Persistent Systems announced on March 20, 2026, the appointment of Hari S. Abhyankar as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Private Equity and Professional Services. This move strengthens Persistent’s strategic focus on AI-led transformation for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. Abhyankar brings over 25 years of experience, notably from his time as a Partner at McKinsey & Company, to accelerate growth and improve value realization for clients.
Persistent Bolsters Leadership for Private Equity Sector
Persistent Systems (BSE: 533179 and NSE: PERSISTENT), a global leader in Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization, formally announced on March 20, 2026, the appointment of Hari S. Abhyankar to the role of Executive Vice President and Global Head of Private Equity and Professional Services.
This strategic addition underscores Persistent’s commitment to scaling its focus on providing AI-led transformation support to private equity investors and their portfolio companies. The firm aims to leverage its engineering capabilities, AI expertise, and platform-driven approach from the diligence phase through to value realization.
Role and Strategic Focus
In his new capacity, Hari S. Abhyankar will spearhead Persistent’s global strategy and growth initiatives across private equity investors, their associated companies, and professional services organizations. His key mandate includes working closely with clients to accelerate revenue growth, modernize platforms, and drive the swift realization of transformation priorities across portfolios, ultimately aiming to expand EBITDA through improved operational efficiency.
Experience and Expertise
Mr. Abhyankar carries over 25 years of experience spanning strategy, technology, and business transformation. Prior to this appointment, he served as a Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he advised major technology firms and global enterprises on corporate strategy and large-scale transformation. He also has experience working with AI-native startups focusing on scaling innovation.
He also held senior leadership positions at Interpublic Group and Digitas, leading digital strategy and data-driven marketing organizations. Mr. Abhyankar holds a PhD in Operations Management from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Leadership Commentary
Sandeep Kalra, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Persistent, emphasized the importance of the sector: “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.” Kalra noted that Abhyankar’s experience will strengthen the firm’s ability to drive sustained performance across client portfolios.
Hari S. Abhyankar expressed enthusiasm for the role: “Private equity firms are operating in an environment where value creation needs to be faster, more predictable and more technology-driven than ever before. Persistent’s engineering-led DNA and focus on AI-driven transformation position it strongly to address this need.”
About Persistent Systems
Persistent Systems is identified as a global services and solutions company specializing in AI-led, platform-driven Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization. The company employs over 26,500 employees across 18 countries. Persistent is noted for achieving carbon neutrality and has seen significant brand value growth, reporting 468% growth in brand value since 2020 according to the ‘Brand Finance India 100’ 2025 Report.
Source: BSE
