HFS Research Launches an Influential Global Advisory Board
HFS Research has announced the formation of its Global Advisory Board, gathering eight leaders from various sectors such as enterprise technology, consulting, and innovation in business models. This initiative aims to provide unparalleled value to executives from Global 2000 companies as they navigate the complexities brought by AI-driven business transformation at the crossroads of services and software.
The newly formed advisory board members collectively possess over $500 billion in enterprise transformation experience, encompassing an impressive lineup of former CEOs, tech leaders, and pioneers in academia who have significantly influenced the technology industry for years.
Addressing the Strategy-Execution Gap
The formation of the Advisory Board directly caters to a pressing market need: bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical enterprise execution. Many organizations find themselves struggling with AI implementation, workforce shifts, and enhancing operational resilience. Traditional advisory methods often fail to provide actionable guidance.
"Enterprise leaders require more than just theoretical papers—they need actionable frameworks from those who have successfully executed transformations at scale," remarked Phil Fersht, CEO and Chief Analyst at HFS. He emphasized the importance of the Global Advisory Board, which is set to bring together leaders with extensive experience in navigating multi-billion-dollar transformations and establishing viable global delivery models.
Key Strategic Areas of Impact
The HFS Global Advisory Board will focus on delivering value across five crucial dimensions:
- Market Intelligence and Research Direction: This involves refining HFS research priorities to capture real-world enterprise complexities, accounting for emerging technologies, shifting business models, and macroeconomic influences that shape transformation strategies.
- C-Suite Engagement and Strategic Dialogue: The Board will create opportunities for direct engagement between senior executives through exclusive roundtable discussions, enhancing how research aligns with boardroom strategies.
- Academic-Enterprise Innovation Bridge: Collaborating with leading academic institutions, the board aims to accelerate the integration of groundbreaking research into practical business applications, thereby fostering competitive advantages for enterprises.
- Global Thought Leadership Platform: Members will participate in HFS Summits, executive podcasts, and industry forums, facilitating discussions on critical transformational issues that enterprises face today.
- Market Credibility and Influence Amplification: Leveraging their collective industry status, the Board will help amplify HFS's voice in shaping the discourse around enterprise technology and establishing accountability standards among vendors.
Introducing the Inaugural Advisory Board Members
The inaugural members of the Advisory Board bring a wealth of experience and achievement:
- Frank D'Souza – Co-founder & Former CEO, Cognizant. He played a critical role in establishing Cognizant as a prominent player in the tech industry, growing it into a $16+ billion leader.
- Malcolm Frank – Former President, Cognizant Digital Business, and CEO of TalentGenius, known for pioneering transformative digital strategies.
- CP Gurnani – Former CEO & MD, Tech Mahindra, recognized for leading major IT service transformations in India.
- Steven Hill – Former Vice Chairman at KPMG, who influenced the consulting strategy for a leading professional services firm.
- Mark Hodges – A key executive at early BPO companies and a pioneer in business process terminology.
- Mary Lacity – Distinguished Professor and recognized authority on technology adoption trends.
- Jesús Mantas – Former Global Managing Partner, IBM Consulting, overseeing consulting operations on a wide scale.
- Debbie Polishook – Former Global Chief Executive, Accenture Operations, having transformed business process services into innovative solutions.
- Tiger Tyagarajan – Former CEO of Genpact, who innovated in merging outsourcing with AI advancements.
Impact and Future Initiatives
The Global Advisory Board is set to initiate several strategic actions directly impacting the market. These include hosting a U.S. Summit featuring Board members as keynote speakers, launching a quarterly research series focused on transformative priorities at the board level, and developing exclusive benchmarking frameworks grounded in the board's collective expertise.
Phil Fersht remarked, "This initiative is not merely about associating with renowned names; it’s about actively collaborating with these advisors to shape our research agenda and deliver insights that drive tangible business results for executives reliant on our guidance."
About HFS Research
HFS Research stands out as a pivotal analyst-advisory firm bridging the gap between services and software. It is recognized as a leading authority on enterprise transformation, delivering profound insights and actionable strategies to Fortune 500 companies. Through tight-knit connections with Global 2000 executives and an in-depth understanding of AI, automation, and digital transformations, HFS enables organizations to confidently pursue competitive advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Global Advisory Board?
The Global Advisory Board aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical execution for enterprise leaders facing transformation challenges.
Who are the notable members of the Advisory Board?
Members include CEOs and influential figures from companies like Cognizant, Tech Mahindra, and IBM Consulting, each with significant industry experience.
How will the Advisory Board impact HFS Research's initiatives?
The board will fuel HFS Research's priorities, enhance C-suite engagement, and provide insights that align with current industry needs.
What key topics will the Advisory Board focus on?
Topics include emerging technology trends, enterprise resilience, and the integration of academic research into business strategy.
How can executives benefit from the Advisory Board's activities?
Executives will gain access to strategic insights, networking opportunities, and frameworks that facilitate successful enterprise transformations.
