Indians are increasingly taking top positions in some of the world’s most powerful technology companies. From Sundar Pichai at Google to Sabih Khan, Apple’s newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, leaders of Indian origin are leaving a strong mark across the global tech landscape. These executives, many of whom were born in small towns across India, now lead companies that shape the digital world.
Sundar Pichai – Google and Alphabet
Born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Sundar Pichai is the CEO of both Google and its parent company Alphabet. He is credited with advancing Google’s work in artificial intelligence and information organization. Admired for his ethical and efficient leadership style, Pichai represents the global face of Indian tech leadership.
Satya Nadella – Microsoft
Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella took over the reins in 2014. He was born in Hyderabad, Telangana, and has held key roles including head of Microsoft’s R&D and Business Division. He also served as a board member at Starbucks.
Arvind Krishna – IBM
IBM’s Chairman, President, and CEO, Arvind Krishna, has been with the company for over 30 years. Born in West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, he played a significant role in IBM’s work on blockchain technology. In 2016, he was listed among the top 25 innovators shaping the future of business.
Shantanu Narayen – Adobe
As CEO of Adobe, Shantanu Narayen has transformed the company into a creative software leader with tools like Photoshop and Acrobat. He holds five patents and was born in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Thomas Kurian – Google Cloud
Thomas Kurian leads Google Cloud as its CEO since 2019. Born in Pampady, Kerala, he was named Cloud Wars CEO of the Year 2024 for his leadership in cloud computing and digital transformation.
Sanjay Mehrotra – Micron Technology
CEO of Micron Technology, Sanjay Mehrotra co-founded SanDisk and holds over 70 patents. He is known for his focus on computing architecture and AI. He was born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Neal Mohan – YouTube
Appointed CEO of YouTube in 2023, Neal Mohan is focused on platform safety and expanding tools for creators. Although born in the United States, he comes from an Indian-origin family.
Sabih Khan – Apple
Born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Sabih Khan has been with Apple for over 30 years. He was recently promoted to Chief Operating Officer from his previous role as Senior Vice President of Operations, becoming one of the highest-ranking Indian-origin executives at the company.
A Growing Global Influence
These Indian-origin executives are redefining global leadership in tech. Their journeys from Indian cities and towns to the top offices of Google, Microsoft, Apple, IBM, and more serve as powerful examples of global ambition, innovation, and excellence.
