Mirror Review
October 22, 2025
Google Cloud has found its next big leader in Karthik Narain, a seasoned technology executive known for driving large-scale AI and cloud transformations.
In October 2025, Sundar Pichai announced his appointment as Chief Product and Business Officer, signaling Google’s focus on combining deep enterprise experience with cutting-edge AI innovation.
Narain spent more than a decade at Accenture, where he helped build the company’s Cloud-First and Data & AI businesses. Now, at Google Cloud, he will lead product development, data platforms, developer ecosystems, and go-to-market operations.
Here, Narain will essentially manage how Google delivers AI-powered cloud services to enterprises worldwide.
Here are 10 lesser-known facts about Karthik Narain—the man now helping Google Cloud define the next era of enterprise AI.
1. His Journey Started in Tiruchirappalli, India
Karthik Narain began his career in technology after earning a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Bharathidasan University in Tiruchirappalli, India.
With a focus on systems and computing, his early academic foundation was deeply technical and continues to shape his hands-on approach to technology leadership today.
2. Narain Entered the IT World with Infosys
Narain’s professional journey began at Infosys, one of India’s leading IT services firms.
As a Senior Relationship Manager for Financial Services, he managed large-scale digital transformation projects for capital market clients in the U.S.
It was here that Narain developed his ability to translate complex technology into real business outcomes, a skill that would later define his leadership style.
3. He Took on P&L Leadership at HCLTech
After five years at Infosys, Narain joined HCL Technologies in 2005.
Over nine years, he rose to become Vice President and Vertical Head for High Tech (including Software & Platforms) and Automotive sectors.
He handled full profit and loss (P&L) responsibility, overseeing revenue growth, customer engagement, and global delivery.
This phase helped him build a strong operational mindset and a results-driven approach to business leadership.
4. Helped design and launch Accenture’s Cloud-First and Data & AI businesses
Narain’s big break came when he joined Accenture in 2015.
Within a few years, he helped design and launch the company’s Cloud-First and Data & AI businesses. These were initiatives that transformed how Accenture approached digital modernization.
His teams worked with some of the world’s largest companies to migrate systems, build new platforms, and apply AI for business intelligence.
Under his leadership, Accenture became a market leader in enterprise cloud and AI services, earning praise from clients and analysts alike.
5. Karthik Narain Became Accenture’s Global Technology Chief in 2023
In 2023, Narain was appointed Group Chief Executive of Technology and later Chief Technology Officer of Accenture.
He oversaw the firm’s global technology vision and strategy, managing tens of thousands of engineers and innovation teams.
Under his leadership, Accenture strengthened partnerships with major cloud providers like Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, building solutions that bridged consulting with real-world engineering.
6. He Chaired the Board of Avanade (Accenture’s Joint Venture with Microsoft)
While playing the Accenture CTO role, Narain served as Chair of the Board at Avanade, Accenture’s joint venture with Microsoft.
This gave him unique exposure to how enterprise ecosystems operate at scale, especially within Microsoft’s Azure environment.
His experience there deepened his understanding of AI-powered enterprise transformation, making him a valuable asset for any cloud company looking to enhance its enterprise.
7. He Built a Reputation for Modernizing Global Enterprises
Across Accenture and Avanade, Narain personally led AI and cloud transformation programs for Global 4000 companies, from banks and automakers to public sector organizations.
Known for his client-first approach, Narain emphasized execution over hype.
He once described transformation as “a journey where technology and people evolve together, not separately.”
His work helped companies not only adopt new tools but also rethink their business models for the AI age.
8. Sundar Pichai and Thomas Kurian Backed His Appointment
When Google announced his appointment in October 2025, Sundar Pichai called Narain a “key leader” who will help customers transform their businesses with AI.
Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, added: “Karthik’s unparalleled depth of experience in developing enterprise technology solutions will accelerate our customers’ journey into the AI era.”
Their endorsements highlight how much trust Google’s top executives are placing in Narain’s leadership.
9. Karthik Narain Now Leads Product, AI, and Business Teams At Google Cloud
At Google Cloud, Narain oversees Cloud, Developer, Data, and AI platforms, along with the global business and go-to-market teams.
His role spans product innovation, engineering, customer success, and revenue growth—making him central to Google’s enterprise AI strategy.
He is also expected to unify Google’s developer tools and AI offerings into one cohesive product vision.
10. Narain is Here to Shape Google Cloud’s Next AI Chapter
Narain’s arrival comes as Google Cloud competes with Microsoft Azure and AWS, while expanding its AI-driven solutions like Gemini Enterprise.
With Narain’s enterprise track record and technical depth, Google Cloud aims to translate its AI research strength into real-world business adoption.
As Sundar Pichai put it, Narain will help “accelerate the strong growth we are already seeing.”
End Note
Ex-Accenture CTO Karthik Narain’s story from Tiruchirappalli to Silicon Valley is a story of how global technology leadership is changing—driven by people who understand both code and commerce.
At Google Cloud, he brings decades of experience in cloud strategy, AI innovation, and enterprise transformation.
He’s not just joining a company; he’s shaping how the next generation of businesses will use AI to grow, compete, and transform.
