Cognizant, a provider of information technology, consulting and business process services, announced Tuesday it has named Brian Humphries its new CEO, effective April 1.
“With a strong track record of success across different companies, cultures and roles, Brian is the right executive to lead Cognizant and build on its 25 years of growth, success and innovation,” Michael Patsalos-Fox, chairman of the board, Cognizant, said.
“Our industry is entering a dynamic new growth stage. Brian is a broadly experienced technology executive with a proven track record of driving enterprise-wide transformation through focused execution, often in challenging and highly competitive market segments. Brian brings a global perspective and a keen knowledge of our businesses and the technologies with which we innovate. We’re confident he has the ideas, energy, ambition and insights to extend the remarkable track record of success under Frank’s leadership.”
Humphries, the current CEO of Vodafone Business, will also serve as a member of the board of directors.
“It is an honor and a privilege to join Cognizant, which has been at the forefront of the digital revolution – driving innovative and transformational change for many of the largest enterprises in the world,” Humphries said. “Cognizant is renowned for being laser-focused on its clients’ needs, developing business solutions and services that help clients position their companies for the future. I look forward to building on the great work and collaboration Cognizant has with clients, the development of innovative solutions and its operational execution and strength. The opportunity to lead Cognizant is an exciting one.”
Humphries joined Vodafone from Dell, most recently serving as president and chief operating officer of its Infrastructure Solutions Group. Previously, he was president of Dell’s Global Enterprise Group and before that, he was vice president and general manager, EMEA Enterprise Solutions.
Before joining Dell, he was with Hewlett-Packard where he served in roles such as senior vice president, emerging markets; senior vice president, strategy and corporate development; chief of staff to the chairman and chief executive; and chief financial officer of HP Services. He spent the early part of his career at Compaq and Digital Equipment Corp.
The Teaneck-based company also announced Francisco D’Souza, co-founder of Cognizant and CEO since 2007, has been appointed executive vice chairman to help with Humphries’ transition through June 30. Afterwards, he will remain on the board as vice chairman.
“During my 25 years at Cognizant, including the last 12 as CEO, and the last seven months as vice chairman, I’ve had a bird’s-eye view of the world-changing technology revolution that is reshaping how we work, live and play. Cognizant has been fortunate to play a leading role in that transformation. While I have enjoyed serving as CEO, I believe this is the right time for me to step aside and for the company to name a new leader to build on the strong foundations we’ve created and take Cognizant into the future,” D’Souza said.
During his time as Cognizant CEO, D’Souza oversaw continuous periods of growth, including an increased revenue of $1.42 billion in 2006 to $16.1 billion in 2018; an increased global headcount from 39,000 in 2006 to 282,000 in 2018; and the company being named as Fortune’s Most Admired Companies for 11 years.
“The company has the strategy and people in place to continue to deliver innovative technologies and solutions that help our customers realize their full potential in a digital world. I know Brian will help Cognizant deliver on its commitments to our clients and continue to build value for our shareholders. I am committed to continuing to support Cognizant as we make this transition and beyond as vice chairman of the board. I want to thank Michael Patsalos-Fox and our fellow board members for their support and my many colleagues for their engagement and hard work, which have made Cognizant the success it is today,” he added.
“On behalf of the entire board, I would like to thank Frank for his incredible dedication and pioneering leadership of the company. During his tenure as CEO, the Company increased annual revenue over ten times what it was when he took over, becoming a Fortune 200 company. And, for 11 years, the company has been named as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies. We are grateful that Frank has agreed to continue to serve on the board and fortunate that we will continue to benefit from his experience and energy,” Patsalos-Fox said.
