At present, Ravi Kumar Singisetti-incumbent CEO of Cognizant-is highest paid CEO in India. His rise from a humble Indian town to a glorious leadership position in a global IT empire is a tribute to his sheer willfulness and strategic intellect.
Early Life and Education
Ravi Kumar Singisetti, born in Berhampur, India, received his engineering education at Shivaji University, Maharashtra. His higher education was an MBA from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar. Such academic credentials prepared him for a lucrative career in business and technology.
Professional Journey
Singisetti commenced his professional journey as a nuclear scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre-acclaimed credential establishing his technical prowess. Then, he transitioned to the corporate domain and made a mark while working in a very shrinking space while working with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Cambridge Technology Partners, Oracle, and Publicis Sapient. He thereafter ventured into Infosys, where he spent approximately two years as an employee before rising to the uppermost position of executive-in the capacity of president. The two concluding decades at Infosys were also spent on managing the global operations and leading the digital transformation initiatives.
Leadership at Cognizant
In January 2023, Singisetti took the reins as CEO at Cognizant, one of the leading IT service providers. Under its stewardship, Cogni- sants has confronted challenges in the international IT environment with a strong innovation client-focus. His vision has also kept the company one step ahead.
Compensation Highlights
Regarding what makes Singisetti’s payment stand out: The remuneration paid to him for FY 2023 comes up to Rs. 186 crore, mainly consisting of a special stock award, Rs. 169 crore- which is a mark of support for his vision and leadership by the company. Such a pay structure implies that the company considers such contributions essential for Cognizant’s long-term sustenance.
Industry Comparisons
Singisetti’s compensation in the Indian IT industry is a new benchmark. To give this perspective, some other highest paid CEOs in India are as follows:
- Thierry Delaporte, erstwhile Wipro CEO, with Rs 82.4 crore.
- C Vijayakumar, HCL Technologies CEO, with Rs 88 crore.
- Salil Parekh, Infosys CEO, with Rs 56.4 crore.
These amounts reflect the premium given to leaders who have the mettle to weather the highs and lows of the IT industry.
Beyond Corporate Responsibilities
Singisetti’s work goes beyond corporate responsibilities. He has been a member of the boards of several prominent organizations, such as the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the New York Academy of Sciences, TransUnion, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. His work with these organizations reflects his willingness to give back more to society and leadership of the mind.
Personal Insights
Notwithstanding the work schedules, Singisetti has a good-balanced private life. Originating from Hyderabad, he stays in Manhattan as of 2014. He is a poster boy of perseverance and can work anywhere from the Indian coastlines to Manhattan for that matter.
Conclusion
Ravi Kumar Singisetti’s rise to the highest paid CEO in India is a story of commitment, vision, and leadership that encourages many individuals. His story teaches us how ability and vision may take him to new heights of achievement in his profession. As Cognizant’s leader for years to come, the globe watches with huge interest as he shapes the future of information technology.
