HCL Technologies has been selected by M Group to lead an AI-driven IT transformation across more than 200 locations, leveraging the AI Force service platform to enhance IT operations and accelerate digital transition.

Partnership overview

The engagement positions HCL Technologies as M Group's technology partner for a wide-scale IT overhaul. The deployment of the AI Force service platform is central to this initiative, designed to streamline and enhance IT tasks across M Group's extensive network of locations. This win extends HCLTech's track record in essential infrastructure, where operational continuity and regulatory compliance leave little margin for error.

AI Force platform at the core

The AI Force service platform will serve as the primary enabler of M Group's digital transition. By applying AI-driven capabilities to IT operations, the platform aims to bring greater efficiency and speed to technology functions spanning the organisation's more than 200 sites. The program will also accelerate broader digital transformation across M Group's water, energy, technology and communications, transport, and defense, industrial and public sector business lines.

Scope of transformation

The initiative spans IT change management and operational enhancement, with the AI Force platform central to accelerating M Group's broader digital agenda. The scale of the engagement, covering over 200 locations, underscores the breadth of the transformation programme undertaken by the two organisations. Through AI-led managed services spanning infrastructure and end-user operations, HCLTech will strengthen resilience and build a scalable digital foundation for growth.

Executive commentary

Chloe Anfield, Chief Technology Officer at M Group, stated that the partnership with HCLTech brings a new level of service for every team member in the field and in the office. She noted that the collaboration aims to enhance the quality, reliability and scalability of IT operations, supporting innovation and sustainable growth across the business.

Ajay Bahl, Chief Growth Officer and Global Head, Energy and Manufacturing at HCLTech, emphasized the responsibility of modernizing the IT backbone behind critical infrastructure. He highlighted HCLTech's deep experience in complex, multi-site environments and its commitment to ensuring M Group's technology keeps pace with sector demands.

HCL Technologies Limited has been recognized as a Leader in Everest Group's inaugural Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2026. The recognition highlights the company's ability to help manufacturers modernize product development and manage complex PLM transformation programs.

Recognition Details

Everest Group placed HCL Technologies in the Leader quadrant for its expertise in delivering lifecycle transformation initiatives that improve visibility, traceability, and collaboration across the product ecosystem. The assessment noted strong traction across emerging PLM themes, including cloud PLM, supply chain traceability, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), multi-enterprise integration, AI-enabled lifecycle services, and digital thread and digital twin enablement.

Nishant Udupa, Vice President at Everest Group, stated that HCLTech's portfolio of reusable assets across AI-led lifecycle transformation, test automation, MBSE, and platform migration differentiates its proposition. He added that clients appreciate the firm's deep PLM expertise, responsive support, and ability to align PLM capabilities with business processes.

Strategic Context

Hari Sadarahalli, Corporate Vice President and Head of Engineering and R&D Services at HCLTech, emphasized that engineering organizations need a unified digital foundation to enable faster decisions and seamless collaboration as products become increasingly software-defined and AI-driven.

He noted that HCLTech combines five decades of engineering leadership with deep domain expertise and AI-led innovation to help clients build intelligent engineering enterprises. This approach aims to accelerate growth, strengthen resilience, and create lasting business value.

Company Profile

HCLTech is a global technology company with more than 223,000 people across 60 countries. It delivers industry-leading capabilities centered around AI, digital, engineering, cloud, and software. The firm provides industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology & Services, Semiconductor, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, Mobility, and Public Services.

Consolidated revenues for the 12 months ending June 2026 totaled $14.8 billion.