Indian-Origin Executives Earn Spots on TIME’s 2026 List
Several Indian-origin business leaders have been featured in TIME’s 2026 list of executives recognized for their influence across technology, data and digital innovation. The list highlights professionals working in areas ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to retail technology, financial services and enterprise transformation.
Among those featured is Suresh Kumar, Walmart’s executive vice president, global chief technology officer and chief development officer. His role involves using artificial intelligence to improve how the retail giant understands and serves its customers. TIME highlighted Walmart’s efforts to develop AI systems capable of anticipating customer needs and making interactions more personalized.
Rahul Patil, chief technology officer at Anthropic, is another Indian-origin executive included in the list. Patil oversees the company’s technology ecosystem around generative AI and Claude. TIME noted the rapid expansion of Anthropic’s business while also highlighting the broader challenge of developing increasingly powerful AI systems while addressing potential misuse.
At OpenAI, Vijaye Raji serves as chief technology officer of applications, working across the company’s Research and Scaling and Infrastructure organizations. His responsibilities include bringing together technical work involving data, experimentation and growth to support products such as ChatGPT and Codex.
The list also recognizes Indian-origin women in senior technology roles. Seemantini Godbole, executive vice president and chief information and AI officer at Lowe’s, has helped guide the home improvement retailer’s adoption of AI and digital tools. Her work includes efforts to make technology more useful for both employees and customers while improving the overall shopping experience.
Amala Duggirala, executive vice president and chief digital and technology officer at Delta Air Lines, is also featured. TIME describes her position as overseeing the airline’s digital and technology organizations, including the systems supporting its global operations and customer-facing digital services. Her work has included tools such as Delta Concierge, an AI-powered assistant designed to support travelers.
The broader “Leaders” category also includes Indian-origin banking executives Hari Gopalkrishnan, chief technology and information officer at Bank of America, and Firdaus Bhathena, executive vice president, chief technology and transformation officer at S&P Global.
Together, their inclusion reflects the expanding presence of Indian-origin professionals in senior technology, AI, data and digital leadership roles across major global companies.
