Ex-Accenture CTO Karthik Narain joins Google Cloud as Chief Product and Business Officer; Sundar Pichai writes welcome note
New Delhi: Google Cloud has appointed Karthik Narain as its new Chief Product and Business Officer, marking a strategic step in the company’s efforts to expand its leadership in artificial intelligence and enterprise technology.
The announcement was made by Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian through a LinkedIn post.
Kurian hails Narain’s ‘proven track record’
Welcoming Narain to the company, Kurian wrote on LinkedIn: “Today we welcome Karthik Narain to Google Cloud as Chief Product & Business Officer. He will lead product and engineering teams across cloud, developer, data and Applied AI, the go-to-market organisation, and work closely with Google Public Sector.
"Karthik’s proven track record with clients, along with his unparalleled depth of experience in developing enterprise technology solutions, will accelerate our customers’ journey into the AI era. Welcome to the team, Karthik!”
Narain will oversee Google Cloud’s product, engineering, and go-to-market divisions, and play a key role in shaping the company’s enterprise AI strategy.
Narain calls it an ‘incredible opportunity’
Responding to the announcement, Narain shared Kurian’s post on LinkedIn and expressed enthusiasm for his new role.
“After more than 25 years in the tech consulting industry, I am excited to share the next chapter of my career — I am joining @GoogleCloud as its first Chief Product & Business Officer,” Narain wrote.
“This is an incredible opportunity to combine my expertise in engineering and product strategy, and my experience with enterprise systems and business processes with Google’s world-class foundational technologies and cutting-edge AI innovation to drive profound digital transformation.
"The opportunity to unlock immense value for Google Cloud’s customers and partners is unparalleled, and I can’t wait to get started!” he added.
Pichai welcomes Narain to Google Cloud
Google CEO Sundar Pichai also welcomed Narain, underscoring his leadership role in driving Google Cloud’s growth. “I’m excited that Karthik Narain is joining Google Cloud as its Chief Product and Business Officer, a key leader on Thomas Kurian's exceptional team. Karthik will partner closely with our Cloud customers as they transform their businesses with AI.
"In his new role, Karthik will help accelerate the strong growth we are already seeing in Google Cloud. Just over a week ago, we announced Gemini Enterprise, which has had a really positive response. Much more to come, welcome Karthik!” Pichai said in his post.
Narain’s career and background
Before joining Google, Narain was Chief Technology Officer at Accenture and previously served as Group Executive – Technology at the same firm. From 2005 to 2015, he held the role of Vice President and Vertical Head for High Tech, Software & Platforms, and Automotive at HCLTech.
Narain holds a Master’s degree in Computer Systems and Business from Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli.
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