Sandeep Kalra serves as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Persistent Systems. He has led the Company’s transformation into a leading AI-led digital engineering and enterprise modernization partner, helping global enterprises accelerate innovation and navigate technology transformation in the AI era.
With more than 30 years of experience in the global technology services industry, Sandeep is recognized for driving growth, scaling businesses and creating long-term stakeholder value. He combines strategic vision with operational discipline, fostering innovation while delivering consistent business performance.
Under his leadership, Persistent has surpassed US$1.6 billion in annual revenue and significantly expanded its capabilities across digital engineering, cloud, data and analytics, application modernization, cybersecurity and enterprise AI. He has championed the Company’s AI-first strategy, accelerating the adoption of AI and Generative AI across client engagements, platforms, solutions and internal operations while reinforcing Persistent’s position as a trusted partner for enterprise transformation.
Sandeep has also advanced Persistent’s ESG agenda, contributing to the Company’s inclusion in leading sustainability indices and recognition as an ESG leader. He is equally committed to developing future leaders and fostering a culture grounded in accountability, innovation, continuous learning and reinvention.
Over the past six years, Persistent has delivered a sustained period of growth and transformation, earning recognition from leading industry analysts, advisors, customers and investors. The Company has strengthened its capital market standing through inclusion in major indices, including the MSCI India Index, the S&P BSE 100 and the S&P BSE SENSEX Next 50.
Sandeep’s leadership has been recognized through several industry honors, including Business Today’s Best CEO in the IT & ITES Industry award, Fortune India’s Best CEO recognition in the IT Services category and Business Today’s Tech Titan recognition.
Before joining Persistent, Sandeep held senior leadership positions at HCL Technologies and later at HARMAN International following the acquisition of Symphony Teleca, where he led large-scale digital transformation businesses serving global enterprises.
A graduate of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta and recipient of its Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Institute’s highest alumni honor, Sandeep is a member of the CNBC CEO Council and a Founders Circle member of Indiaspora.
Sandeep loves hiking, watching gymnastics and American football and traveling to meet new people and learn about other cultures.
He lives in Pennsylvania along with his wife, Jyotika, and their three daughters.
