Gulf News Interview with Kalyan Kumar, CPO, HCLSoftware
What leadership principle shaped XDO and how does it align with UAE’s 2031 digital strategy?
The XDO (Experience, Data, Operations) Blueprint is guided by a leadership insight: sustainable value emerges when these three elements are unified around customer outcomes. It aligns with UAE’s digital goals by enabling self-managing systems where customer interactions generate data, inform operations, and continually enhance user experiences.
How does HCLSoftware enable GenAI adoption while meeting Gulf data compliance laws?
The approach is “Pragmatic AI”: tailored AI use with strict data sovereignty. Whether customers need private cloud in Abu Dhabi or deployment in UAE’s AWS region, HCLSoftware’s “glocal” model ensures flexibility. Their platforms—Unica+, BigFix, Actian—offer data-residency compliance and consent-based marketing. This balances AI speed with governance integrity.
How is local talent development integrated into global teams?
HCLSoftware is not just hiring but building product innovation hubs in the UAE and Riyadh. Engineers develop features from scratch, supported by the same DevSecOps pipelines as global teams. MarTech cloud regions allow real-time development with local customers. Cross-border collaboration ensures that breakthroughs from Dubai, Tel Aviv, or Noida all ship globally.
What leadership practices from Ferrari can Gulf enterprises apply?
The Ferrari partnership revealed three habits worth replicating: pride in heritage, obsession with customer experience, and purpose-driven excellence. Gulf companies should leverage legacy, deliver memorable user engagement, and instill purpose so excellence becomes routine.
How will you measure success for the new Dubai hub within the year?
Success will be reflected in customer advocacy and visible ROI. The company will track adoption of new cloud platforms like Unica+, regional code contributions to global products, and client case studies in key industries like banking and retail. When Gulf-led innovations hit global releases, the Dubai hub’s value will be evident.
How do you keep global teams aligned amid fast-paced AI innovation?
HCL relies on small elite teams backed by AI co-pilots—currently 3,500 for 5,000 engineers. Each sprint is measured by how much AI boosted productivity. Unified DevSecOps pipelines and regular internal demos maintain alignment and motivation across locations.
How do your products support ESG and ethical digital transformation?
Sustainability is a core concern. HCL offers cloud, on-premise, and hybrid deployment models to control carbon impact. Built-in features include bias monitoring, energy dashboards, and consent-based operations. Tools like Intelligent Operations help clients reduce energy waste, helping Gulf clients reach their net-zero goals while continuing digital innovation.