyds Technology Centre in India, she leads the fastest-growing Global Capability Center for Lloyds Bank, rapidly expanding the team to over 1,000 engineers in less than six months from inception. Previously, she was the Managing Director of JP Morgan Chase Technology Center in India, overseeing Architecture, Data, and Digital for the Consumer Bank, and was the first woman MD at JP Morgan Chase in India. She also served as Executive Vice President of Architecture, Data, and Technology Services for Mastercard globally, being the first Group Executive Leader in Technology for Mastercard outside the U.S. At Mastercard India, she helped the company win numerous innovation awards. Sirisha’s career began in Defence labs working on missiles and aircraft. She holds a Master’s in Microwave and Radar Engineering, patents in cloud-based systems, and completed an Executive Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Ankur Mittal
SVP Technology and Managing Director at Lowe’s India
With over two decades of experience as a technology and business leader, Ankur Mittal is a prominent figure in India’s evolving GCC landscape. He is pivotal in steering Lowe’s India towards building impactful business capabilities and growth engines for Lowe’s Inc. Since joining in 2019, Ankur has transformed the India GCC into a hub of global, omnichannel retail innovation. He advocates for “human leadership,” and Lowe’s numerous recognitions as one of the best and most inclusive workplaces in India reflect his ethos. Ankur’s educational background in engineering and management provides him with a balanced perspective on effective technology and business strategies.
Manu Saale
Managing Director & CEO at Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India
As the Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), Manu leads the largest R&D center for Mercedes-Benz Group AG outside Germany. With nearly three decades in automobile innovation and engineering, Manu has held various leadership roles, driving organizational transformation through complex business challenges. He focuses on digital engineering, passenger safety, and sustainable mobility, leading a team of over 8,500 engineers. Under his leadership, MBRDI has evolved from a cost-focused unit to a strategic partner for the group, noted for its skilled workforce and impactful innovations. Gender diversity at MBRDI has reached 30%, and the center now excels in digital mechanical engineering and software development. Manu has fostered innovation, leading to over 450 patents in 2023 and numerous industry awards, including ‘ER&D Organization of the Year’ by NASSCOM and ‘Top Innovative Company’ by CII. Manu holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication from the University of Mysore, India.
Anuprita Bhattacharya
Head of Merck IT Center (MITC), IT Country Head at Merck
Anuprita Bhattacharya is a seasoned IT leader serving as the Head of Merck IT Centre India and IT Country Head India. With an impressive track record in digital transformation and operational excellence, Anuprita has significantly contributed to the growth of Merck’s IT Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India. Her strong background in technology and strategic management has driven remarkable success. A staunch advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), Anuprita has championed initiatives to promote a diverse and inclusive work environment, focusing on creating leadership opportunities for women and driving gender balance. Her leadership extends to strategic partnerships with organizations such as NASSCOM and the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, supporting technological innovation, job creation, and community development. With over 18 years of experience at companies like General Motors and Beckman Coulter, Anuprita’s data-driven approach and strategic insight make her an invaluable asset to Merck.
Ramya Parashar
Chief Operating Officer at MiQ Digital
Ramya Parashar is the Chief Operating Officer for CoE at MiQ, holding a degree in Electronics and certifications as a Digital Business Strategist and Organizational Performance Expert from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB). With over 13 years of experience in executive-level operations and leadership, she excels in driving operational and cultural transformations, maximizing savings, and formulating data and analytics strategies. Her previous roles include Head of Technology and Operations at JCPenney, Director of Business Applications at FireEye, and Leader of Infrastructure Application Support & Operations at Monsanto. At MiQ, Ramya leads operations for the Bangalore CoE, focusing on vision, strategy, and people-first initiatives, contributing to customer retention, revenue growth, and high-performing team development. An Executive Board member at MiQ, she has received numerous accolades, including Top Best Women COO-2022 and Leader 2.0 – 40 under 40, for her outstanding achievements and impact.
Uma Ratnam Krishnan
Managing Director at Optum
Uma Ratnam Krishnan is the Managing Director of Optum India, a global capability center of UnitedHealth Group, a Fortune 5 company. She oversees strategy, execution, delivery, and governance, partnering closely with clients and global teams to drive distinctive value across all business functions. Uma brings extensive experience from senior leadership roles in diverse global settings, including her tenure as CEO & MD of Barclays Global Services. Her career began with the Indian Foreign Service, and she has held senior positions at Natwest, ANZ Grindlays Bank, HDFC Bank, and Polaris Software. Uma has served as an independent director and mentored startups, holding an MBA from IIM Bangalore, and completing leadership programs at Harvard Business School and Wharton.
Murali Krishna K
Chief Global Officer & Country Head at Providence
Murali Krishna leads Providence’s healthcare global innovation center in Hyderabad, India, where he builds information services, products, and solutions to advance Providence’s vision of health for a better world. Under his leadership, Providence India accelerates digital transformation in healthcare, enhancing patient and clinician experiences, and delivering digitally driven outcomes. With over 25 years of experience in engineering and business, Murali has held executive roles at Microsoft and GE, leading digital and business transformations and technology integration. He played a key role in establishing GE’s IT operations in India. A passionate advocate for community improvement, Murali prioritizes gender diversity and mental health in the workplace, having been a D&I champion at Microsoft and GE. His accolades include the Leadership Award for IT Excellence and the President’s Award for Community Service. He holds an MBA, is an engineer, and a Six Sigma Black Belt.
