IDC appoints Vasant Rao as Head of India and South Asia

Market analysis and advisory firm International Data Corporation (IDC) has appointed former Cognizant man Vasant Rao as its new Managing Director for India and South Asia. Senior executives at the firm said that the move signaled an increased focus on India. 

Rao’s appointment was effective from March 18th, and he will report to Managing Director of IDC Asia Pacific Eva Au in his new role. Au indicated that India’s market is in a period of transition from an economy that was previously services-oriented, but is increasingly becoming a leader in tech expertise.

Data science has become a particularly vibrant area in recent years, and Rao’s appointment is aimed at capitalising on this scenario. “I am excited to have Vasant drive the development and growth of IDC’s operations in India and the South Asia market. With his rich experience and understanding of how technology plays an integral role in context to the business outcomes, IDC India is ready to enter the next phase of our growth,” said Au.

IDC offers a variety of services in the tech sphere, ranging from market research to advisory services in the IT, telecommunications and consumer tech market. The firm joins a number of global advisory firms that are increasing their focus on India, as the country’s tech market becomes increasingly vibrant.

Rao will lead the charge, leveraging a wealth of professional expertise in the tech space. His background is a mix of finance and analytics, starting in a managerial role at ABN Amro and moving through a number of tech and advisory roles before joining global tech advisory firm Cognizant in 2010.

Rao spent a decade at Cognizant, starting as the Head of the firm’s Business & Financial Services Analytics practice and eventually ascending to the role of Head of Analytics & Data Science Technologies. He will now leverage his experience and client network to drive growth at IDC.

“I am really excited to lead IDC’s business in India and South Asia region when technology has become an integral part of Enterprises. Over the decades, IDC has been very well-respected because of its research quality, accuracy & deep market insights and knowledge,” said Rao of his appointment.

“In the current era of digital transformation, IDC is often looked upon as the advisor of choice for both, the technology vendors and technology buyers. I look forward to working with the highly motivated & capable teams here at IDC to deliver value to our customers,” he added.