Hexaware Technologies has appointed former EXL executive Vivek Jetley as its new CEO, effective October 28, 2026, succeeding long-time leader Srikrishna Ramakarthikeyan. The transition arrives shortly after the company lowered its 2026 annual growth forecast to 6-7% due to deal delays and cautious client spending. Investors will focus on how the new leadership navigates these performance headwinds and growing industry demands for AI integration.
Hexaware Technologies is set for a major leadership change. Srikrishna Ramakarthikeyan, who has led the company for over a decade and oversaw its journey following its public listing, will step down as Chief Executive Officer and Whole-time Director on October 28, 2026. He will move into a Senior Advisor role within the company to assist with the handover.
His successor, Vivek Jetley, will take the helm on the same date. Jetley joins Hexaware from EXL, where he spent nearly two decades. During his time at EXL, he served as President, leading operations across the insurance, healthcare, and life sciences sectors. This background is significant, as the company may look to leverage his experience in these specific domains to drive its next phase of service expansion.
This leadership change occurs at a testing time for the company. Hexaware recently adjusted its outlook, lowering its annual revenue growth target for 2026 to a range of 6% to 7%, down from an earlier projection of 7.6%. This adjustment reflects broader challenges within the IT services industry, where clients are being more careful with their technology spending. The company has cited specific difficulties, including delays in the ramp-up of new deals, as a primary reason for the tempered expectations.
Like many peers in the sector, Hexaware is operating in an environment marked by a push toward artificial intelligence adoption. Clients are increasingly asking for AI-led solutions, but the transition can be complex. While demand for digital transformation remains, the current market is cautious, leading to longer decision cycles for new projects. The company’s ability to meet its revised growth targets will depend on how effectively it manages these deal ramp-up delays and navigates the shift toward new-age technologies.
For investors, the immediate monitorable is the transition process itself. Leadership changes in a listed company often bring a period of adjustment. Investors will likely look for updates from the incoming CEO regarding the company's strategy for accelerating deal execution and protecting profit margins amid the current macro environment. The combination of a new leader and a revised growth outlook places focus on the company's upcoming operational performance and its ability to secure and scale new business in a competitive market.