Founder & CEO of Ascendion, Named to the Wall Street Journal CEO Council
Karthik Krishnamurthy’s Biography:
Karthik Krishnamurthy is a visionary technology leader, entrepreneur, and CEO known for driving growth and innovation across global digital industries. Karthik is a confident and insightful speaker who connects technology with real-world business impact. His talks combine strategic foresight and practical leadership lessons, inspiring audiences to embrace transformation and lead with purpose. Known for his calm authority and clarity of thought, he engages leaders across industries to explore how technology, data, and human creativity can work together to shape a better future.
After earning a Bachelor of Engineering from Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, Karthik began his career at Cognizant. He advanced through several leadership roles, including Senior Vice President and Global Business Head of Analytics and Information Management, where he led major digital transformation initiatives. His ability to translate technological complexity into strategic opportunity quickly established him as a results-oriented global leader.
In 2017, Karthik became Senior Vice President and Global Head of Markets at Cognizant Digital Business, before being appointed Group CEO of Collabera Holdings in 2020. That same year, he joined the Forbes Technology Council, contributing thought leadership on innovation and emerging trends. In 2022, he founded Ascendion, a digital engineering company focused on human-centred innovation. As CEO, he leads Ascendion’s strategic direction and growth in an ever-changing technology landscape.
Karthik’s leadership has been recognised globally. In 2024, he was named to the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, and in 2025, he oversaw the launch of AAVA/AVA+ on AWS Marketplace, expanding Ascendion’s global reach. With over 18 years of experience, Karthik continues to shape the future of technology-driven business with vision, empathy, and a commitment to innovation.
Why Hire Karthik Krishnamurthy?
Karthik Krishnamurthy is sought after for his deep expertise in digital transformation and strategic leadership. He draws on two decades of experience leading multinational organisations through technological change, offering audiences practical insights and bold ideas.
As a keynote speaker, he simplifies complex innovation into clear, actionable strategies for growth and leadership. Organisations invite Karthik for his forward-thinking, engaging style and his ability to inspire confidence in navigating the digital future.
Karthik Krishnamurthy’s Career Highlights:
Below highlights some of Karthik Krishnamurthy’s career milestones throughout AI and technology:
- 2025 – Led the availability of AAVA/AVA+ on AWS Marketplace, expanding Ascendion’s digital engineering capabilities
- 2024 – Named to the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, recognising his leadership and influence in technology and business
- 2022 – Founded Ascendion and became Chief Executive Officer, leading its mission to humanise and accelerate innovation
- 2020 – Appointed Group CEO of Collabera Holdings, overseeing global operations and strategic transformation
- 2020 – Joined the Forbes Technology Council, contributing insights on emerging trends in digital innovation
- 2017 – Became Senior Vice President and Global Head of Markets at Cognizant Digital Business, driving client growth
- 2001 – Promoted to Senior Vice President and Global Business Head of Analytics and Information Management at Cognizant
- 2001 – Earned an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow
- 1998 – Earned a Bachelor of Engineering from Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering
Videos
Karthik Krishnamurthy’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Karthik Krishnamurthy was an exceptional speaker, combining depth, clarity and real-world insight in every moment on stage. His talk on AI and business transformation resonated deeply with the audience, offering practical frameworks and powerful examples drawn from his leadership at Ascendion. Karthik has a rare ability to connect strategy with execution, inspiring leaders to think boldly about technology, talent and transformation while leaving them with clear, actionable steps for impact.” – Tim Munton
Topics
Karthik Krishnamurthy’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Embracing Change: Leading with Optimism in the Age of Disruption
- The Future of Technology Talent and the AI-Driven Economy
- The Agentic Era: How Humans and AI Build Together
- Navigating Economic Volatility with Technology Velocity
- Business Transformation in the Age of Intelligent Engineering
How Much Does Karthik Krishnamurthy Cost To Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Karthik Krishnamurthy?
The cost of hiring Karthik Krishnamurthy depends on factors such as your event requirements, whether it’s in-person or virtual, and any travel or accommodation needs. To receive an accurate quote, contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.