Hexaware names EXL's Vivek Jetley CEO for next phase of AI-led growth

Jetley brings more than two decades of experience in analytics, AI and enterprise transformation as Hexaware looks to expand its AI-first services strategy.

Hexaware Technologies has appointed former EXL executive Vivek Jetley as CEO Designate, bringing in a veteran of analytics, data and AI-led transformation as the company prepares for its next phase of growth amid rising enterprise demand for AI-driven services.

Jetley will join Hexaware and assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on October 28, 2026.

The leadership change will also mark the end of a 12-year tenure for Srikrishna Ramakarthikeyan, known as Keech, who will step down as CEO and board member on October 28.

He will continue with the company as Senior Advisor to support the transition.

Hexaware non-executive chairman, Larry Quinlan, said Jetley's appointment builds on the foundation established under Keech's leadership.

"Vivek brings a proven ability to scale businesses, deepen enterprise relationships and build Data and AI-led growth platforms," Quinlan said.

Jetley joins Hexaware from EXL, where he currently serves as president and leads the company's Insurance, Healthcare and Life Sciences businesses.

Before that, he headed EXL's analytics division, where he helped build and scale advanced analytics, AI services and enterprise data management capabilities for global clients.

Over nearly two decades at EXL, he held leadership responsibilities spanning corporate strategy, innovation, strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

Hexaware's board highlighted Jetley's experience in building growth businesses during major technology shifts, including data, cloud and generative AI adoption.

Hexaware board member and Chair of Americas Corporate Private Equity at Carlyle, Sandra Horbach, said the company sees AI-led services as a key driver of future growth.

"Hexaware has built a strong business, defined by deep domain expertise, trusted client relationships and a growing set of AI capabilities," Horbach said.

Leadership change comes as AI reshapes services industry

Hexaware framed the appointment as part of its broader strategy to strengthen its position as an AI-first services company.

In his first statement following the announcement, Jetley said AI is fundamentally changing the structure of the IT services market.

"We are at a defining moment for IT services, as AI adoption fundamentally changes how services are delivered, how capabilities are built and how enterprises create value," Jetley said.

He added that Hexaware has an opportunity to play a larger role in helping enterprises navigate that shift while accelerating its own AI-led transformation.

The comments provide an early indication of the strategy Jetley is expected to pursue after taking charge, with AI-led services, enterprise transformation and data-driven business outcomes likely to remain central themes.

With AI influencing consulting, application services, engineering and business operations, Hexaware's choice of an executive whose career has been built around analytics and AI signals where the company expects its next phase of growth to come from.