Singisetti’s visionary leadership and technical acumen have guided major corporations through significant digital transformations, leaving a lasting imprint on the industry
Ravi Kumar Singisetti, a distinguished figure in the global technology sector, has been awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) for 2025. Recognized for his transformative contributions to technology leadership, this accolade—the highest honor conferred upon overseas Indians—celebrates his outstanding achievements in fostering innovation, equality, and well-being. The award was presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, during the Valedictory Session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, held from January 8 to 10, 2025. This recognition highlights the enduring ties between India and its diaspora and acknowledges Kumar’s exceptional global impact.
A Distinguished Career in Technology Leadership
Currently serving as the CEO of Cognizant, Ravi Kumar Singisetti’s journey epitomizes the excellence of Indian talent on the global stage. His path from nuclear scientist to technology executive underscores his versatility, resilience, and innovative spirit.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Born in India in the early 1970s, Kumar’s academic journey began with an engineering degree from Shivaji University in Maharashtra. He further honed his business acumen with an MBA from the Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar. These dual foundations in technical expertise and managerial prowess laid the groundwork for his remarkable career trajectory.
From Nuclear Scientist to Corporate Visionary
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Singisetti’s professional journey began at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai, where he worked as a nuclear scientist from 1991 to 1994
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His work in reactor development instilled in him a rigorous analytical approach that became a hallmark of his subsequent corporate endeavors.
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Transitioning to the corporate world, Kumar’s career advanced through roles at prestigious organizations, including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Cambridge Technology Partners, and Oracle
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Each role expanded his expertise and deepened his influence in the technology sector
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His tenure at Publicis Sapient further diversified his industry experience, preparing him for leadership at a global scale
Leadership at Infosys
Joining Infosys in 2002 marked a turning point in Kumar’s career. Over two decades, he ascended to become the company’s president and deputy COO. Based in Hyderabad and later leading global operations, Kumar spearheaded consulting, digital transformation, engineering, technology services, and critical infrastructure projects across regions, including India, China, Japan, and Latin America.
CEO of Cognizant
In January 2023, Kumar became the CEO of Cognizant, a defining milestone that positioned him as one of the highest-paid Indian executives in the global IT industry. Under his leadership, Cognizant has undergone transformative operational enhancements, solidifying its position as a leader in emerging technologies and digital innovation.
Global Influence and Thought Leadership
Kumar’s influence extends far beyond corporate boardrooms. He is a board member of Digimarc, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the New York Academy of Sciences, TransUnion, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In 2024, he joined the board of the U.S.–India Strategic Partnership Forum, further strengthening bilateral business ties. His involvement with the World Economic Forum’s Skills Consortium and membership in the Manhattan chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization underscore his commitment to global skills development and leadership.
Since relocating to Manhattan in 2014, Kumar has been a pivotal force in the global technology landscape. His visionary leadership and technical acumen have guided major corporations through significant digital transformations, leaving a lasting imprint on the industry.
Honoring Excellence
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025 cements Ravi Kumar Singisetti’s legacy as a transformative leader in technology and a vital bridge between India and the global diaspora. His journey from nuclear scientist to CEO exemplifies the potential of Indian talent in shaping the future of technology and business leadership.
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