Nasscom names Fractal co-founder Srikanth Velamakanni as Chairperson; KPIT’s Kishor Patil named Vice Chair

In a significant leadership change, Nasscom has appointed Srikanth Velamakanni, the co-founder and Group CEO of Fractal, as its new Chairperson. This announcement, made on April 23, comes at a crucial time as the Indian technology sector intensifies its focus on artificial intelligence-driven growth. Velamakanni steps into the role following the tenure of Sindhu Gangadharan, the Managing Director of SAP Labs India, who is concluding her term this month. Alongside him, Kishor Patil, co-founder and CEO of KPIT, has been elected as Vice Chairperson. Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Velamakanni remarked, "I am delighted to take on the role of Nasscom Chairperson at this incredibly important juncture. AI progress is unlocking unprecedented opportunities for enterprises, large and small, to reimagine their businesses. India will play a pivotal role in this AI-led transformation." He emphasized that the upcoming year will concentrate on fostering AI-driven growth across various services and products, as well as preparing the workforce to excel in an AI-centric landscape. Having previously served as Vice Chairperson and being a member of Nasscom’s Executive Council for over six years, Velamakanni’s leadership is poised to strengthen India's position as a center for AI-led innovations. Rajesh Nambiar, President of Nasscom, highlighted Velamakanni’s unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of AI as vital for guiding the industry’s next growth phase. "Under his leadership, and with the collective strength of our Executive Council, we will continue to establish the tech industry as the world’s most trusted AI transformation partner," Nambiar stated. Sindhu Gangadharan, the outgoing Chairperson, reflected on her tenure, noting the industry’s transition into the AI era with renewed ambition and responsibility. "It has been an honor to lead Nasscom during a period of extraordinary change for our industry. I am confident that Srikanth will take this agenda to its next stage of impact," she commented. Nasscom plans to address a broad agenda under the new leadership, which includes enhancing IP-led deeptech innovation in AI infrastructure and semiconductors, scaling talent for emerging “Human + AI” roles, and promoting responsible AI practices through industry standards. Velamakanni, an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, is also recognized for his advocacy of sovereign AI technologies and has served in advisory roles related to AI policy and national security.