Vanitha Narayanan

Vanitha Narayanan
Occupation	Corporate leader
Years active	1987–present
Known for	Managing director of IBM-Verizon partnership; former Chairman of IBM India

Vanitha Narayanan is a prominent Indian corporate leader currently overseeing the IBM-Verizon partnership as managing director. Between 2017 and 2018, she held the position of Chairman at IBM India, having earlier served as managing director for IBM India and regional general manager for India and South Asia.

Beginning her career with IBM in the United States in 1987, Narayanan has gained international experience through her work in various countries. She is part of IBM's Growth & Transformation Team and has been inducted into the IBM Industry Academy. Her leadership extends to championing diversity and leadership development programs, where she has acted as an executive sponsor dedicated to promoting women's advancement in leadership roles.

Narayanan has also contributed significantly to industry organizations, including serving as chairperson of the American Chamber of Commerce in India from 2015 to 2016, holding an executive council position at NASSCOM, leading NITK Surathkal as chairperson, and being a member of the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Awards and recognition

In 2017, she was honored as one of the ‘Most Powerful Women’ by both Fortune India and Business Today. The previous year, CXO Today included her among the 12 Global Indian Super Women of 2016.

Education

Narayanan earned an MBA in Marketing from the University of Madras and another MBA specializing in Information Systems from the University of Houston, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Additionally, she completed her undergraduate studies in liberal arts at Stella Maris College, Chennai.

Personal life

Residing in the United States, Narayanan is married and has a daughter along with a grandchild.