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Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a titan in the Indian IT sector, has officially announced the appointment of Sudeep Kunnumal as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) designate, effective March 14th. This strategic move, disclosed through a regulatory filing on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), marks a significant transition in the company's leadership within its human resources domain. Kunnumal's appointment comes as Milind Lakkad, the current CHRO and executive vice president, prepares for retirement after an impressive tenure of nearly six years at the helm. Lakkad's departure concludes a remarkable 38-year career with TCS, a journey that began in 1987 as a trainee and saw him rise through the ranks, assuming various leadership roles, including the head of the Manufacturing Practice in 2006 and later leading the Manufacturing Business Group within just two years. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping TCS's human capital strategy and fostering a culture of innovation and growth.
The regulatory filing explicitly states that "Mr. Sudeep Kunnumal has been appointed as Chief Human Resources Officer Designate with effect from March 14, 2025 and would take over as Chief Human Resources Officer, upon superannuation of Mr. Milind Lakkad." This designated period allows for a smooth transition of responsibilities, ensuring continuity and minimizing any disruption to the company's HR operations. The BSE filing also provides a brief yet insightful profile of Sudeep Kunnumal, highlighting his extensive experience and significant contributions to TCS over the years. In his most recent role, Kunnumal has been leading the Human Resources function for the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) vertical, a critical sector for TCS. His association with the company dates back to 2000, demonstrating his long-standing commitment and deep understanding of TCS's culture and values. Before becoming CHRO designate, Kunnumal in 2006 assumed the crucial role of global head of HR for TCS’ critical BFSI vertical, showcasing his expertise in managing human capital within a highly demanding and regulated industry. This experience has undoubtedly equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the entire HR function at TCS.
Kunnumal's impressive career trajectory within TCS is a testament to his leadership abilities and his profound understanding of human resource management. With over 25 years of experience in the field, he has held several significant positions, including director of HR for Asia Pacific, head of talent acquisition in India, and head of HR for Europe. These roles have provided him with a global perspective on HR practices and have allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of the diverse challenges and opportunities that organizations face in managing their workforce across different regions. Before joining TCS, Kunnumal gained valuable experience as head of HR at Petro Araldite Pvt. Ltd. and as a senior personnel officer at Indo Matsushita Appliances Company Limited. These early experiences in different industries have broadened his understanding of HR principles and practices and have prepared him for the complex challenges of leading the HR function at a large multinational corporation like TCS. Kunnumal's educational background further complements his professional experience. He holds a Master of Social Work degree specializing in personnel management from Madurai Kamaraj University, providing him with a strong theoretical foundation in HR principles and practices. He also completed his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, with an emphasis on Science and Mathematics, demonstrating his analytical and problem-solving abilities.
The appointment of Sudeep Kunnumal as CHRO designate reflects TCS's commitment to nurturing talent from within the organization and promoting leaders who have a deep understanding of the company's culture and values. His extensive experience, proven leadership abilities, and global perspective make him an ideal candidate to lead the HR function at TCS and to drive the company's human capital strategy in the years to come. As TCS continues to grow and expand its global presence, Kunnumal's leadership will be crucial in attracting, developing, and retaining the talent necessary to maintain its competitive advantage. Kunnumal steps into his new role during a period of dynamic change and evolution in the IT industry. The nature of work is rapidly transforming, driven by technological advancements, globalization, and evolving employee expectations. Kunnumal's ability to adapt to these changes, embrace new technologies, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration will be essential for TCS's continued success. The IT industry is facing an ongoing talent war, with companies competing fiercely for skilled professionals in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Kunnumal's experience in talent acquisition and retention will be invaluable in helping TCS attract and retain top talent in these critical areas.
Furthermore, Kunnumal's deep understanding of the BFSI sector, a key vertical for TCS, will enable him to tailor HR strategies to the specific needs and challenges of this industry. The BFSI sector is facing increasing regulatory scrutiny and is undergoing rapid digital transformation, requiring a workforce with specialized skills and knowledge. Kunnumal's experience in managing human capital within this sector will be crucial in ensuring that TCS has the right talent in place to meet the evolving needs of its BFSI clients. As the new CHRO designate, Kunnumal will be responsible for a wide range of HR functions, including talent acquisition, learning and development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and diversity and inclusion. He will also play a key role in shaping TCS's overall culture and values, ensuring that the company remains an attractive and rewarding place to work. Kunnumal's appointment underscores TCS's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where all employees have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. The company has a long history of promoting diversity and inclusion, and Kunnumal's leadership in this area will be essential in ensuring that TCS continues to be a leader in this space.
