Gayathri Ramamurthy: A Journey of Leadership and Transformation
Gayathri Ramamurthy, a distinguished professional, has made significant contributions to corporate leadership, diversity, and inclusion throughout her career. With over 15 years of experience at Capgemini and an impressive academic background, she has excelled in various roles, ranging from leadership development to client account management. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire many in the corporate world, particularly women striving for excellence in leadership.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in India, Gayathri’s academic journey was one marked by hard work and determination. She completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree from Stella Maris College, one of the prestigious institutions in Chennai, where she graduated with distinction. Later, she pursued a Masters in Commerce from the University of Madras, graduating again with distinction. Her academic excellence laid the foundation for her career in business and management.
Recognising the importance of continuous learning, Gayathri later attended Harvard Business School Executive Education, where she completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) in 2024. This programme was pivotal in enhancing her leadership skills and business acumen, further propelling her career to new heights.
Professional Journey and Achievements
Gayathri’s professional career spans various high-profile roles at Capgemini, one of the world’s leading consulting firms. She joined Capgemini in 2009, where she held numerous key positions. In her most recent role as Vice President, Client Account Lead, she manages client accounts within the Consumer Products and Retail Distribution industry. In this capacity, Gayathri works closely with business leaders to ensure that Capgemini delivers the best solutions to clients, while also contributing to the company’s business outcomes.
Before her current role, Gayathri served as the India Learning & Development Head, overseeing the learning agenda for 160,000 employees. Her work involved shaping future skills training programs and driving innovative practices to engage a digital workforce. Additionally, she was responsible for leading the global agenda of learning transformation, collaborating with business leaders to ensure Capgemini’s talent pool is equipped for the future.
Expertise in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
One of Gayathri’s most notable contributions is her work in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She led the Diversity & Inclusion integration of Capgemini and I-Gate across India, a monumental task that involved over 100,000 employees across multiple locations. Her work in this area was focused on creating an inclusive workplace by integrating various dimensions of diversity, including gender, disability, and the LGBT+ spectrum.
She was also instrumental in building redressal mechanisms for the combined entity, ensuring compliance with the Government of India’s framework on sexual harassment prevention. Under her leadership, Capgemini created a policy and governance mechanism for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Grievance Redressal—a significant milestone for the company in India.
The Transition to Business Leadership
Gayathri’s decision to transition into the role of Client Account Partner came from a deep desire to broaden her impact beyond HR and contribute more directly to business outcomes. Her career shift reflects her commitment to leveraging her skills in diversity, leadership development, and transformation to help businesses grow and thrive. As a leader with a profound understanding of both talent development and business strategy, Gayathri has become a role model for many aspiring professionals.
Personal Life: The Relationship with Arvind Swamy
While Gayathri’s professional accomplishments are impressive, her personal life has also garnered significant attention due to her marriage to the renowned Indian actor Arvind Swamy. The couple married in 1994, and they have two children together: Adhira and Rudra. However, their marriage ended in 2010 after years of separation.
Their divorce, settled by mutual consent, has been widely discussed in the media, particularly concerning the divorce settlement. As part of the settlement, Gayathri received a one-time payment of ₹75 lakh and a monthly maintenance allowance of ₹1 lakh, contingent upon her not remarrying. Despite their separation, Gayathri and Arvind Swamy maintain a cordial relationship, with Arvind being granted custody of their children, while Gayathri enjoys visitation rights.
Leadership Style and Mentorship
Throughout her career, Gayathri has been committed to empowering others through leadership and mentorship. She has worked diligently to build frameworks for leadership development within Capgemini and other organizations, mentoring future leaders and helping them navigate their careers. Her leadership style can be described as transformational, focusing on motivating her team, encouraging innovation, and creating an environment where people feel valued and inspired to achieve their best.
Gayathri’s belief in the power of diversity to drive innovation has also been a central tenet of her leadership. She advocates for a workplace where employees from diverse backgrounds can collaborate and thrive, ultimately contributing to the company’s success. Her ability to manage change and drive transformation has made her a sought-after leader in her industry.
Gayathri Ramamurthy’s Legacy and Impact
Looking ahead, Gayathri Ramamurthy is poised to continue making a significant impact on the business world. Her blend of leadership skills, business expertise, and commitment to diversity positions her as a thought leader in the corporate sector. She continues to inspire both men and women in the workforce, demonstrating that leadership can be both inclusive and transformative.
Her career serves as an excellent example of how professionals can excel in a variety of domains—be it leadership development, client management, or diversity and inclusion—while maintaining a balanced approach to personal and professional growth.
As she advances further in her career, Gayathri’s influence on the corporate world is likely to grow, shaping future leaders, driving business transformation, and continuing to break barriers in the field of diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion
Gayathri Ramamurthy’s journey has been a testament to her dedication, hard work, and passion for driving change. From her early education to her work at Capgemini and her advocacy for diversity, she has become a role model for future generations of leaders. Whether leading change, mentoring others, or managing client accounts, Gayathri continues to shape the future of the corporate world. Her story is a powerful reminder that true leadership is about empowering others and making a lasting impact.
