Hexaware Technologies is changing leadership at a crucial time for the technology industry. The IT services company has appointed Vivek Jetley as its Chief Executive Officer-designate, with the experienced technology executive set to take charge on October 28, 2026.
Jetley will succeed Srikrishna Ramakarthikeyan, popularly known as Keech, who will step down as CEO and from the company’s board after leading Hexaware for 12 years. Ramakarthikeyan will continue to be associated with the company as a Senior Advisor to support the leadership transition.
The appointment comes as artificial intelligence, generative AI, data analytics and digital transformation rapidly reshape the global IT services business. Hexaware has made it clear that its next phase will focus heavily on expanding its AI-led services and accelerating growth across international markets.
Jetley brings more than 25 years of experience across analytics, consulting, artificial intelligence and enterprise transformation. He joins Hexaware from EXL, where he was serving as President and leading businesses covering insurance, healthcare and life sciences.
His career at EXL has included several senior leadership positions. He previously headed EXL Analytics and played a role in building businesses around data, analytics and technology-led transformation. His experience in helping enterprises use technology and data to improve business performance is expected to be particularly valuable as Hexaware expands its AI capabilities.
For Hexaware, the appointment is about more than simply replacing its outgoing chief executive. The company is entering a period in which the traditional IT services model is changing quickly.
Businesses that once relied primarily on software development, maintenance and outsourcing are now looking for technology partners that can help them introduce AI-powered automation, cloud platforms, data analytics and generative AI into everyday operations.
That shift is creating a large opportunity for IT companies, but it is also increasing competition. Hexaware wants to strengthen its position by making AI a bigger part of the services it offers to global customers.
Jetley is expected to lead that effort once he formally takes over. The company has said his mandate will include accelerating growth and scaling its AI-led services model globally.
The incoming CEO will inherit a company that has undergone significant changes during Ramakarthikeyan’s tenure. Under his leadership, Hexaware expanded its business and returned to the public markets in February 2025. Its re-entry into the stock market made it one of the newest listed major Indian IT services companies.
Ramakarthikeyan’s 12-year tenure also saw Hexaware grow into a global technology services business serving enterprises across multiple industries. His decision to step down therefore marks the end of an important period for the company.
However, the transition will not be an immediate break. His decision to remain as Senior Advisor is expected to help Jetley understand the company’s operations, customers and ongoing priorities before and after the handover.
The timing of the leadership change is also being watched by investors. Hexaware shares came under pressure after the announcement, reflecting some uncertainty around the change at the top. The company’s stock declined during trading on September 3 as investors assessed the leadership transition.
In the IT sector, this appointment highlights how strongly AI is influencing corporate strategy. Large technology companies are investing heavily in artificial intelligence while clients are demanding faster and more measurable returns from technology spending.
AI is also changing the nature of IT services themselves. Instead of simply developing software or providing technical support, technology companies are increasingly expected to help businesses redesign processes, automate repetitive work, analyse large volumes of data and deploy AI applications.
This makes Jetley’s background especially relevant to Hexaware’s plans. His experience spans analytics and enterprise transformation, areas that are becoming increasingly important as companies move from experimenting with AI to using it at scale.
The challenge will be converting that expertise into sustained business growth. Hexaware will need to expand its AI offerings while maintaining the customer relationships and service quality that have supported its existing business.
The company will also have to balance investment in emerging technologies with the financial discipline expected by shareholders. AI-led transformation requires spending on talent, infrastructure, research and development, while customers are becoming increasingly demanding about costs and results.
Jetley’s arrival could therefore bring a fresh approach to Hexaware’s growth strategy. Rather than treating artificial intelligence as an additional service, the company appears intent on making it central to its broader business model.
The leadership transition will become official on October 28. Until then, Ramakarthikeyan will continue as CEO, while Jetley prepares to take over the company’s leadership.