Persistent Appoints Hari S. Abhyankar as Executive Vice President, Enhancing Focus on AI-Driven Private Equity Services
In a strategic move to amplify its services in the private equity sector, Persistent Systems has appointed Hari S. Abhyankar as the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Private Equity and Professional Services. This decision reflects the rising importance of AI technology in enhancing value creation within private equity firms. As investors strive for quicker results, the need for effective execution partners has never been greater.
Based out of Santa Clara, California, and Pune, India, Persistent Systems has made a name for itself as a leader in digital engineering and enterprise modernization. With Abhyankar’s expertise, the organization aims to solidify its role in assisting private equity firms and their portfolio companies by delivering AI-driven solutions that facilitate faster, more efficient results.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time when private equity firms are under pressure to generate value in shorter time frames. Persistent is committed to leveraging its engineering capabilities and AI expertise to offer comprehensive support from initial diligence stages to the full realization of investment value.
In his new role, Abhyankar will oversee the development and implementation of global strategies aimed at expanding Persistent’s reach within the private equity space. He will collaborate closely with existing clients to foster revenue growth, modernize platforms, and accelerate the fruition of transformation goals. Additionally, he is charged with enhancing operational efficiency and value creation. His background includes over 25 years of experience in strategy, technology, and business transformation, making him well-suited for this challenge.
Previously a Partner at McKinsey & Company, Abhyankar has advised numerous leading technology firms on corporate strategy and transformation initiatives. His venture into the AI-driven startup ecosystem further emphasizes his commitment to innovation and performance enhancement. Relationships established during his tenure at renowned organizations such as Digitas and Interpublic Group are expected to further bolster Persistent’s client engagement strategies.
Sandeep Kalra, CEO of Persistent, highlighted the significance of private equity for the company’s growth strategy, stating that the firm’s capability to transition swiftly from planning to execution sets them apart in a competitive landscape. By aligning their engineering distinction with the potential of AI platforms, Persistent aims to not only enhance growth for private equity investments but also improve operating margins.
"The current landscape requires a departure from traditional methods of investment management; value creation must now be achievable, predictable, and deeply entwined with technology," stated Abhyankar. He emphasized the necessity for an integrated approach that synergizes strategic planning with realistic execution to optimize results across multiple investment portfolios.
Persistent Systems is known not only for its technical prowess but also for its dedication to sustainability and responsible business operations. Having achieved carbon neutrality, the company displays a commitment to environmentally conscious practices while actively participating in global initiatives aligned with sustainable development goals.
With an impressive growth of 468% in brand value since 2020, Persistent has rapidly climbed the ranks of IT services, earning a spot in the ‘Brand Finance India 100’ report for 2025. The firm’s accolades also include recognition by Newsweek as one of America’s greatest workplaces for inclusion and diversity.
As Persistent Systems embarks on this new chapter with Hari S. Abhyankar at the helm of its private equity and professional services division, the industry eagerly anticipates how his leadership will influence the company’s trajectory in harnessing AI for transformative results. Investors and portfolio companies alike can expect a robust approach characterized by an agile, responsive, and innovative mindset as they strive for top-tier performance in an increasingly tech-driven landscape.
Based out of Santa Clara, California, and Pune, India, Persistent Systems has made a name for itself as a leader in digital engineering and enterprise modernization. With Abhyankar’s expertise, the organization aims to solidify its role in assisting private equity firms and their portfolio companies by delivering AI-driven solutions that facilitate faster, more efficient results.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time when private equity firms are under pressure to generate value in shorter time frames. Persistent is committed to leveraging its engineering capabilities and AI expertise to offer comprehensive support from initial diligence stages to the full realization of investment value.
In his new role, Abhyankar will oversee the development and implementation of global strategies aimed at expanding Persistent’s reach within the private equity space. He will collaborate closely with existing clients to foster revenue growth, modernize platforms, and accelerate the fruition of transformation goals. Additionally, he is charged with enhancing operational efficiency and value creation. His background includes over 25 years of experience in strategy, technology, and business transformation, making him well-suited for this challenge.
Previously a Partner at McKinsey & Company, Abhyankar has advised numerous leading technology firms on corporate strategy and transformation initiatives. His venture into the AI-driven startup ecosystem further emphasizes his commitment to innovation and performance enhancement. Relationships established during his tenure at renowned organizations such as Digitas and Interpublic Group are expected to further bolster Persistent’s client engagement strategies.
Sandeep Kalra, CEO of Persistent, highlighted the significance of private equity for the company’s growth strategy, stating that the firm’s capability to transition swiftly from planning to execution sets them apart in a competitive landscape. By aligning their engineering distinction with the potential of AI platforms, Persistent aims to not only enhance growth for private equity investments but also improve operating margins.
"The current landscape requires a departure from traditional methods of investment management; value creation must now be achievable, predictable, and deeply entwined with technology," stated Abhyankar. He emphasized the necessity for an integrated approach that synergizes strategic planning with realistic execution to optimize results across multiple investment portfolios.
Persistent Systems is known not only for its technical prowess but also for its dedication to sustainability and responsible business operations. Having achieved carbon neutrality, the company displays a commitment to environmentally conscious practices while actively participating in global initiatives aligned with sustainable development goals.
With an impressive growth of 468% in brand value since 2020, Persistent has rapidly climbed the ranks of IT services, earning a spot in the ‘Brand Finance India 100’ report for 2025. The firm’s accolades also include recognition by Newsweek as one of America’s greatest workplaces for inclusion and diversity.
As Persistent Systems embarks on this new chapter with Hari S. Abhyankar at the helm of its private equity and professional services division, the industry eagerly anticipates how his leadership will influence the company’s trajectory in harnessing AI for transformative results. Investors and portfolio companies alike can expect a robust approach characterized by an agile, responsive, and innovative mindset as they strive for top-tier performance in an increasingly tech-driven landscape.
Topics Business Technology）
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