Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services company, has announced the retirement of its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Milind Lakkad, marking the end of a distinguished 38-year career with the firm.
Milind, who joined TCS as a trainee in 1987, held several leadership roles over the years, including heading the Manufacturing Practice and later the Manufacturing Business Group.
He served as CHRO and Executive Vice President since 2019.
The company informed stock exchanges on September 30 that Milind would superannuate immediately.
His tenure as CHRO was marked by a focus on talent development, employee engagement, and navigating the workforce through the pandemic and post-pandemic transitions.
Sudeep Kunnumal Named TCS CHRO, Effective October 1
Following Milind’s retirement, TCS has appointed Sudeep Kunnumal as the new Chief Human Resources Officer, effective October 1, 2025.
Sudeep, who has been with TCS since 2000, previously led the Human Resources function for the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) vertical—one of the company’s largest and most strategic business units.
He holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Madurai Kamaraj University and has served in various HR leadership roles across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
His experience spans strategic HR initiatives, talent acquisition, and enterprise-wide change management.
A Track Record of Innovation and Global Experience
Throughout his career at TCS, Sudeep has focused on building strong value propositions to attract and retain top-tier talent.
He played a key role in bridging the gap between academia and industry, and his work in talent acquisition introduced gamified hiring methodologies that enhanced candidate engagement and helped identify high-potential talent.
One of his notable contributions includes leading the global programming contest CodeVita, which set a Guinness World Record and reshaped campus hiring practices.
Sudeep also implemented AI-driven talent marketplace solutions within the BFSI vertical, improving agility and optimizing workforce deployment.
His approach to HR has consistently aligned with business goals, making him a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
TCS noted that his ability to lead high-performing teams and embrace technological change has been instrumental in navigating complex, multicultural environments.
Transition Signals Continuity and Strategic Focus
The appointment of Kunnumal reflects TCS’s preference for internal leadership development and continuity in strategic HR direction.
The company continues to expand globally and invest in digital transformation.
Sudeep’s experience in integrating technology with human capital strategies is expected to support TCS’s long-term growth.
The leadership transition comes at a time when TCS is navigating evolving workforce expectations and hybrid work models.
The company is also facing increased competition for skilled talent.
Sudeep’s global exposure and track record in innovation position him well to lead HR initiatives that align with these challenges.
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