The Inspiring Journey of Roshni Nadar – From Media Aspirations to Leading HCL Technologies
New Delhi (Economy India): Roshni Nadar, the first woman to lead a publicly listed Indian IT company, once aspired to be a news producer. Today, she stands as one of the world’s most influential business leaders, steering HCL Technologies towards greater heights. Her journey from journalism to technology leadership is a testament to adaptability, determination, and strategic vision.
Early Dreams in Media and a Career Pivot
During her early career, Roshni was passionate about journalism. She pursued a degree in communication and management from Northwestern University, USA, and interned at renowned media houses like CNN, CNBC, and Sky News London.
While interning at Sky News, she received a life-changing call from her father, Shiv Nadar, founder of HCL Technologies. He advised her that to create a significant impact in media, she needed to understand business deeply. Inspired by this wisdom, Roshni shifted her focus to the family business and returned to India.
A Strategic Leader in HCL Technologies
Roshni joined HCL Corporation in 2009 and gradually became involved in key business decisions. Her leadership skills quickly became evident, leading to her promotion as Vice Chairperson in 2018. In 2020, she was appointed Chairperson of HCL Technologies, becoming the first woman to head a publicly listed Indian IT company.
Under her leadership, HCL made its largest acquisition in history, purchasing software products from IBM for $1.8 billion in 2018. She has since transformed the company with a startup-like approach, promoting agility, innovation, and global expansion.
A Passion for Wildlife Conservation
Beyond the corporate world, Roshni is deeply passionate about wildlife conservation and sustainability. She founded The Habitats Trust, which focuses on protecting endangered species and their habitats in India. A wildlife photography enthusiast, she often visits nature reserves to support conservation efforts.
A Strong Advocate for Education
Following in her father’s philanthropic footsteps, Roshni plays a key role in the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which provides quality education to talented students from underprivileged backgrounds. The foundation operates VidyaGyan Schools and Shiv Nadar University, empowering young minds with top-tier education.
Personal Life and Family
Born in 1982 in Delhi, Roshni is the only child of Shiv and Kiran Nadar. In 2009, she married Shikhar Malhotra, a business leader who now serves as Vice Chairman of HCL Healthcare. The couple has two sons, Armaan and Jahaan.
Recognitions and Achievements
- India’s richest woman with a net worth of ₹3.5 lakh crore (Hurun India report).
- Ranked among the world’s top 5 richest women.
- Featured in Forbes’ 100 Most Influential People list in 2019, 2023, and 2024.
- Successfully led HCL’s expansion and acquisitions, strengthening its global presence.
Roshni Nadar’s story is one of transformation—from aspiring journalist to a powerful business leader shaping the future of India’s IT industry. With a vision for technological innovation, conservation, and philanthropy, she continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide.
(Economy India)
