Avanade appoints former Cognizant leader Achal Kataria as India CEO

Avanade India has appointed Achal Kataria as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect, strengthening its leadership team as it seeks to accelerate growth in one of its most important markets.

Kataria joins the Microsoft and Accenture-backed technology services company from Cognizant, where he led the company's India business and was responsible for growth, strategic client relationships and market expansion. The appointment comes as enterprises across India increase investments in cloud technologies and artificial intelligence, creating new opportunities for technology consulting and transformation providers.

Veteran executive takes charge of India operations

With more than three decades of experience in technology services and business transformation, Kataria will oversee Avanade's business strategy and operations in India.

According to the company, his mandate includes expanding Avanade's market presence and helping clients convert digital and AI investments into measurable business outcomes.

His professional experience spans technology services, enterprise transformation, commercial leadership and global operations across multiple industries.

Key highlights of Kataria's career include:

• More than 30 years of leadership experience across the technology sector.
• Most recently served as the head of Cognizant's India business.
• Held senior leadership positions at EXL, Tech Mahindra, Genpact and Hughes Software Systems.
• Worked across sectors including banking, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunications and life sciences.

AI and cloud opportunities drive leadership transition

Commenting on his appointment, Kataria said India is entering a significant phase of technology-led transformation.

He noted that organisations across the country are adopting digital technologies at speed and said Avanade is well positioned to help businesses translate AI and cloud investments into tangible business impact.

Kataria added that he looks forward to leading the company's next stage of growth while creating value for clients, partners and employees.

The leadership change reflects the growing importance of India in the global technology services landscape, particularly as enterprises move beyond AI experimentation towards large-scale deployment and business integration.

Company doubles down on India growth ambitions

Bhavya Kapoor, President, APAC and Global SMEC & Catalyst Solutions at Avanade, described India as a strategic growth market for the company.

Kapoor said Kataria's experience in leadership, customer engagement and operational management would help Avanade scale its business and deepen client impact across the country.

She added that the appointment underscores Avanade's commitment to investing in local leadership and building long-term value for organisations operating in India.