In a recent developmentTata Consultancy Services (TCS) has named Sudeep Kunnumal as its next Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

TCS Appointed New CHRO

India’s largest IT services firm appears to have announced the appointment of Sudeep Kunnumal as chief human resources officer (CHRO), effective March 14.

Kunnumal has replaced Milind Lakkad who has stepped down upon his superannuation.

Lakkad who was on a two-year extension will be leaving in September after serving a transition period of six months.

Kunnumal is leading the human resources function of banking presently as financial services, and insurance (BFSI), the company’s biggest revenue generator.

He has been associated with TCS since 2000.

A Part Of A Broader Leadership Reshuffle

Interestingly, Kunnumal will be taking over at a time when hiring across the IT sector remains subdued owing to the slow demand and weak macroeconomic conditions.

The clients appear to be slow to ramp up projects and increase technology spending.

Besides this, automation of various entry-level jobs is also affecting the leading IT services companies to go slow on hiring.

By the end of December 31, 2024, TCS’ total headcount stood at 607,354.

The company’s headcount declined by 5,370 during the quarter.

Moving ahead the company added 5,762 people in Q2.

Kunnumal is a TCS veteran with nearly 25 years of experience and is set to succeed, said Milind Lakkad, who will be retiring after serving as CHRO since 2019.

Kunnumal has held key leadership roles across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific while heading the HR division for TCS’s Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) vertical.

He has extensive experience in managing human resource strategies across global markets.

It positions him well to lead the company’s workforce initiatives.

This appointment appears to be a part of a broader leadership reshuffle at TCS, following the recent changes in the CEO and COO positions.

According to the company,  Kunnumal’s deep expertise and familiarity with its corporate culture will drive innovation in HR practices and talent development.

With a strength of 600,000 employees, TCS navigates an evolving IT landscape and its leadership is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of its workforce.