Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest IT services company, has announced a comprehensive strategy to become the world's largest AI-led technology services company, while also extending its long-standing partnership with UK-based home improvement retailer Kingfisher Plc.

TCS's AI Transformation Strategy

TCS has outlined a five-pillar strategy to drive its AI-led transformation:

1. Internal AI Transformation (tcsAI): The company is fostering an AI-first culture, with nearly 160,000 associates now possessing higher-order AI skills. A recent global AI hackathon saw participation from over 281,000 TCS employees.

2. Service Line Reimagination: TCS is redefining all its services with a Human + AI services model, establishing an AI and Services Transformation unit to lead this initiative.

3. Future-Ready Talent Model: The company is investing in upskilling its workforce, embracing new ways of working, and recruiting top talent locally in its operating markets.

4. AI-Centric Client Solutions: TCS is redesigning business value chains for every industry and developing innovative cross-industry solutions leveraging AI.

5. AI Ecosystem Play: The company is deepening partnerships within the AI ecosystem, stepping up M&A efforts, and venturing into new business areas.

New Data Center Subsidiary

As part of its AI strategy, TCS has announced the creation of a new subsidiary focused on building a sovereign AI data center in India. The planned facility will have a capacity of up to 1 gigawatt, to be developed over 5-7 years with an estimated investment of $6.50 billion through partnerships.

Kingfisher Partnership Extension

TCS has extended its 15-year partnership with Kingfisher Plc, a leading home improvement retailer with over 1,900 stores across seven countries in the UK and Europe. The extended partnership aims to enhance Kingfisher's operational efficiency through automation and AI deployment.

Key aspects of the partnership include:

• Establishment of a joint 'Innovation and Automation Office'
• Introduction of a domain-focused application support structure
• Acceleration of automation and AI use in IT operations, leveraging TCS's ignio™ AIOps platform and generative AI-powered Application Reliability Engineering solution

Dave Haycocks, IT Services Director at Kingfisher, stated, "We are delighted to double down on our commitment with our longstanding partner TCS to drive a more agile and efficient IT operation, to grow our business and help our customers and trade professionals build better homes."

Q2 FY2026 Performance Highlights

TCS also reported its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026:

The company expects FY2026 international revenue growth to surpass that of the previous fiscal year, despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties.

As TCS continues to position itself at the forefront of AI-led transformation in the technology services industry, its strategic initiatives and partnerships demonstrate a commitment to innovation and growth in an evolving digital landscape.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, has announced an extension of its 15-year partnership with Kingfisher Plc, a prominent home improvement retailer. The collaboration aims to drive AI-powered transformation across Kingfisher's operations, marking a significant step in the retail sector's adoption of emerging technologies.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

• Joint Innovation and Automation Office: TCS and Kingfisher will establish a collaborative office focused on integrating emerging technologies and practices.
• Focus on AI and Automation: The partnership will leverage artificial intelligence and automation to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Extended Collaboration: Building on a 15-year relationship, this new agreement deepens the commitment between the two companies.

Technological Advancements

TCS plans to implement several cutting-edge solutions to boost Kingfisher's operational capabilities:

1. Domain-Focused Application Support: Aligned with Kingfisher's product and platform approach.
2. AI-Powered IT Operations: Utilization of TCS's ignio™, a SaaS-based AIOps platform.
3. Generative AI Solution: Implementation of Application Reliability Engineering for proactive IT system management.

Impact on Kingfisher's Operations

The partnership is expected to significantly impact Kingfisher's business in the following ways:

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Through the integration of AI and automation technologies.
• Cost Reduction: Streamlining of processes is anticipated to lower operating costs.
• Improved Customer Experience: The technological upgrades aim to provide a more seamless experience for Kingfisher's customers.

Strategic Importance

This collaboration underscores the growing importance of digital transformation in the retail sector. For Kingfisher, which operates across seven countries with over 1,900 stores under various banners including B&Q, Castorama, and Screwfix, this partnership is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.

Dave Haycocks, IT Services Director at Kingfisher, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, "We are delighted to double down on our commitment with our longstanding partner TCS to drive a more agile and efficient IT operation, to grow our business and help our customers and trade professionals build better homes."

TCS's Role and Expertise

TCS brings to the table its extensive experience in retail technology solutions:

• Global Retail Expertise: TCS works with the world's top 10 global retailers.
• Comprehensive Services: Offerings span store operations, merchandising, supply chain, and marketing.
• UK Market Leadership: TCS holds a leading position in software and IT services in the UK.

Shekar Krishnan, Business Unit Head, Retail UK and Europe at TCS, commented on the partnership: "We are delighted to extend our partnership with Kingfisher in the mission to drive more agile, efficient and future ready operations. With the combinational power of AI, automation and our deep contextual knowledge, we will help Kingfisher innovate faster, deliver superior customer experience, and drive strategic growth."

This collaboration between TCS and Kingfisher Plc represents a significant step forward in the retail industry's digital transformation journey, promising to set new standards in operational efficiency and customer service through the power of AI and automation.