Hexaware Taps Ex-Fighter Pilot to Lead Private Markets Offensive

ISELIN, NJ – January 28, 2026 – Global IT services provider Hexaware Technologies has announced a significant strategic initiative with the appointment of Amit Vij to the newly created role of Chief Private Markets Officer. The move signals a concentrated effort by the company to capture a larger share of the rapidly expanding and technology-hungry private markets ecosystem, which includes private equity, infrastructure, and private debt funds.

Vij, a seasoned advisor with a uniquely diverse background, is tasked with leading Hexaware's engagement across this lucrative sector, driving both strategy and business growth. The appointment is a clear declaration of intent from Hexaware to position itself as a premier technology partner for funds and their portfolio companies, which are under increasing pressure to create value through digital transformation and operational efficiency.

A Calculated Bet on Private Capital

Hexaware's decision to establish a C-suite position dedicated to private markets is a calculated bet on a sector ripe for technological disruption. Private equity firms and other private capital managers are no longer just financial engineers; they are active operators who need to drive rapid and measurable improvements in the companies they own. This has created immense demand for sophisticated IT services, from cloud migration and data analytics to the deployment of artificial intelligence for everything from deal sourcing to operational overhauls.

The company is not a newcomer to this world. Hexaware's own history provides it with a deep, intrinsic understanding of the private equity mindset. The firm was acquired by Baring Private Equity Asia in 2013 and later taken private, before Carlyle Group acquired it in 2021 in a deal valued at approximately $3 billion. This firsthand experience as a portfolio company has given Hexaware unique insight into the value-creation pressures and operational hurdles that define the PE lifecycle.

This strategic push builds on an existing foundation. Hexaware already offers a range of solutions tailored for private equity firms and their holdings, focusing on streamlining fund accounting, enhancing portfolio management, and unlocking cost efficiencies. However, the creation of this new role signifies a more aggressive and centralized strategy to scale these offerings and capitalize on the market's momentum.

From the Cockpit to the C-Suite

At the heart of this strategic pivot is Amit Vij, whose professional journey is as impressive as it is unconventional. Before becoming a recognized leader in private equity consulting, Vij served as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, where he retired as a squadron leader after flying multiple operational MiG fighters, including the MiG-29. This background in a high-stakes, precision-driven environment is complemented by an MBA from INSEAD and a career in investment banking at Deutsche Bank in London, where he advised on mergers and acquisitions.

This unique combination of military discipline, financial acumen, and technology consulting experience was a key factor in his appointment. R. Srikrishna, Hexaware's CEO and Executive Director, highlighted this in the announcement. "Amit brings a rare combination of private markets expertise, technology acumen and an operator's mindset," he stated. "As investors and portfolio companies push harder on value creation, we see a clear opportunity to help them move faster with technology and AI-driven interventions that deliver real business outcomes."

Vij's track record includes over two decades of advising private market investors and portfolio leaders, earning him a place among the Top 25 Private Equity Consultants and Leaders for 2025. His approach, known for its focus on measurable outcomes and long-term value, aligns perfectly with the results-oriented culture of private equity.

The AI-First Playbook for Value Creation

Hexaware's strategy under Vij's leadership is heavily centered on deploying "technology and AI-driven interventions." This is more than just industry jargon; it represents a concrete playbook for unlocking value. The company, which has branded itself with an "AI-first" approach, plans to leverage its capabilities to transform how private equity firms and their portfolio companies operate.

One key area is deal intelligence. Hexaware is developing AI-powered tools that can rapidly analyze investment opportunities, sifting through vast amounts of data in pitch decks, industry reports, and financial statements to help firms make smarter, faster bidding decisions. For portfolio companies, the focus is on driving operational excellence. This involves replacing outdated legacy systems, standardizing workflows through automation, optimizing IT assets, and implementing intelligent automation to cut costs and improve efficiency.

Generative AI is a cornerstone of this strategy. Hexaware has already developed solutions like Echo Docs, which uses GenAI to extract and summarize insights from complex financial documents, and a centralized KB System to streamline knowledge management. By deploying these and other GenAI tools, Hexaware aims to empower the workforce within portfolio companies, making them more agile and scalable. This technological infusion is designed to accelerate growth and maximize valuations from the point of acquisition to a successful exit.

"The emphasis on portfolio value creation has never been greater, and addressing this market requires a fundamentally more agile approach," Vij commented on his appointment. "We have a unique opportunity to create tangible value for funds and their portfolio companies through technology and AI-driven interventions aligned to client outcomes."

This AI-centric vision is supported by strategic partnerships with technology leaders like NVIDIA, Cohere, Anthropic, and Hugging Face, ensuring Hexaware remains at the forefront of AI innovation. By combining its deep domain expertise in financial services with these cutting-edge technologies, the company is positioning itself to offer a compelling value proposition in a highly competitive market, promising not just IT solutions, but tangible financial returns.