Srikanth Velamakanni Appointed Chairperson of Nasscom
Nasscom announced on April 23 the appointment of Srikanth Velamakanni, the co-founder and Group CEO of Fractal, as its new Chairperson. This change in leadership occurs at a significant moment when the Indian technology sector is intensifying its focus on growth driven by artificial intelligence.
Velamakanni takes over from Sindhu Gangadharan, the Managing Director of SAP Labs India, who is concluding her term this month. Additionally, the industry organisation elected Kishor Patil, co-founder, CEO, and Managing Director of KPIT, to serve as Vice Chairperson.
Srikanth Velamakanni expressed that taking on the role of Nasscom Chairperson at this crucial time is exhilarating. He noted how advancements in AI are creating exceptional opportunities for companies, regardless of size, to rethink their business models. Moreover, he affirmed India’s essential role in leading this AI-driven transformation.
He further added that the focus in the coming year will be on spearheading the next phase of AI-powered expansion across the industry’s services and products while equipping the workforce to excel in an AI-driven environment.
Having previously held the position of Vice Chairperson and being an essential part of Nasscom’s Executive Council for more than six years, Velamakanni’s promotion indicates a robust commitment to establishing India as a centre for AI-driven services and products.
Rajesh Nambiar, President of Nasscom, commented that Velamakanni’s experience makes him the ideal candidate to lead the next growth phase for the industry.
He described Srikanth as possessing a unique blend of entrepreneurial enthusiasm and expertise in AI, and that under his guidance, along with the unified strength of the Executive Council, they aim to solidify the tech industry’s position as the foremost trusted partner in AI-led transformation globally.
The outgoing Chairperson, Sindhu Gangadharan, remarked that this transition happens at a moment when the sector is entering the AI age with heightened ambition and accountability. She reflected on the honour of guiding Nasscom through a period of significant change in the industry, highlighting the considerable growth in scale, aspirations, and global influence. Gangadharan expressed confidence that Velamakanni would advance this agenda to even greater levels of influence.
Nasscom stated that the leadership team would pursue an extensive agenda, which includes enhancing intellectual property-focused deep-tech innovation across AI infrastructure and semiconductors, scaling up talent for the evolving “Human + AI” roles, and promoting responsible AI practices through standards developed by the industry.
Velamakanni is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, recognised for advocating sovereign AI technologies, and has participated in advisory roles to the government regarding AI policy and national security, according to the industry body.