In a world where tech CEOs often chase headlines, C. Vijayakumar, or CVK as he is fondly known, stands out for his quiet yet relentless leadership. From humble beginnings in Tamil Nadu to leading one of India’s top IT companies on the global stage, his journey is a study in strategic vision, adaptability, and people-centric leadership.
This blog delves into the inspiring professional life of C. Vijayakumar and how his decisions have shaped the future of HCLTech.
A Grounded Beginning
C. Vijayakumar was born in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Unlike many who attend elite global business schools, his foundation was purely Indian—he earned a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from PSG College of Technology, a well-known institution in South India.
What made Vijayakumar stand out even early in life was not flashy credentials, but an unshakable work ethic and clarity of purpose. These qualities would become hallmarks of his corporate journey.
Entry into HCL: Starting at the Ground Level
Vijayakumar joined HCL Technologies in 1994 as a young engineer. At the time, HCL was evolving from a hardware-focused company into a services and solutions provider. Vijayakumar entered during this critical transformation phase, and his early work focused on infrastructure services—an area few considered glamorous back then.
But Vijayakumar had foresight. He understood that businesses around the world would increasingly rely on IT infrastructure and support. By immersing himself in this niche, he positioned himself not just as a technical expert, but as a future leader in a high-growth domain.
Climbing the Ranks: From Delivery Head to Global President
Over the next two decades, Vijayakumar rose steadily within HCLTech. His big break came when he was asked to lead the company’s infrastructure services division. Under his leadership, this vertical grew into one of the most profitable and globally recognized businesses of HCL.
In 2016, he was named the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of HCL Technologies. Just a few months later, the board recognized his leadership acumen and elevated him to CEO and President, succeeding Anant Gupta.
This transition marked a defining chapter not only in Vijayakumar’s life but in HCL’s growth trajectory.
The Leadership Style of CVK
What makes CVK unique is his blend of operational excellence and visionary thinking. He isn’t a leader who makes headlines for his statements. Instead, his impact is seen in the numbers and in the culture of the organization.
Some defining features of his leadership include:
1. People-Centric Culture
Vijayakumar places immense trust in his teams. He believes in empowering employees at every level, encouraging accountability and innovation. His consistent focus on employee-first policies has earned HCLTech accolades as a great place to work in multiple countries.
2. Customer Obsession
Rather than chasing vanity metrics, CVK emphasizes value creation for clients. He often speaks about long-term partnerships rather than transactional relationships. This approach has helped HCLTech retain some of its top clients for decades.
3. Operational Focus
Having risen through the ranks, he knows the nuts and bolts of service delivery. He’s not just a boardroom strategist but someone who understands the trenches. This combination makes him a favorite among both engineers and board members.
HCLTech’s Evolution Under CVK
Under C. Vijayakumar’s leadership, HCLTech has undergone a remarkable transformation.
1. Diversification of Services
While HCL was earlier known for infrastructure and engineering services, CVK pushed aggressively into digital, cloud, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Today, HCLTech is a holistic digital transformation partner for global enterprises.
2. Global Expansion
CVK expanded HCLTech’s presence in the Americas, Europe, and APAC. The company made significant inroads into Fortune 500 clients and government contracts, competing with the likes of Accenture, Infosys, and TCS.
3. Revenue Growth
Under his stewardship, HCLTech’s revenues crossed multiple billion-dollar milestones. Even during pandemic-era disruptions, the company showed resilience and adaptability, emerging stronger in a remote-first tech world.
4. Sustainability and ESG
Vijayakumar has also embedded sustainability into HCL’s vision. The company has made strong commitments toward net-zero emissions, inclusive growth, and social impact—especially in areas like education, healthcare, and skilling.
Recognitions and Awards
C. Vijayakumar’s quiet brilliance hasn’t gone unnoticed. He has been featured among the top 100 global technology leaders by prestigious magazines and think tanks. Several industry reports have called him one of the most effective CEOs in the global IT services industry.
Yet, true to his style, he rarely uses awards as a pedestal. For him, the real reward lies in building a lasting institution.
Leadership During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic tested leadership around the globe, and Vijayakumar’s handling of the crisis was widely appreciated. Within weeks, HCLTech transitioned over 90% of its workforce to remote working—without affecting productivity.
He emphasized safety, flexibility, and empathy during those months. The company launched multiple digital tools to support mental health, skilling, and employee engagement. As a result, HCL’s attrition stayed significantly lower than industry averages.
Vision for the Future
C. Vijayakumar’s roadmap for HCLTech is built on three pillars:
1. Digital at Scale
He believes that every enterprise, regardless of industry, must become a digital-first organization. HCLTech is positioning itself as a core enabler in this transformation journey.
2. Innovation and IP
Beyond services, HCLTech is investing in building its own platforms and IP. CVK believes that true margin expansion and differentiation will come from innovation, not just cost optimization.
3. Skilling and Talent
With the rise of AI, automation, and quantum computing, Vijayakumar sees talent transformation as the biggest opportunity. He has launched global initiatives to reskill employees and invest in future-ready technologies.
The Man Behind the Role
Despite his high-profile position, C. Vijayakumar is known for his humility. He avoids public controversies, keeps a low personal profile, and spends most of his time focusing on business transformation and client relationships.
In internal meetings, he is said to be a good listener, someone who encourages even junior employees to speak up. His calm demeanor, paired with sharp strategic thinking, makes him a rare kind of leader in today’s high-pressure tech world.
Conclusion: A Quiet Titan of Indian Tech
In many ways, C. Vijayakumar represents the best of Indian corporate leadership — grounded, globally respected, and impact-driven. Under his leadership, HCLTech has grown into a powerhouse not just in revenue terms, but also in brand trust and employee loyalty.
While he may not be the most talked-about CEO in the media, his long-term vision and execution make him one of the most effective. In a noisy world, his quiet competence speaks louder than headlines.
As the Indian IT industry enters a new phase driven by AI, cloud, and automation, all eyes will be on leaders like CVK to shape the next digital decade.
