
Roshni Nadar Malhotra: Leading India’s IT services
Roshni Nadar Malhotra has become a prominent leader within India’s business sector, merging her entrepreneurial skills with a strong passion for charitable work. Being the daughter of Shiv Nadar, the innovative founder of HCL Technologies, and the pioneering female head of a leading IT services firm in India, Roshni is known for her strategic vision and commitment to societal contributions. Currently, she is acclaimed not just as the third wealthiest individual in India but also as a pioneer transforming the landscape of Indian business and charity efforts.
Born into one of India’s leading business dynasties, Roshni was raised amidst the heritage of creativity and entrepreneurship that her father, Shiv Nadar, created. Yet, her ascent to prominence is not simply due to her family’s affluence and influence. Rather, it is a path marked by her personal vision, diligent effort, and capacity to lead with intention.
Roshni’s academic journey provided her with the groundwork for her later achievements. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Northwestern University in the USA, and then an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. These educational experiences furnished her with the skills needed to manage the intricacies of the global business scene, setting her up for the challenges she would encounter leading one of India’s major technology firms.
Even though Roshni was born into the HCL heritage, her professional journey started beyond the family enterprise. She pursued her passion for media and communications, gaining experience in radio and television production. These initial career steps provided her with a wider outlook and insight into connecting with varied audiences, capabilities that would later benefit her in her corporate leadership position.
Although she was born into the HCL legacy, Roshni’s career began outside the family business. She explored her interests in media and communications, working in the fields of radio and television production. This early career experience gave her a broader perspective and an understanding of engaging with diverse audiences, skills that would later complement her role as a corporate leader.
In 2020, Roshni Nadar Malhotra ascended to the role of Chairperson of HCL Technologies, following in her father’s footsteps and becoming the first woman to head a major IT services company in India. This change emphasized her leadership skills and the faith her family and the company’s stakeholders placed in her foresight. Guided by her, HCL Technologies has sustained its success, bolstering its status as a top global IT enterprise.
In 2020, Roshni Nadar Malhotra became the Chairperson of HCL Technologies, succeeding her father and making history as the first woman to lead a major IT services company in India. This transition not only underscored her leadership abilities but also highlighted the trust and confidence her family and the company’s stakeholders had in her vision. Under her guidance, HCL Technologies has continued to thrive, strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading IT firms.
Apart from her accomplishments in business, Roshni Nadar Malhotra is passionately involved in philanthropic efforts. She fulfills the role of trustee for the Shiv Nadar Foundation, established by her father to propel societal transformation through education. The foundation’s projects, including Shiv Nadar University and VidyaGyan Leadership Academies, have enabled numerous students from underprivileged backgrounds to receive quality education and the chance to succeed.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Roshni Nadar Malhotra is deeply committed to philanthropy. She serves as the trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, an organization founded by her father to drive social change through education. The foundation’s initiatives, such as Shiv Nadar University and VidyaGyan Leadership Academies, have empowered thousands of students from underserved communities, providing them with access to quality education and opportunities to excel.
Beyond her dedication to education, Roshni is a strong supporter of environmental preservation. She has participated in efforts to conserve biodiversity and encourage sustainable practices, highlighting her dedication to ensuring a better future for upcoming generations. Through her philanthropic and environmental initiatives, she demonstrates that true leadership encompasses not only financial achievement but also enhancing the welfare of society and the planet.
In addition to her focus on education, Roshni is also an advocate for environmental conservation. She has been involved in initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices, demonstrating her commitment to creating a better future for generations to come. Through her philanthropic and environmental efforts, she has shown that leadership is not just about financial success but also about contributing to the well-being of society and the planet.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra’s path exemplifies the strength of resolve and intent. Although she has received a legacy of success, she has shown her capability to expand on that base and leave a durable mark. Her role at HCL Technologies, alongside her charitable initiatives with the Shiv Nadar Foundation, demonstrate how she has merged business acumen with a dedication to social welfare, motivating others to emulate her approach.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and purpose. While she has inherited a legacy of success, she has also demonstrated her ability to build upon that foundation and create a lasting impact. Her leadership at HCL Technologies and her philanthropic work with the Shiv Nadar Foundation are examples of how she has combined business expertise with a commitment to social good, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
In a world where conversations about wealth and privilege frequently capture the spotlight, Roshni Nadar Malhotra distinguishes herself as a leader who leverages her position for meaningful change. Her path serves as a strong reminder that genuine success is gauged not solely by financial accomplishments but by the positive influence one has on others. Whether through her position at HCL Technologies or her philanthropic initiatives, Roshni consistently exemplifies leadership that is both motivating and impactful.
In a world where discussions about wealth and privilege often dominate the headlines, Roshni Nadar Malhotra stands out as a leader who has used her position to create meaningful change. Her journey is a powerful reminder that true success is not measured by financial achievements alone but by the positive impact one has on others. Whether through her role at HCL Technologies or her philanthropic endeavors, Roshni continues to set an example of leadership that is both inspiring and impactful.
Her story is one of resilience, vision, and a deep sense of responsibility—a story that continues to unfold as she paves the way for a brighter and more equitable future.