Conduent Incorporated, a global technology-driven business solutions and services company in Florham Park, announced that the board of directors has appointed Harsha V. Agadi, chairman of Conduent’s board of directors, as chief executive officer.
As part of this transition, Agadi will step down as chairman of the board, and Margarita Paláu-Hernández has been appointed independent chair of the board.
Agadi succeeds Cliff Skelton, who will step down as president, chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors. All leadership changes are effective immediately.
“Since joining the Conduent board last year, I have been impressed by the company’s long-term client relationships, its cutting-edge technologies that propel digital interactions and the management team’s dedication to innovation and excellence,” said Agadi.
“I am honored to take on this role and grateful for the trust of my fellow board members. I also want to thank Cliff for his leadership and contributions over the past six years.
“I look forward to working closely with the Conduent team to leverage the company’s unique strengths, accelerate the pace of our growth and deliver long-term value for our clients, shareholders and employees.”
Agadi brings over 35 years of executive leadership and corporate governance experience across public and private companies. He joined Conduent’s board of directors in 2025, serving as chairman of the board, and previously led its audit committee.
He has held senior executive positions at Fortune 50 companies. He has extensive multisector experience, as well, having served as chief executive officer of six companies over the past 25 years.
Agadi currently serves as chairman of GHS Holdings, LLC, and is the non-executive chairman of the board of Flotek Industries, Inc.
Paláu-Hernández is the founder and CEO of Hernández Ventures, a privately held enterprise involved in business and real estate ventures. She joined Conduent’s board of directors in 2019 and currently serves on the board of Icahn Enterprises. L.P.
Previously, she served on the boards of International Flavors and Fragrances, Xerox Holdings Corporation, Apartment Income REIT Corp., Occidental Petroleum, Herbalife Nutrition Ltd. and ALJ Regional Holdings, Inc.
“I am grateful to the board for their trust in appointing me independent chair, and have great confidence in Harsha’s leadership to drive Conduent forward,” said Paláu-Hernández.
In 2018, she was nominated to serve as a representative of the United States of America to the 73rd session of the General Assembly of the United Nations with the personal rank of ambassador.
Before founding Hernández Ventures, she was an attorney with the law firm of McCutcheon, Black, Verleger & Shea.
