Infosys has announced that Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Salil Parekh will step down on March 31, 2027, after completing his second five-year term, bringing to a close more than nine years at the helm of India’s second-largest IT services company. The board has appointed company veteran Ashiss Kumar Dash as CEO Designate, with the leadership transition beginning immediately and Dash set to assume the role of MD and CEO on April 1, 2027, subject to shareholder approval.
The planned succession marks one of the most significant leadership transitions in India’s IT sector as Infosys navigates an AI-driven transformation and slower industry growth. The company said Parekh will continue leading Infosys until the end of his tenure while working closely with Dash to ensure a smooth handover.
Infosys Names Ashiss Kumar Dash as CEO Designate
The Infosys Board approved the appointment of Ashiss Kumar Dash, a company veteran with more than 30 years of experience, as CEO Designate.
Dash currently oversees a broad portfolio of industry businesses and has held leadership roles across:
- Customer-facing businesses.
- Global delivery operations.
- Industry verticals.
- International markets.
- Sustainability initiatives.
Leadership Transition Timeline
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Ashiss Kumar Dash appointed CEO Designate | July 2026 |
| Transition period begins | October 2026 |
| Salil Parekh’s tenure ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Dash becomes MD & CEO | April 1, 2027 |
| Proposed CEO term | Five years (subject to shareholder approval) |
Salil Parekh’s Nine-Year Legacy
Parekh joined Infosys in January 2018 during a period of organizational uncertainty and helped restore stability while accelerating the company’s digital transformation.
During his tenure, Infosys highlighted several milestones:
- Revenue increased from approximately $10 billion to more than $20 billion.
- The company secured over $100 billion in large deal wins.
- Expanded digital transformation capabilities.
- Built a differentiated enterprise AI strategy.
- Strengthened client relationships across global markets.
In a statement, Parekh described it as an honor to lead Infosys and said he had worked closely with Dash for many years, expressing confidence in his successor’s leadership.
Transition Comes Amid AI-Led Industry Shift
The leadership change comes as India’s IT services industry faces one of its biggest structural shifts.
Infosys recently:
- Lowered its FY2027 revenue growth guidance.
- Reported slower client spending.
- Increased the contribution of AI-related services to revenue.
- Continued investing in enterprise AI capabilities and partnerships.
Management has emphasized that artificial intelligence is becoming a central driver of the company’s long-term growth strategy, with partnerships spanning major AI model providers and increasing enterprise adoption.
Infosys Under Parekh
| Area | Progress |
|---|---|
| Revenue | More than doubled to over $20 billion |
| Large Deal Wins | Over $100 billion |
| Strategic Focus | Digital transformation and enterprise AI |
| Leadership Style | Stability and long-term execution |
Why the Internal Succession Matters
By selecting an internal candidate, Infosys is opting for leadership continuity during a period of rapid technological disruption.
The appointment is expected to:
- Ensure strategic continuity.
- Preserve customer relationships.
- Accelerate the company’s AI transformation roadmap.
- Maintain operational stability during the transition.
Industry analysts view the move as reducing execution risk while enabling Infosys to continue evolving its AI-first consulting and technology services strategy.
Looking Ahead
Salil Parekh’s planned departure in March 2027 marks the end of one of the most transformative leadership periods in Infosys’ recent history. Over more than nine years, he oversaw the company’s return to stable growth, expanded its global digital services business, doubled revenue, and laid the foundation for an AI-focused strategy. By appointing longtime executive Ashiss Kumar Dash as CEO Designate well ahead of the transition, Infosys is signaling a preference for continuity as the industry undergoes significant technological change.
Looking ahead, Dash’s leadership will be closely watched as Infosys adapts to an AI-driven services market, evolving client spending patterns, and intensifying competition. His ability to build on Parekh’s legacy while accelerating AI adoption, maintaining growth, and strengthening Infosys’ position in global technology services will shape the company’s next phase of development.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Salil Parekh step down as Infosys CEO?
Salil Parekh will step down on March 31, 2027, after completing his second five-year term, bringing to a close more than nine years at the helm of Infosys.
Who will replace Salil Parekh as Infosys CEO?
The Infosys board has appointed company veteran Ashiss Kumar Dash as CEO Designate, with Dash set to assume the role of MD and CEO on April 1, 2027, subject to shareholder approval.
Why does this leadership transition matter?
The transition comes amid an AI-led shift in the IT services industry, making the internal succession significant for how Infosys navigates the changing competitive landscape.
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