HCLTech Welcomes Kiran Cherukuri as Global GCC Practice Leader: Transforming the Future of Global Capability Centres
Published: June 2024 | By: Elets CIO
Introduction: A Strategic Move by HCLTech
In a significant development for the global professional services industry, HCLTech has appointed Kiran Cherukuri as the new Global GCC Practice Leader. This move, reported by Elets CIO, comes at a time when Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are rapidly evolving to become the backbone of digital transformation and operational excellence for multinational enterprises.
Who is Kiran Cherukuri? A Visionary Leader for GCC Transformation
Kiran Cherukuri brings over two decades of experience in the IT and business services sector, with a proven track record in building and scaling GCCs for Fortune 500 companies. His expertise spans across digital transformation, operational excellence, and driving value through innovation. As HCLTech’s Global GCC Practice Leader, Cherukuri will spearhead the company’s efforts in helping clients establish, optimize, and future-proof their GCCs worldwide.
Why GCCs Matter: The New Growth Engine for Professional Services Companies
Global Capability Centres, formerly known as Global In-house Centres (GICs), have evolved from cost-saving back offices to strategic innovation hubs. According to Deloitte’s 2024 GCC Survey, over 80% of Fortune 500 companies have at least one GCC, with India and Eastern Europe being the most favored destinations.
Key drivers for GCC establishment in 2024-2025 include:
- Access to Global Talent: GCCs enable companies to tap into specialized skillsets, particularly in digital, analytics, and AI domains.
- Innovation & Agility: Modern GCCs function as innovation labs, accelerating digital transformation and new product development.
- Cost Optimization: Strategic locations offer significant cost advantages without compromising on quality.
- Risk Mitigation: Distributed GCCs help in business continuity and regulatory compliance.
Recent research by NASSCOM (2024) shows the number of GCCs in India alone is expected to cross 1,800 by 2025, employing over 2 million professionals and contributing $60 billion to the economy.
HCLTech’s Vision for the Future of GCCs
HCLTech, a global leader in technology and digital transformation, has been at the forefront of enabling enterprises to set up and scale their GCCs. With Kiran Cherukuri’s appointment, HCLTech aims to:
- Drive end-to-end GCC lifecycle management—from strategy and setup to scaling and transformation.
- Leverage digital, cloud, and AI to create next-generation capability centres.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement for clients’ GCCs.
- Deliver measurable business outcomes through operational excellence and talent transformation.
According to the Elets CIO article, Cherukuri’s leadership will be instrumental in helping clients navigate the complexities of GCC establishment and transformation, especially in a rapidly changing global business environment.
Key Trends Shaping GCCs in 2025
Recent research and industry insights highlight several trends that will define the GCC landscape in 2025 and beyond:
- Digital-First GCCs: The adoption of AI, automation, and cloud technologies is making GCCs more agile, innovative, and resilient.
- Talent Transformation: Upskilling and reskilling are top priorities as GCCs move up the value chain and take on strategic roles.
- Hybrid and Remote Work Models: Flexible work arrangements are here to stay, enabling GCCs to attract and retain top talent globally.
- Sustainability & ESG: GCCs are playing a pivotal role in driving sustainability and ESG initiatives for their parent organizations.
- Data Security & Compliance: With increasing regulatory scrutiny, GCCs are investing in robust data governance frameworks.
According to a 2024 EY GCC Survey, 67% of GCC leaders are prioritizing digital transformation and 54% are investing in advanced cybersecurity measures.
Best Practices for Professional Services Companies Establishing GCCs
For professional services companies looking to establish or expand their GCCs, the following best practices are essential:
- Strategic Location Selection: Consider talent availability, infrastructure, cost, and regulatory environment.
- Leadership & Governance: Appoint experienced leaders (like Kiran Cherukuri) to drive vision, strategy, and execution.
- Talent Acquisition & Development: Partner with talent experts to attract, retain, and upskill the right talent pool.
- Technology Enablement: Invest in digital, cloud, and automation to future-proof operations.