The outgoing CHRO, Milind Lakkad, leaves behind a significant legacy. His 38-year career at TCS is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and expertise. Lakkad's contributions have been instrumental in shaping TCS's human capital strategy and fostering a culture of innovation and growth. During his tenure as CHRO, Lakkad oversaw significant investments in employee training and development, implemented innovative HR programs, and promoted a culture of diversity and inclusion. He also played a key role in navigating TCS through challenging times, such as the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Lakkad's leadership and guidance were invaluable during these periods, and he leaves TCS in a strong position to continue its success. His mentorship of numerous TCS employees, including Sudeep Kunnumal, speaks to his commitment to developing the next generation of leaders within the organization. The transition from Lakkad to Kunnumal represents a seamless handover of responsibilities, ensuring continuity and stability within the HR function. The designated period allows for a thorough transfer of knowledge and responsibilities, minimizing any disruption to TCS's operations.
The appointment of Sudeep Kunnumal as CHRO designate is a strategic move by TCS to ensure the continued success and growth of its human resources function. His extensive experience, proven leadership abilities, and deep understanding of TCS's culture and values make him an ideal candidate to lead the company's HR strategy in the years to come. As the IT industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, Kunnumal's leadership will be crucial in attracting, developing, and retaining the talent necessary to maintain TCS's competitive advantage. Kunnumal's responsibilities will extend beyond the traditional HR functions. He will be tasked with shaping the future of work at TCS, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of innovation in areas such as remote work, flexible work arrangements, and employee well-being. He will also be responsible for promoting a culture of continuous learning and development, ensuring that TCS employees have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world. The emphasis on upskilling and reskilling the workforce will be paramount, as new technologies and business models emerge, demanding new skillsets.
The strategic alignment of HR with TCS's overall business objectives will be a key focus for Kunnumal. He will work closely with other senior leaders to ensure that the HR function is effectively supporting the company's growth strategy and its efforts to expand into new markets. He will also be responsible for managing the HR implications of mergers and acquisitions, ensuring a smooth integration of new employees and cultures into TCS's workforce. In addition to his internal responsibilities, Kunnumal will also serve as a key ambassador for TCS to the external community, representing the company at industry events and engaging with stakeholders on issues related to human capital management. He will also play a role in shaping the public perception of TCS as an employer of choice, attracting top talent from around the world. The expectations placed on the new CHRO are significant, reflecting the critical role that human resources plays in the success of a large and complex organization like TCS. Sudeep Kunnumal's appointment signals TCS's confidence in his ability to meet these challenges and lead the company's HR function to new heights.
The global landscape of work is continuously shifting, demanding that HR leaders possess not only a deep understanding of traditional HR functions but also a keen awareness of emerging trends and technologies. The rise of artificial intelligence, automation, and the gig economy are all impacting the way companies manage their workforce. Kunnumal will need to navigate these complex challenges and ensure that TCS remains at the forefront of HR innovation. He will also need to address the growing importance of employee well-being, as companies recognize the link between employee health and productivity. Initiatives focused on mental health, stress management, and work-life balance will become increasingly important. Kunnumal will be responsible for developing and implementing programs that support employee well-being and foster a positive and supportive work environment. The increasing focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors is also impacting the HR function. Kunnumal will need to ensure that TCS's HR practices align with the company's ESG goals, promoting diversity and inclusion, ethical sourcing, and responsible environmental practices. As TCS continues to grow and expand its global presence, Kunnumal's leadership will be essential in navigating the complexities of managing a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce. He will need to foster a culture of collaboration and communication, ensuring that employees from different backgrounds and cultures feel valued and respected. The appointment of Sudeep Kunnumal marks a new chapter for TCS's human resources function, and his leadership will be critical in shaping the future of work at the company.
Source: Sudeep Kunnumal takes over as TCS' CHRO designate starting today; company announces in BSE filing