Persistent Systems Enhances Private Equity Strategy with New Global Head Appointment

Persistent Systems, a leading player in digital engineering and enterprise modernization, has announced a pivotal leadership change by naming Hari S. Abhyankar as its Executive Vice President and Global Head of Private Equity and Professional Services. This strategic appointment underscores the company’s ambition to strengthen its foothold in the private equity sector, particularly as firms increasingly leverage artificial intelligence to transform their portfolios.

In an environment where private equity firms are pressuring for faster value creation, the demand for execution partners capable of delivering quick results has surged. Persistent Systems is poised to meet this need by integrating its engineering expertise with robust AI capabilities, aiming to assist investors and their portfolio companies throughout the entire investment lifecycle—from due diligence to value realization.

Role of Hari S. Abhyankar

In his new role, Abhyankar will spearhead the global strategy and growth initiatives for Persistent among private equity investors and their portfolio firms. He will work closely with clients to accelerate revenue growth, facilitate platform modernization, and drive the swift execution of transformation priorities across entire portfolios. The ultimate goal is to enhance EBITDA by improving operational efficiency and overall value creation.

Abhyankar comes equipped with over 25 years of diverse experience at the intersection of strategy, technology, and business transformation. Previously a partner at McKinsey & Company, he advised leading technology firms and global corporations on matters such as corporate strategy, large-scale transformations, and revenue enhancement initiatives. Following his tenure at McKinsey, he engaged with AI-focused startups to drive the scaling of technology-driven innovations and next-generation business models. Moreover, he has held leadership positions at the Interpublic Group and Digitas, where he developed analytics, digital strategy, and data-driven marketing departments catering to global technology and enterprise clients. Abhyankar holds a PhD in Operations Management from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Statements from Leadership

Sandeep Kalra, the Chairman and CEO of Persistent Systems, remarked on the significance of private equity for the company's growth trajectory. "Private equity serves as a strategic growth engine for Persistent. As investors demand quicker value creation in their portfolios, our ability to rapidly transition from strategy to execution becomes crucial. This is where Persistent distinguishes itself—by combining profound technical knowledge, AI-powered platforms, and the discipline necessary for implementation to yield measurable results, including growth acceleration, enhanced operating margins, and preparedness for exits. Hari’s background enhances our capability to deepen our collaboration with private equity firms and achieve sustainable performance in their portfolios."

Responding to his appointment, Abhyankar noted that private equity firms operate in an environment where value creation must be quicker, more predictable, and technologically oriented than ever before. "This necessitates a fundamentally different approach that integrates strategy and execution while scaling outcomes across the entire portfolio. Persistent's technology-driven DNA coupled with its focus on AI-enabled transformation places the company in a robust position to meet this demand. I look forward to collaborating with our clients and partners to enhance portfolio performance and achieve measurable business outcomes."

About Persistent Systems

Persistent Systems, recognized on the BSE (533179) and NSE (PERSISTENT), is a global services and solutions company delivering AI-enabled, platform-driven digital engineering and enterprise modernization solutions across various industries. With a workforce of over 26,500 employees in 18 countries, Persistent is committed to innovation and customer success. Their wide-ranging service offerings include software and product development, data and analytics, customer experience transformation, cloud computing, and intelligent automation. A proud member of the MSCI India Index, Persistent has also achieved CO2 neutrality, emphasizing its dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices.

Recently, Persistent was recognized by Newsweek and Plant A Insights Group as one of 'America's Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion & Diversity 2025'. As a participant in the UN Global Compact, the company is committed to aligning its strategies and operations with universal principles in human rights, labor standards, environmental sustainability, and anti-corruption, making significant contributions toward societal goals. The company has demonstrated remarkable growth, with its brand value increasing by 468% since 2020, marking it as the fastest-growing IT services brand according to the Brand Finance India 100 report for 2025.