C.P. Gurnani, or simply “CP” to those who know him, is the kind of leader who believes that technology’s greatest power lies in how it helps people. As the Co founder and Executive Vice Chairman of AIonOS, CP’s mission is to leverage the potential of AI to address real-world challenges, ensuring businesses run smarter and more sustainably. For over 40 years, CP has remained a staunch advocate of using innovation to improve lives—whether through his corporate work, educational initiatives, or community outreach. A Journey Rooted in Transformation With a background in chemical engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, CP’s career has been defined by his ability to transform organizations. At Tech Mahindra, where he spent more than a decade as CEO, he spearheaded one of the most remarkable corporate turnarounds in Indian business history through the acquisition and revival of Satyam Computer Services, a success story so powerful it became a Harvard Business School case study. He has also worked at some of the world’s most respected tech firms, including Hewlett Packard, Perot Systems, and HCL Corporation. CP’s leadership goes beyond boardrooms. He believes in the importance of constant learning and has always advocated for upskilling and reskilling employees. He is also passionate about education, founding Plaksha University and serving on the boards of IIM Nagpur and Mahindra University. His work here reflects his belief that the next generation of leaders should have the skills—and the mindset—to drive meaningful change. Community and Personal Commitment CP’s definition of success has never been just about profits. Together with his wife, Anita, he co-founded Titliyan, an NGO dedicated to educating and empowering underprivileged children. He also works closely with the Mohan Foundation and Feeding Hands in Jaipur, both of which focus on health and well being in underserved communities. For CP, giving back to the community is central to everything he does. His philosophy is simple: make a difference, one person at a time. Vision for the Future As he transitions from the corporate world to new ventures, CP is more excited than ever about the future. He believes in the power of technology, not just for profit but for the betterment of society. His new focus is on AIonOS, where he’s working on creating AI solutions that help businesses operate more efficiently, while also enabling inclusion and sustainability. CP is passionate about green energy and ensuring that future innovations leave a positive legacy for generations to come.

Recognition
While CP’s humility is often his defining trait, his contributions have been widely recognised across the globe. Named among the Top 100 Most Influential Global Leaders in AI by Analytics India Magazine, he has also been honoured as the People-Focused CEO of the Year at the Economic Times Human Capital Awards in 2023 for his advocacy of employee well-being. Other notable recognitions include being named the Most Inspiring Business Leader of Asia at the Economic Times Asian Business Leaders Conclave and Business Icon of India by Zee Business in 2022. For CP, however, these awards are less about personal achievement and more about the incredible teams and communities that have supported him along the way.

A few other memorable honours include:
• Lifetime Achievement Award (2021) from the SKOCH Group and CAII
• Influential Leader of New India by CNN News 18
• Technology Icon of India by VARINDIA Brand Book in 2020
• Gold Winner CEO of the Year for his reskilling efforts