Who Is K Krithivasan? TCS CEO Faces Scrutiny Amid Major Layoffs in India’s Top IT Company

K Krithivasan, the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is currently in the spotlight as India’s largest IT services company announces a massive layoff plan involving around 12,000 employees in 2025. The announcement sent shockwaves through the tech industry and also caused a dip in TCS stock prices.

In his recent statement, Krithivasan clarified that these job cuts are not caused by AI automation, as many feared. Instead, they are due to a skill mismatch, particularly among middle and senior-level employees who no longer align with TCS’s evolving business needs.

Why Is TCS Laying Off 12,000 Employees?

Krithivasan explained that the company is moving towards AI-driven operations and advanced technology solutions. However, the layoffs are not directly tied to artificial intelligence replacing jobs. Instead, TCS is struggling to redeploy employees whose current skills don’t match upcoming project requirements.

The CEO added, “We are preparing the organization for the future, but we cannot keep people whose skills are no longer aligned with our work. It’s a painful decision but necessary for long-term growth.”

Who Is K Krithivasan?

Often called “Krithi” by peers, K Krithivasan became CEO and MD of TCS on June 1, 2023. With over 30 years of experience, he is a veteran in the IT industry and has played a crucial role in shaping TCS into a global leader. His leadership style is focused on customer-centric growth and employee collaboration.

Under his guidance, TCS achieved major milestones:

• Named Global Top Employer 2024

• Became the second most valuable IT services brand in the world in 2024

His Background and Career at TCS

Krithivasan joined TCS back in 1989. Before becoming CEO, he successfully led the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) division — one of the most critical segments for TCS.

He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management Engineering from the prestigious IIT Kanpur. In 2024, he was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by IIT Kanpur, recognizing his contributions to the tech industry and entrepreneurship.

Industry Reputation

Krithivasan is widely respected among Indian business leaders. He is seen as a thoughtful, balanced, and strategic leader, and his supporters believe he’s making difficult decisions in the best interest of the company’s long-term vision.

With the IT world rapidly evolving, especially with AI and automation, Krithivasan’s actions reflect how legacy companies like TCS are trying to stay competitive — even if it means letting go of thousands of employees.