NIIT names former Mercer India CEO Anish Sarkar as chief executive
- NIIT Limited appointed Anish Sarkar as CEO, effective Oct. 14, 2026.
- Sarkar succeeds Pankaj Jathar, who is moving back to Bengaluru.
- Sarkar previously led Pluxee in India and was CEO of Mercer India.
- NIIT plans to continue executing on inorganic growth initiatives.
GURUGRAM, INDIA — NIIT Limited has appointed Anish Sarkar as chief executive officer, effective Oct. 14, 2026.
He succeeds Pankaj Jathar, who has decided to move back to Bengaluru for personal reasons after two years based in Gurugram.
Sarkar previously ran Pluxee’s India business and Mercer India, and joins as NIIT looks to keep growing through acquisitions.
A record of acquisitions
NIIT said Sarkar brings extensive experience across technology, digital services, human capital consulting and business development, according to the Deccan Herald.
Throughout his career, he has driven growth through both organic and inorganic routes, including business expansion, portfolio development and strategic acquisitions, the company said.
Before NIIT, Sarkar was managing director for India and director of the India, Philippines and Indonesia cluster at Pluxee, formerly Sodexo BRS.
He was also CEO of Mercer India, and at both organizations he led strong revenue growth and portfolio expansion, including strategic acquisitions.
Earlier, he spent several years with the Capgemini Group in senior roles spanning management consulting, sales and technology transformation.
Inorganic growth on the agenda
NIIT said his experience will be valuable as it strengthens its offerings, advances its AI-led learning and talent development initiatives and continues to execute on its inorganic growth initiatives.
“Anish brings a valuable combination of business-building experience, technology leadership and a proven ability to drive growth,” said Vijay Kumar Thadani, managing director and vice chairman of NIIT Limited.
“We are confident that his experience across diverse businesses will serve NIIT well as we build on the foundations established over the past several years and pursue our next phase of growth,” Thadani said.
Chairman Rajendra Singh Pawar said Sarkar brings “a distinctive blend of technology, digital and people-centric business leadership.”
“His experience in scaling businesses, developing customer relationships and driving transformation will be valuable as NIIT continues to evolve its offerings and deepen its relevance to customers,” Pawar said.
Jathar’s next steps
Alongside his professional pursuits, Jathar plans to continue his involvement with academia through teaching, guest lectures and engagement with leading institutions.
Thadani thanked him for “his important contributions in strengthening the organisation and positioning NIIT for the future.”
For NIIT’s customers, a chief executive with a record of strategic acquisitions points to a company that may add capabilities through deals as well as organic growth.
Buyers running digital transformation programs that depend on reskilling can track how NIIT’s offerings change under new leadership.
Companies weighing outsourcing for training and talent work can start with the ultimate guide to outsourcing.
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