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Roshni Nadar - The Progress Catalyst

4 min read

A visionary in business & philanthropy

Roshni Nadar Malhotra is an Indian business leader, philanthropist, and Chairperson of HCLTech, a global technology and IT services company. She is recognised as India’s richest woman and one of the most powerful business executives in the world. With a background in finance and strategic leadership, she has played a pivotal role in steering HCLTech’s growth while championing social impact through the Shiv Nadar Foundation.

Roshni Nadar - The Progress Catalyst (source: fortuneindia.com)
Roshni Nadar Malhotra

Nationality: Indian

Date of Birth: 1982

Hometown: Delhi

Parents:  Shiv Nadar, Kiran Nadar

Spouse: Shikhar Malhotra

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Northwestern University, USA

  • MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, USA

Employment History: 

  • Chairperson of HCLTech (2020–Present)

  • CEO & Executive Director of HCL Corporation

  • Trustee of Shiv Nadar Foundation


Under her leadership, HCLTech continues to expand its global footprint, while she remains deeply committed to philanthropy, education, and environmental conservation.

 

Roshni Nadar, a powerful business executive

Roshni Nadar Malhotra joined HCL Corporation in 2009, bringing a fresh perspective to business strategy, global expansion, and digital transformation. In 2020, she became the first woman to chair a listed IT company in India, taking over from her father, Shiv Nadar.


Under her leadership, HCLTech has continued its rapid global expansion, with operations in 60+ countries and a workforce of over 225,000 employees. The company is a leader in cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI-driven solutions, and digital transformation services, working with Fortune 500 clients across multiple industries.


She has also been instrumental in HCL’s focus on sustainability and innovation, driving initiatives that integrate AI, automation, and green technology into the company’s core services.


Beyond corporate leadership, she is an active investor in start-ups and technology-driven social enterprises, supporting India’s digital growth and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Impact Maker Roshni Nadar

Roshni Nadar - The Progress Catalyst (source: fortuneindia.com)

Roshni Nadar Malhotra’s impact extends beyond business, as she is a major force in philanthropy, education, and social development. Through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, she has played a key role in establishing world-class educational institutions that provide scholarships and mentorship to thousands of students from underprivileged backgrounds.


The foundation has established Shiv Nadar University, VidyaGyan Leadership Academy, and Shiv Nadar Schools, focusing on STEM education, leadership training, and holistic learning. Her initiatives are helping bridge the education gap in India, empowering future leaders and innovators.


Additionally, she has launched The Habitats Trust, an environmental conservation initiative that protects endangered species, natural ecosystems, and biodiversity hotspots across India. Her dedication to sustainable development makes her a key advocate for balancing corporate growth with environmental responsibility.


Her leadership in women’s empowerment and diversity has also made an impact, as she actively promotes gender equality in technology and leadership roles, inspiring women professionals in the corporate world.

Change Maker Roshni Nadar

Roshni Nadar Malhotra is a game-changer in the corporate and philanthropic sectors, using technology, education, and sustainability as tools for long-term social impact.

Roshni Nadar - The Progress Catalyst (source: fortuneindia.com)

Her leadership at HCLTech has resulted in:

  • A strong emphasis on AI, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity, positioning HCL as a leader in next-gen technology.

  • Diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring equal opportunities for women in tech leadership.

  • ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments, integrating sustainability into HCL’s business model.


She is also a vocal advocate for bridging the digital divide, ensuring that rural communities gain access to technology and quality education through her foundation’s programmes.


Her ability to align business success with social impact makes her a rare leader who drives both corporate excellence and meaningful change.

Progress Catalyst Roshni Nadar

Beyond her corporate and philanthropic roles, Roshni Nadar Malhotra is shaping the future of technology, education, and sustainability in India.


Her vision for HCL’s future includes investing in AI, quantum computing, and deep-tech solutions, ensuring that India remains competitive on the global technology stage. She is also an advocate for public-private partnerships in education and digital infrastructure, working with policymakers to enhance India’s human capital and innovation ecosystem.


Through her efforts in conservation, skill development, and digital transformation, she is creating a sustainable and inclusive growth model for the next generation. As one of the world’s most influential women leaders, she continues to inspire business professionals, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

 

Achievements

Roshni Nadar - The Progress Catalyst (source: fortuneindia.com)

  • First woman to chair a listed IT company in India – Leading HCLTech’s global expansion.

  • Established The Habitats Trust – Protecting India’s endangered species and ecosystems.

  • Expanded the Shiv Nadar Foundation’s reach – Providing scholarships and leadership training to underprivileged students.

  • Invested in tech start-ups – Supporting India’s digital and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

  • Pioneered women’s leadership initiatives – Encouraging diversity and inclusion in corporate and tech industries.


Awards & Recognitions

  • Forbes World’s Most Powerful Women (Multiple Years) – Recognised for her leadership in business and philanthropy.

  • Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (2024) – France’s highest civilian honour for contributions to business and social impact.

  • Fortune India Most Powerful Women (2024) – Acknowledged for shaping the future of technology and education.

  • NDTV Businesswoman of the Year Award – Honoured for driving HCLTech’s innovation and global expansion.

  • EY Entrepreneur of the Year Jury Member – Recognised for mentoring and inspiring young business leaders.

 

Media References


Businesses visited this article while also looking for

  1. Roshni Nadar Malhotra HCLTech Chairperson and business leader

  2. How Roshni Nadar is transforming India’s technology industry

  3. Women leaders in Indian IT and their success stories

  4. HCLTech’s global expansion strategy under Roshni Nadar

  5. Shiv Nadar Foundation’s impact on education and philanthropy

  6. Environmental conservation efforts by The Habitats Trust

  7. Tech-driven education initiatives in India

  8. India’s richest women and their contributions to business

The Progress Catalyst

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Throughout history, there have been individuals who have made a profound impact on the world. These individuals have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, and have made the world a better place for all. We will keep exploring the lives and work of these progress catalysts, and show how their contributions have shaped the world we live in today.

 

The Progress Catalyst is a celebration of these individuals. It is a tribute to their courage, their vision, and their determination. It is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world.

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