Bengaluru: On April 24, 2025, Microsoft unveiled significant leadership changes for its India and South Asia operations, appointing Himani Agrawal as Chief Operating Officer (COO), Nitin Mittal as Industry Leader for Digital Natives, and Aparna Kondaboina as Head of Human Resources for Microsoft Customers and Partners Solutions (MCAPS). These moves align with Microsoft’s mission to advance India’s AI ecosystem and democratize AI access during a pivotal phase of its 50-year legacy.
With over two decades of experience, Himani Agrawal will steer revenue growth by unifying business objectives, emphasizing innovation, operational efficiency, and strategic alignment across the region. Previously, she served as Chief Partner Officer and held various leadership roles within Microsoft’s India operations.
Nitin Mittal, a seasoned professional with 24 years in digital platform development, joins to lead digital native initiatives. His past roles include leadership positions at Zee Entertainment, NPCI, UIDAI, and founding SOLV, a B2B SME platform. Nitin’s expertise spans finance, retail, e-commerce, and media, positioning him to drive innovation in Microsoft’s digital offerings.
Aparna Kondaboina, with 23 years of experience across Microsoft’s India and US operations, will shape HR strategies to enhance talent development and workplace culture within the commercial business unit. Her leadership will focus on fostering a high-performance environment for MCAPS.
Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India & South Asia, praised the appointees, stating, “Himani, Nitin, and Aparna bring profound expertise and business insight. Nitin’s platform-building experience will fuel our digital native growth, while our accomplished women leaders will deliver immense value to stakeholders.” At a transformative moment, he highlighted their roles in strengthening Microsoft’s regional leadership.
The appointments coincide with reports of Microsoft rolling out new performance management tools to boost efficiency. Sources indicate the introduction of a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), offering employees a chance to enhance performance or opt for a voluntary severance package. These changes reflect Microsoft’s focus on optimizing talent to meet ambitious AI-driven goals.
As India’s AI market is projected to reach $17 billion by 2027, Microsoft’s leadership reshuffle underscores its commitment to innovation and regional growth. The trio’s diverse expertise will drive strategic advancements, ensuring Microsoft remains a key player in India’s tech landscape while empowering customers and partners.