TCS Launches AI Transformation Unit, Appoints Amit Kapur as Chief

Tata Consultancy Services has officially launched a new AI and Services Transformation Unit, signaling a deeper commitment to artificial intelligence across its global operations. According to a company memo seen by Reuters, Amit Kapur, a seasoned insider with over two decades at TCS, has been appointed to lead this newly formed unit.

Key Highlights:

• Unit Purpose: To consolidate all existing AI capabilities and accelerate innovation in domain-specific AI solutions.
• Leadership: Kapur previously headed TCS’s UK and Ireland business and will now serve as Chief AI and Services Transformation Officer, reporting to COO Aarthi Subramanian.
• Strategic Timing: This comes just weeks after TCS announced plans to cut 12,000 jobs, reflecting a broader shift in India’s $283B outsourcing industry toward AI-led efficiencies.
• Global Context: TCS is the first major Indian IT firm to create a dedicated AI business unit, following similar moves by global players like Accenture.

Why It Matters:

This isn’t just a structural change—it’s a strategic pivot. With client spending under pressure due to macroeconomic uncertainties, AI-led transformation is emerging as the key lever for growth. TCS aims to “reimagine” its investments in global Pace Ports to deliver real-world AI experiences.

AI Strategy Comparison: TCS vs Global IT Leaders (2025)

Company	AI Strategy Focus	Organizational Structure	Notable Moves	Strategic Edge
TCS	Services transformation via domain-specific AI	New AI & Services Transformation Unit led by Amit Kapur	Consolidating AI capabilities across Pace Ports	First Indian IT major with a dedicated AI business unit
Accenture	Industry-specific GenAI solutions	Embedded AI across all service lines	$3B investment in AI, 40K+ AI-skilled workforce	Deep vertical integration and client co-innovation hubs
Infosys	Applied AI for enterprise efficiency	Infosys Topaz platform	Focus on AI-powered automation and analytics	Strong in legacy modernization + AI
Wipro	AI for digital operations and cloud	Wipro ai360 ecosystem	Acquired Rizing and Capco to boost AI-led consulting	Hybrid cloud + AI integration
IBM	AI governance and enterprise AI	WatsonX platform + AI Ethics Board	Focus on AI trust, transparency, and model lifecycle	Pioneer in AI governance and enterprise compliance
Microsoft	AI-first enterprise transformation	Azure AI + Copilot across products	$13B OpenAI partnership, Copilot embedded in Office, GitHub	Massive scale, developer ecosystem, and enterprise reach
Amazon (AWS)	AI infrastructure and services	Bedrock + Titan models	AI-as-a-service for startups and enterprises	Dominates cloud-based AI deployment
Google (Alphabet)	Foundational models and AI research	DeepMind + Gemini models	AI-first across Search, Cloud, and Workspace	Leading in multimodal and frontier AI research

Key Takeaways:

• TCS is playing catch-up in terms of scale but is ahead in formalizing AI leadership within Indian IT.
• Global firms like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are embedding AI across product ecosystems, not just services.
• Infosys and Wipro are focusing on AI as an enabler for operational efficiency and consulting.
• IBM and Accenture are doubling down on AI governance and industry-specific deployments, which could be a blueprint for TCS’s next phase.

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