Persistent Systems, a global leader in Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization, today announced the appointment of Hari S. Abhyankar as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Private Equity and Professional Services.
Quick Intel
Persistent is scaling its efforts in the private equity segment amid increasing pressure on firms to accelerate value creation through AI-driven transformation. The company is positioning itself as a key execution partner by integrating its engineering-led capabilities, AI expertise, and platform-driven approach to help investors and portfolio companies achieve rapid results.
In his new role, Hari S. Abhyankar will drive Persistent's global strategy and growth targeting private equity investors, their portfolio companies, and professional services organizations. He will collaborate closely with clients to boost revenue growth, advance platform modernization, expedite transformation priorities, and enhance EBITDA through operational efficiency and value creation initiatives.
Hari brings extensive expertise at the intersection of strategy, technology, and business transformation. He previously served as a Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he advised leading technology companies and global enterprises on corporate strategy, large-scale transformation, and revenue acceleration. After McKinsey, he focused on scaling technology-led innovation and next-generation operating models at AI-native startups. Earlier, he held senior leadership positions at Interpublic Group and Digitas, building and leading analytics, digital strategy, and data-driven marketing teams for global technology and enterprise clients.
Sandeep Kalra, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Persistent "Private equity is a strategic growth engine for Persistent. As investors push for faster value creation across their portfolios, the ability to move from strategy to execution at speed becomes critical. This is where Persistent stands apart. We combine engineering depth, AI-led platforms and execution discipline to deliver results that matter, from accelerating growth to improving operating margins and enabling exit readiness. Hari's experience strengthens our ability to deepen our engagement with private equity firms and drive sustained performance across their portfolios."
Hari S. Abhyankar, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Private Equity and Professional Services, Persistent "Private equity firms are operating in an environment where value creation needs to be faster, more predictable and more technology-driven than ever before. This requires a fundamentally different approach, one that integrates strategy with execution and scales results across the portfolio. Persistent's engineering-led DNA and focus on AI-driven transformation position it strongly to address this need. I look forward to working with our clients and partners to accelerate portfolio performance and deliver measurable business results."
This leadership addition underscores Persistent's commitment to supporting private equity stakeholders in achieving accelerated, technology-enabled outcomes in a competitive landscape.
About Persistent
Persistent Systems (BSE: 533179 and NSE: PERSISTENT) is a global services and solutions company delivering AI-led, platform-driven Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization to businesses across industries. With over 26,500 employees located in 18 countries, the Company is committed to innovation and client success. Persistent offers a comprehensive suite of services, including software engineering, product development, data and analytics, CX transformation, cloud computing, and intelligent automation. The Company is part of the MSCI India Index and is included in key indices of the National Stock Exchange of India, including the Nifty Midcap 50, Nifty IT, and Nifty MidCap Liquid 15, as well as several on the BSE such as the S&P BSE 100 and S&P BSE SENSEX Next 50. Persistent is also a constituent of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. The Company has achieved carbon neutrality, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. Persistent has also been named one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion & Diversity 2025 by Newsweek and Plant A Insights Group. As a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, the Company is committed to aligning strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, as well as take actions that advance societal goals. With 468% growth in brand value since 2020, Persistent is the fastest-growing IT services brand in 'Brand Finance India 100' 2025 Report.
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