AI Will Transform IT Jobs and Drive Double-Digit Growth, Says Cognizant CEO at Davos
Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, outlining AI's transformative impact on the technology sector. He projected that over 90% of future IT positions will be AI-connected, while acknowledging job displacement alongside new job creation. The company has achieved a 10% increase in revenue per employee, demonstrating AI's productivity benefits. Kumar positioned the next three years as critical for the industry, predicting double-digit growth driven by AI transformation.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar delivered a comprehensive outlook on artificial intelligence's transformative impact on the technology sector during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Kumar emphasized that AI represents both a disruptive force and a catalyst for growth, fundamentally reshaping how the industry operates and creates value.
AI's Dual Impact on Employment
Kumar outlined AI's complex relationship with employment in the technology sector, acknowledging that significant job displacement will occur alongside substantial job creation. He projected that more than 90% of future positions in IT will be connected to AI, marking a fundamental shift in the industry's skill requirements.
| Employment Impact: | Details |
|---|---|
| Future AI-Connected Roles: | Over 90% of IT positions |
| Revenue per Employee Growth: | 10% increase observed |
| Wage Growth Pattern: | Trickling down to larger employee base |
| Job Creation Focus: | Higher demand at entry levels |
The CEO explained that while certain roles will become redundant, demand will rise sharply for specialized skills, particularly at entry levels. This shift is expected to lead to higher wages and broader job creation over time, with productivity gains driving increased compensation across the workforce.
Industry Transformation and Growth Prospects
Kumar characterized the next three years as a phase of "big and bold bets" for the global technology industry. He emphasized that AI is fundamentally reshaping how software is built and how companies operate, describing the transformation as rewriting classical software with AI-enhanced approaches.
"The future is about doing more for less by applying AI to operations," Kumar stated, positioning the IT services sector in India as structurally positioned for double-digit growth. He described the Indian IT sector as a bellwether for the broader economy, suggesting its performance indicates wider economic trends.
Strategic Direction and Expansion Plans
Cognizant's strategic approach involves layering mergers and acquisitions with organic growth, maintaining a sharper focus on AI-led capabilities. The company plans to expand its presence in Europe, where Kumar acknowledged it currently trails some industry peers.
| Strategic Focus Areas: | Approach |
|---|---|
| Growth Strategy: | M&A layered with organic growth |
| Capability Focus: | AI-led capabilities |
| Geographic Expansion: | Enhanced European presence |
| Market Position: | Catching up with peers in Europe |
India IPO Discussions
Kumar revealed that Cognizant is engaged in advanced discussions with Indian regulators regarding a potential local listing. He described these regulatory engagements as "constructive" and expressed the company's ambition to be among the first global IT firms to complete this process.
The CEO's optimistic outlook concluded with his assessment that AI serves as a significant tailwind for the industry. "With AI as a tailwind, this industry is built for double-digit growth. The next few years should take us back to the glory days of technology," Kumar stated, reflecting confidence in the sector's trajectory.
Productivity and Operational Excellence
Cognizant has already begun realizing tangible benefits from AI integration, with Kumar highlighting a 10% increase in revenue per employee as evidence of productivity gains. This metric demonstrates the company's ability to generate more value with existing resources, supporting his broader thesis about AI's transformative potential for operational efficiency and profitability in the technology services sector.



























