Rishad Premji isn’t just another nepo baby coasting on his father’s achievements. He’s a leader who’s carved his own path, challenged conventional wisdom, and proved that the next generation can indeed honor legacy while building something entirely new. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a corporate professional, or just someone fascinated by how modern India’s business landscape is evolving, Rishad Premji’s story offers insights that are both inspiring and practically applicable.
Rishad Premji: Quick Stats at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rishad Premji |
| Birth Year | 1977 |
| Age | 47-48 years (as of 2025) |
| Current Position | Executive Chairman, Wipro Limited |
| Previous Role | Chief Strategy Officer, Wipro Limited |
| Education | Cathedral and John Connon School (Mumbai), B.A. Economics (Wesleyan University), MBA (Harvard Business School) |
| Joined Wipro | 2007 (as Business Manager) |
| Became Chairman | July 2019 |
| Father | Azim Premji (Former Wipro Chairman) |
| Mother | Yasmeen Premji |
| Grandfather | Mohamed Hasham Premji |
| Marital Status | Married to Aditi Premji (childhood friend) since 2005 |
| Children | Two |
| NASSCOM Chairman | 2018-19 |
| WEF Recognition | Young Global Leader (2014) |
| Personal Interests | Travelling, Movies, Cricket |
The Early Years: More Than Just a Privileged Beginning
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Yes, Rishad Premji is the son of Azim Premji, often called the “Czar of the Indian IT Industry” and grandson of Mohamed Hasham Premji. But before you roll your eyes and think “another rich kid,” hear me out.
Growing up as Azim Premji’s son wasn’t all champagne and caviar. Born in 1977 to Azim and Yasmeen Premji, Rishad has often spoken about how his father instilled values of humility, hard work, and social responsibility from an early age. The Premji household wasn’t about flashy displays of wealth—it was about purpose, discipline, and giving back.
Rishad attended the prestigious Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai, where he developed his foundational values and met his future wife, Aditi, who was his childhood friend. Their story is pretty heartwarming—they eventually married in 2005 and now have two children together.
The Journey Before Wipro: Building His Own Credentials
After completing his MBA from Harvard Business School, Rishad Premji made a deliberate choice that would define his entire leadership philosophy: he didn’t rush into the family business. Instead, he spent valuable years building his own credentials in the corporate world.
Bain & Company (2 Years)
Fresh out of Harvard, Rishad joined Bain & Company, one of the world’s top management consulting firms. For two years, he got his hands dirty in the trenches of business consulting, learning how to solve complex business problems, analyze industries, and deliver strategic recommendations. This wasn’t just resume-padding; it was genuine experience-building that would later inform his strategic thinking at Wipro.
GE Capital (4 Years in USA)
After Bain, Rishad moved to GE Capital, where he spent four years in the United States working in financial services. This experience gave him exposure to large-scale operations, financial discipline, and the American business culture. GE, known for its rigorous leadership development programs, was the perfect training ground for someone who would eventually lead a global technology company.
The Wipro Journey: From Business Manager to Executive Chairman
When Rishad Premji joined Wipro in 2007, the company was already a giant in the Indian IT services sector. But giants can become complacent, and the technology landscape was shifting faster than ever.
The Learning Phase (2007-2014): Starting from the Ground Up
Rishad didn’t start as chairman or even in a senior executive role. He began as a Business Manager—yes, the son of the chairman started at a managerial level. This wasn’t just optics; it was a genuine apprenticeship where he learned the business from multiple angles.
During these years, he worked across various domains, understanding different aspects of Wipro’s operations. He was learning the ropes, understanding client relationships, grasping the technical nuances, and most importantly, building credibility with employees who might have been skeptical about the boss’s son.
The 2008 financial crisis hit during this period, and Rishad witnessed firsthand how leadership navigates unprecedented challenges. Competition from companies like TCS, Infosys, and emerging players was intensifying. Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation were changing what clients needed.
Recognition and Rising Influence (2014-2015)
In 2014, Rishad Premji received significant recognition when the World Economic Forum named him a Young Global Leader for his outstanding professional accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to society. This wasn’t just about being Azim Premji’s son—this was about his own achievements and potential.