Debashis Neogi
Managing Director at Renault Nissan
Debashis Neogi holds a master’s degree in Management Science and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Starting his career in 1988, he has worked with leading automotive companies in India, including Bajaj Auto, Case New Holland Tractors, Tata Cummins, and General Motors. He joined the Renault Nissan Tech Center in 2008, taking on roles in Powertrain Engineering, Embedded Software, CAE simulations, Testing, and Project Management. Debashis spent four years in Europe at the Renault Technical Centre in Romania, leading Powertrain Engineering from 2017 to 2021. With over 35 years of experience in the automotive industry, he has played a key role in numerous car launches for both local and international markets. Currently, Debashis serves as the Managing Director of the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India, one of the largest next-gen Auto Tech OEM centers in the country, with a workforce of over 10,000 and offices in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
Pankaj Vyas
CEO & Managing Director at Siemens Technology and Services
Pankaj is a transformational technology business leader with over 25 years of experience in innovation, engineering, product management, and business development. He has built and led businesses across data communication, wireless technologies, IoT platforms, cloud, and mobile applications. As CEO & MD of Siemens Technology and Services, Pankaj oversees an organization of over 10,000 employees, developing digital solutions in Digital Industries, Smart Infrastructures, Mobility, Smart Energy, and connected devices. Previously, he held senior management roles at Cisco, Intel, and GE Healthcare and co-founded GainSpan, which was acquired by Telit Communications. With 32 granted U.S. patents, Pankaj is dedicated to innovative solutions and building entrepreneurial teams, which he views as essential for advancing technology businesses of the future.
Amit Kalra
Managing Director & Head at Swiss Re
As Managing Director at Swiss Re, Amit Kalra brings over 20 years of global leadership and financial expertise. He heads Swiss Re’s Global Business Solutions division, overseeing global procurement, digital services, partner enablement, and capability hubs in India and Slovakia. Amit’s diverse experience includes executive leadership, business transformation, and innovation. He leads Swiss Re’s India hub, a team of over 2,200 professionals across the re/insurance value chain, enhancing market competitiveness through core business and technology excellence. Since joining Swiss Re in 2007, he has held roles such as Head of Economic Research and Consulting India, and led the InsurTech Accelerator initiative. Amit has published global studies on emerging market trends and serves on several boards, including NASSCOM and the Institute of Insurance and Risk Management. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, a Master’s in Business Economics from the University of Delhi, and is a CPCU.
Andrea Zimmerman
SVP & President at Target
Andrea Zimmerman is the President of Target’s Bengaluru operations, overseeing an extensive team of over 4,000 across technology, e-commerce, marketing, HR, finance, and data science. Target, a leading U.S. discount retailer with more than $100 billion in sales, operates nearly 1,900 stores and Target.com. Andrea has been with Target since 2007, holding various roles in HR across the U.S. and India. She has led significant structural and operational changes, building global HR teams to align with business strategies. Most recently, as VP HR Operations & Strategy, she managed end-to-end HR operations and the company’s response to COVID-19. Andrea holds an MBA from Carlson School of Management, an MA from Claremont School of Theology, and a BA from Hiram College.
Vijayaraman J. Subramanian
Vice President & Managing Director at Verizon
Vijayaraman J. Subramanian (Vijay) is the Vice President & Managing Director for Verizon India, a major Global Capability Center (GCC) in the country. Vijay leads the transformation of Verizon India into a strategic center and innovation hub. He is also a member of Verizon India’s CSR Committee. Since its inception in 2001, Verizon India has been integral in advancing 5G and focusing on emerging technologies, design, customer experience, cybersecurity, and global services. A passionate leader, Vijay emphasizes empowerment, customer-focused innovation, and building high-performance, diverse teams. His initiatives include talent transformation, intrapreneurship, and partnerships with start-ups and academia. Vijay holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Applications from Bharathidasan University and two patents. Recognized in 2023 by Analytics India magazine as one of the top 25 GCC Heads and as one of India’s Most Trusted Leaders in 2024 by Great Places to Work, Vijay also enjoys reading and playing badminton and cricket.
Balu Chaturvedula
SVP & Country Head at Walmart
As the Senior Vice President (SVP) & Country Head, Balu leads Walmart Global Tech’s vision in India, driving a culture of innovation and delivering exceptional experiences for Walmart’s customers, members, and associates. He oversees the development and deployment of scalable capabilities and systems across the enterprise. Balu’s hands-on approach and future-oriented vision have been crucial in fostering high-performance teams. With nearly three decades in the industry, he has aligned technology with business goals and led teams to consistently deliver impressive results. Since joining Walmart in 2015, Balu has been instrumental in developing fulfillment technology that enhances customer order experiences and reduces costs. Prior to Walmart, he worked with HP, Yahoo!, and Motorola, creating impactful systems and platforms. He was also a founding member of Confluent Software. Balu holds an engineering degree from the University of Madras and an executive management degree from UC Berkeley.
Uday Odedra
Country Head India and Philippines at Wells Fargo
Uday Odedra leads Wells Fargo’s operations in India and the Philippines, driving the execution of the company’s regional strategy through efficient capabilities and a culture of innovation and transformation. With over 25 years in global financial services, Uday brings extensive experience from UBS AG, where he served in multiple leadership roles, including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of India and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Asia. At UBS, he was pivotal in expanding the company’s footprint in India, fostering collaboration across technology, operations, and business. He also managed large global teams within UBS Investment Banking, UBS Services, and UBS philanthropy. Before UBS, Uday worked at Morgan Grenfell Asset Management and Electronic Data Systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computing information systems from Birmingham City University in the U.K. Uday is based in Bangalore.
Download: The Comprehensive List of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India