Key Takeaways
- Google Cloud appoints former Accenture CTO Karthik Narain as its first-ever Chief Product and Business Officer
- Narain will lead product, engineering, and go-to-market teams across cloud, AI, and data divisions
- Both Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian personally welcomed the appointment
Google Cloud has made a significant leadership hire, bringing on former Accenture Chief Technology Officer Karthik Narain as its inaugural Chief Product and Business Officer. This high-profile appointment signals Google’s intensified focus on enterprise AI and cloud transformation.
Leadership Endorsements
Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian announced the appointment via LinkedIn, highlighting Narain’s “impressive track record in the enterprise technology space.” Kurian stated that Narain will lead product and engineering teams across cloud, developer, data, and Applied AI, plus the go-to-market organization.
“Karthik will lead product and engineering teams across cloud, developer, data, and Applied AI, the go-to-market organisation, and work closely with Google Public Sector,” Kurian wrote.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai personally welcomed Narain, emphasizing his role in shaping Google Cloud’s growth trajectory. Pichai noted Narain will “partner closely with our Cloud customers as they transform their businesses with AI” and mentioned the positive response to Gemini Enterprise.
“In his new role, Karthik will help accelerate the strong growth we are already seeing in Google Cloud. Just over a week ago, we announced Gemini Enterprise, which has had a really positive response. Much more to come, welcome Karthik!” wrote Pichai
Narain’s Perspective
In his own LinkedIn post, Narain expressed excitement about this “next chapter” after more than 25 years in tech consulting. He described the role as an “incredible opportunity” to combine his engineering and product strategy expertise with Google’s AI innovation.
“After more than 25 years in the tech consulting industry, I am excited to share the next chapter of my career – I am joining @GoogleCloud as its first Chief Product & Business Officer. This is an incredible opportunity to combine my expertise in engineering and product strategy, and my experience with enterprise systems and business processes with Google’s world-class foundational technologies and cutting-edge AI innovation to drive profound digital transformation.”
Career Background
Before joining Google, Narain served as Accenture’s CTO and previously held the title of Group Executive – Technology. His earlier career includes a decade at HCLTech, where he served as Vice President and Vertical Head for High Tech, Software & Platforms, and Automotive divisions from 2005 to 2015. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Systems and Business from Bharathidasan University in Tiruchirappalli.
