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Sandeep Kalra, Executive Director and CEO of Persistent Systems, has been a transformative leader steering the organization to the forefront of global digital transformation. An IIM Calcutta alumnus with a proven track record in driving consistent quarter-on-quarter growth and profitability, Sandeep brings extensive experience from leadership roles at HARMAN, Symphony Teleca, and HCL Technologies. Through his visionary development-led strategy and emphasis on strategic planning, he fosters innovation, collaboration, and diversity, positioning Persistent as a powerhouse in digital solutions.
There’s limited information about Sandeep Kalra’s early life, though his distinction as a graduate of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Calcutta is widely recognized. His time at IIM Calcutta profoundly shaped his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in IT services. While his childhood and college years remain less documented, his professional journey showcases a robust foundation in management and strategic development. Now based in New Jersey with his family, Sandeep leverages his expertise to drive Persistent Systems’ success as a global leader in digital transformation.
Sandeep Kalra brings over 30 years of IT leadership expertise, specializing in organizational re-engineering and growth management. A distinguished IIM Calcutta alumnus, he spent 16 years at HCL Technologies, significantly expanding its global footprint, before steering Symphony Teleca’s growth and orchestrating its acquisition by HARMAN.
Under his leadership at Persistent Systems, the company has surpassed $1 billion in revenue, earning industry acclaim and establishing market dominance in AI, GenAI, and digital transformation. Recognized as Fortune India’s Best CEO in IT Services (2024), Sandeep is a passionate advocate for ESG principles and a champion of a thriving corporate culture. Born in Pennsylvania with a rich heritage, he continues to shape the future of technology with a global perspective.
Persistent Systems spearheads AI-led transformation via strategic acquisition, partnerships, and future-proofing solutions. Through AI governance, Generative AI, and cloud solutions, the firm is developing digital capabilities, rendering ethical AI adoption simple, and driving business growth.
AI-Driven Transformation: Persistent Systems has acquired Arrka, a Pune-based leader in data privacy and AI governance, strengthening its digital governance capabilities to ensure compliance, data privacy, and ethical AI adoption for responsible business innovation.
Navigating AI Landscape: Persistent Systems vision for leveraging Generative AI to drive innovation, enhance client value, and align business goals through cross-functional collaboration, strategic partnerships, and ethical AI development.
Generative AI Revolution: The company invests in AI-driven solutions to transform businesses, enhance customer experiences, and drive long-term growth through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge AI technologies.
Launch of GenAI Hub: Persistent introduces the GenAI Hub, an AI platform that accelerates Generative AI development, integrates seamlessly with existing systems, and enables scalable, responsible AI deployment.
AI-Powered Healthcare: Persistent and Microsoft have launched an AI-powered population health management solution to personalize care, predict high-risk patients, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes through proactive interventions.
AI Collaboration: Joining hands with Microsoft, Persistent has developed ContractAssIst, an AI-powered contract management solution that streamlines workflows, enhances collaboration, and reduces complexity using Azure and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
AI Contract Management: Persistent shares rose 5% after launching ContractAssIst, an AI-driven contract management tool that improves workflows, boosts collaboration, and cuts costs, which was developed in partnership with Microsoft.
AI Partnership: Persistent collaborates with Google Cloud to drive generative AI adoption, leveraging Google’s Gemini models to create industry-specific solutions and accelerate digital transformation.
Cloud and AI Integration: Persistent partners with Google Cloud to deliver AI-driven digital transformation solutions across the US, UK, India, and Australia, enhancing client value and time-to-market.
Multilingual AI Solutions: Persistent and CoRover’s joint venture enhances multilingual AI chat solutions, combining expertise to improve client engagement and accelerate AI-driven enterprise growth.
Sandeep Kalra has been a pivotal force behind Persistent Systems’ financial triumph. In March 2024, he earned a compensation of INR 76.59 crore, directly linked to the company’s performance—representing 0.77% of revenues and 7% of net income. Under his leadership, Persistent Systems has solidified its IT consulting business, achieving consistent revenue and profitability growth. Sandeep’s visionary approach has fueled innovation and expanded global market reach, propelling the company to new heights of financial success. His performance-based incentive compensation underscores his instrumental role in driving Persistent Systems’ long-term growth and securing its leadership position in the fiercely competitive IT services landscape.
Sandeep Kalra is a cornerstone of Persistent Systems’ financial success. In March 2024, he received a compensation of INR 76.59 crore, intricately tied to the company’s stellar performance—equating to 0.77% of revenues and 7% of net income. Under his stewardship, Persistent Systems has strengthened its IT consulting arm, delivering sustained revenue and profitability gains.
Sandeep’s forward-thinking vision has sparked innovation and broadened the company’s global footprint, elevating it to unprecedented financial heights. His performance-driven compensation reflects his critical contribution to fostering Persistent Systems’ enduring growth and cementing its dominance in the highly competitive IT services arena.
Persistent Systems has faced controversy regarding Tek Fog, employee dissatisfaction, and stock performance.
Tek Fog Controversy: Persistent Systems was accused of developing Tek Fog, a product that is said to be used for the manipulation of social media trends. The company did some research and cut any connection with Tek Fog or its parent, ShareChat, based on its zero tolerance for hate speech and harassment.
Employee Reviews: Employee grievances have also been registered at Persistent Systems regarding imposing unclear processes, unprofessional handling of benefits, insensitiveness toward commitment, and sensitivity towards contractors.
Stock Performance: Persistent Systems has also been experiencing a loss of stock below the overall market. While it is more than the long-term moving averages, it is still below short-term averages, exhibiting a degree of current volatility.
