Persistent Systems Appoints Hari S. Abhyankar as EVP of Private Equity and Professional Services

Persistent Systems Appoints Hari S. Abhyankar as Executive Vice President

Persistent Systems, a renowned leader in Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization with a strong presence in both India and the global market, has officially named Hari S. Abhyankar as their new Executive Vice President and Global Head of Private Equity and Professional Services as of March 20, 2026. This strategic appointment aligns with the company's intensified focus on accelerating AI-led transformation in the realm of private equity.

The Role of Private Equity in Today’s Business Landscape

Given the rapidly evolving business landscape, private equity firms are under increasing pressure to expedite value creation within their portfolios. In a time when investors are advocating for accelerated returns, Persistent Systems is scaling its strategy to meet these demands efficiently and effectively. The necessity for execution partners that can deliver results quickly and reliably has never been more crucial.

The recent trend among private equity firms shows a shift towards prioritization of technology-driven solutions that not only streamline operations but also optimize profitability. By integrating engineering capabilities with AI expertise, Persistent aims to provide comprehensive support from the initial due diligence phase right through to the final realization of value from investments.

Leadership Experience and Vision

Hari S. Abhyankar comes with a wealth of experience, totaling over 25 years in business transformation at the intersection of technology and strategy. Prior to his current role, he served as Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he advised leading tech enterprises and global firms on corporate strategy, large-scale transformations, and revenue acceleration initiatives.

Following his successful tenure at McKinsey, Abhyankar ventured into the startup space focusing on AI-driven innovations and next-generation operating models. His impressive credentials also include holding leadership positions at notable organizations such as Interpublic Group and Digitas, where he spearheaded analytics and data-driven marketing efforts for tech giants and enterprises alike. Notably, he holds a PhD in Operations Management from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management.

In his new position, Abhyankar’s mission is clear: to guide Persistent's global growth strategy concerning private equity and professional services. His expertise will aid in enhancing revenue growth, modernization of platforms, and expediting transformation across various portfolios. Additionally, his leadership is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and drive value creation for clients.

Insights from Leadership

Sandeep Kalra, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Persistent, underscored the strategic significance of private equity as a growth engine for the company. He expressed optimism about Abhyankar's capabilities in enhancing Persistent’s partnerships with private equity firms, promoting sustained performance across their holdings, and effectively bridging the gap between strategy formulation and execution.

Abhyankar also shared his vision for the upcoming transformations within the sector. He highlighted that private equity firms must adopt a fundamentally different approach to value creation, one that maximally leverages technology and integrates strategy with execution. His insights predict a landscape that will be increasingly reliant on technology and innovative solutions to ensure predictable and faster value generation.

About Persistent Systems

Founded on principles of innovation and client success, Persistent Systems is a global services company that provides AI-led, platform-driven Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization solutions across various industries. The company employs over 26,500 staff and operates in 18 countries, offering a rich portfolio of services including software engineering, data analytics, CX transformation, and cloud computing.

Persistent is proud of its commitment to sustainability, having achieved carbon neutrality and being recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion and Diversity by Newsweek. With significant growth in brand value since 2020, Persistent is positioned as the fastest-growing IT services brand, reflecting its dedication to advancing technology solutions and fostering fruitful partnerships in private equity and beyond.