Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCLTech, has secured the eighth position on Fortune’s 2026 Most Powerful Women Asia list, making her the highest-ranked Indian woman on the list. The recognition places her among the leading women shaping business across the Asia-Pacific region.
The list features 100 women from 14 Asia-Pacific markets. Malhotra’s position also adds to her international recognition, with her ranking 33rd on Fortune’s global Most Powerful Women list.
Her latest recognition comes as HCLTech navigates changes in the technology industry, particularly the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), international expansion and the changing demands of global enterprise clients.
From succession to leadership at HCLTech
Malhotra became chairperson of HCLTech in 2020, succeeding her father, Shiv Nadar, who founded the company. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in India’s technology industry, making her the first woman to lead a listed Indian IT company.
Since taking the role, she has been associated with the company’s strategic direction as it expands its AI capabilities and strengthens its international presence.
Malhotra has described her relationship with her father’s legacy in terms that emphasise learning rather than direct comparison.
“I haven’t stepped into his shoes. I think I stand on his shoulders,” she said.
The statement reflects her approach to building on an established business while guiding it through a period of technological change.
AI growth and global expansion remain key priorities
Artificial intelligence has become a central part of HCLTech’s business strategy. Under Malhotra’s leadership, the company has focused on strengthening its position in AI-led technology services while exploring opportunities in areas such as semiconductors.
HCLTech has reported annual revenue of $620 million from advanced AI services. Its operations span nearly 60 countries, giving the company an extensive international footprint as businesses increasingly look to incorporate AI into their operations.
The shift towards AI is reshaping the technology services sector, placing greater emphasis on specialised capabilities, new business models and the ability to adapt to changing client requirements.
For Indian IT companies, this transition makes strategic decisions around technology investment and global growth increasingly important. Malhotra’s position on Fortune’s list brings additional attention to the leadership guiding HCLTech through these changes.
Gender diversity takes a place in corporate governance
Malhotra’s leadership profile also includes an emphasis on gender representation. HCLTech’s board has 50% women, according to the information provided, reflecting a commitment to gender diversity at the board level.
The company’s approach to inclusion has also been linked to its recognition among Forbes’ top 50 companies for women.
Board representation has become an important part of discussions around corporate governance, particularly as companies face greater expectations to demonstrate diversity in their leadership structures.
For the Indian technology sector, HCLTech’s board composition offers another dimension to Malhotra’s leadership profile, alongside the company’s business expansion and AI strategy.
Philanthropy remains part of her wider work
Beyond the corporate sector, Malhotra is associated with philanthropic initiatives through the Shiv Nadar Foundation. The foundation supports education-focused programmes, including VidyaGyan, while her wider philanthropic work also includes The Habitats Trust.
This combination of corporate leadership and social initiatives forms a significant part of her public profile. Her work spans technology, business strategy, education and conservation, extending her influence beyond HCLTech’s commercial operations.
Her recognition by Fortune therefore comes against the backdrop of responsibilities that cover both corporate growth and social impact.
Global recognition adds to her growing profile
The eighth-place finish on Fortune’s 2026 Asia list and her 33rd position on its global Most Powerful Women list underline Malhotra’s visibility in international business leadership.
She has also been named India’s wealthiest woman by Hurun India, adding a separate distinction to her profile.
For Malhotra, the Fortune ranking arrives at a time when HCLTech is responding to the opportunities and challenges created by AI while continuing its international expansion. Her leadership brings together the company’s established business legacy, its evolving technology priorities and a focus on philanthropy.
The recognition also highlights the growing presence of Indian women in global corporate leadership, particularly in a technology sector undergoing significant change.
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