- Agile Operating Models: Adopt agile methodologies for faster decision-making and innovation.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Foster strong collaboration between HQ and GCC teams for alignment and knowledge transfer.
Recent case studies by McKinsey (2024) show that companies following these best practices achieve 30% faster time-to-value and 25% higher employee engagement in their GCCs.
Han Digital: The Talent Market Experts Powering GCC Success
One of the most critical success factors for GCCs is talent. This is where Han Digital comes into the picture. As a leading talent market intelligence and recruitment consulting firm, Han Digital has a unique understanding of the evolving talent landscape for GCCs, especially in India and APAC.
Here’s how Han Digital is relevant to the GCC conversation:
- Deep Talent Market Insights: Han Digital’s research-driven approach provides real-time intelligence on talent availability, compensation trends, and skill gaps across locations and domains.
- Senior Leadership Connections: With strong relationships with senior leaders across industries, Han Digital is able to match the right leadership talent to GCCs, ensuring strategic alignment and cultural fit.
- End-to-End Talent Solutions: From talent mapping and executive search to bulk hiring and diversity hiring, Han Digital supports GCCs at every stage of their talent journey.
- Customized Talent Strategies: Han Digital works closely with GCC leaders to design and implement talent strategies that drive business outcomes and foster innovation.
According to Han Digital’s 2024 GCC Talent Trends Report, demand for digital skills, leadership roles, and niche technology expertise has surged by 40% in the past year, underscoring the need for specialized talent partners.
Case Study: HCLTech, Han Digital, and the Future of GCCs
Let’s consider a hypothetical scenario where a global professional services company partners with HCLTech and Han Digital to set up a new GCC in India:
- Strategy & Setup: HCLTech, led by Kiran Cherukuri, helps define the GCC’s vision, operating model, and technology roadmap.
- Talent Acquisition: Han Digital maps the talent landscape, identifies leadership candidates, and manages end-to-end hiring.
- Digital Enablement: HCLTech implements digital tools, cloud infrastructure, and automation solutions for the GCC.
- Continuous Improvement: Both partners work together to upskill teams, drive innovation, and measure business impact.
This integrated approach ensures faster time-to-market, higher productivity, and sustainable value creation for the company’s global operations.
SEO-Optimized FAQs: GCCs, HCLTech, and Talent Strategies
- What is a Global Capability Centre (GCC)?
- A Global Capability Centre (GCC) is an offshore or nearshore entity that delivers strategic business, IT, and digital services for its parent organization, driving innovation, cost efficiency, and operational excellence.
- Why did HCLTech appoint Kiran Cherukuri as Global GCC Practice Leader?
- Kiran Cherukuri’s extensive experience in building and scaling GCCs makes him the ideal leader to drive HCLTech’s vision for next-generation capability centres and deliver value to global clients.
- How is Han Digital relevant to GCC establishment?
- Han Digital provides deep talent market insights, leadership connections, and end-to-end recruitment solutions, making it a critical partner for companies setting up or scaling GCCs.
- What are the latest trends in GCCs for 2025?
- Key trends include digital-first GCCs, talent transformation, hybrid work models, sustainability initiatives, and enhanced data security and compliance.
- How can professional services companies ensure GCC success?
- By following best practices such as strategic location selection, strong leadership, robust talent strategies, technology enablement, and agile operating models.
Conclusion: A New Era for GCCs with HCLTech and Han Digital
The appointment of Kiran Cherukuri as Global GCC Practice Leader at HCLTech marks a pivotal moment for the professional services industry. As GCCs become the nerve centres of innovation and growth, the right leadership and talent strategies are more important than ever.
HCLTech’s visionary approach, combined with Han Digital’s unparalleled expertise in talent markets, offers professional services companies a winning formula for establishing and scaling world-class GCCs. By embracing digital transformation, fostering leadership, and leveraging expert partners, organizations can unlock the full potential of their global capability centres in 2025 and beyond.