The Strategic Leadership Phase (2015-2018): Chief Strategy Officer
Rishad became Chief Strategy Officer at Wipro, and this was when his influence on the company’s direction really began to crystallize. As CSO, he was responsible for charting Wipro’s future course in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
He championed a more agile, client-centric approach and started pushing for cultural changes within the organization. He wasn’t content with maintaining the status quo—he wanted Wipro to be proactive, innovative, and forward-thinking.
Industry Leadership: NASSCOM Chairman (2018-19)
Before even becoming Wipro’s chairman, Rishad Premji demonstrated his industry leadership by serving as Chairman of NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies) for 2018-19. This position put him at the forefront of India’s entire IT industry, not just his family company.
As NASSCOM Chairman, he represented the collective voice of India’s technology sector, dealing with policy issues, advocating for the industry, and shaping conversations about the future of tech in India. This experience broadened his perspective beyond Wipro and established him as a respected voice in the industry.
The Transition (July 2019): Taking the Helm
When Azim Premji stepped down as Executive Chairman in July 2019, Rishad took the reins. The torch had officially been passed, and the business world was watching closely. Could he fill those legendary shoes? Would he simply maintain what his father built, or would he drive transformation?
The Transformation Era: Rishad’s Leadership in Action
This is where Rishad Premji’s leadership truly shines. Under his chairmanship, Wipro has undergone significant transformation across multiple dimensions:
1. People-First Culture Revolution
Rishad has been unequivocally vocal about employee welfare, mental health, and creating an inclusive workplace. In an industry known for its high attrition rates and burnout culture, this focus is genuinely revolutionary.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many companies were laying off employees, Wipro under Rishad’s leadership committed to no layoffs. They focused on reskilling, supporting mental health, and ensuring employee safety. This wasn’t just good PR—it was a reflection of core values.
Fun Fact: Rishad has spoken publicly about his own experiences and the importance of creating safe spaces for employees to discuss mental health. How many Fortune 500 company chairmen do you know who do that?
2. Strategic Acquisitions and Capability Building
Wipro has made multiple strategic acquisitions to bolster capabilities in design, engineering, and consulting—moving beyond traditional IT services. This aggressive acquisition strategy represents a departure from the more organic growth approach of the past.
3. Digital Transformation Leadership
Under Rishad’s leadership, Wipro is positioning itself as a partner in clients’ digital journeys rather than just a vendor executing projects. This shift—from transactional to transformational—is crucial for long-term relevance.
4. Sustainability and Social Commitment
Continuing and expanding on his father’s legacy, Rishad has pushed aggressive environmental goals and social commitments, reflecting the values that have always been part of the Premji DNA.
Leadership Philosophy: The Rishad Way
What makes Rishad Premji different from your typical corporate chairman? Let me break it down:
1. Authentic Communication
In an era of corporate-speak and carefully crafted PR statements, Rishad is refreshingly genuine. He’s active on social media, shares his thoughts candidly, and isn’t afraid to address difficult topics. His posts often tackle issues like mental health, work-life balance, and leadership challenges—topics many executives avoid.
2. Employee-Centric Leadership
Rishad genuinely believes that in the knowledge economy, your people are your only sustainable competitive advantage. This isn’t lip service—it’s reflected in policies, investments in learning and development, and the way he communicates with the organization.
3. Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Gains
Unlike leaders obsessed with quarterly earnings, Rishad takes a longer view. He’s willing to invest in capabilities, people, and culture even when it doesn’t immediately reflect in stock prices. This patience and conviction are rare in today’s instant-gratification business environment.
4. Humble Leadership
Despite heading a company with annual revenues exceeding $10 billion, Rishad maintains an approachable, humble demeanor. He’s known to engage genuinely in town halls and maintain accessibility—traits that come from the values instilled by his parents.
The Personal Side: More Than Just Business
While Rishad Premji is known primarily for his business acumen, there’s a human side that makes his story more relatable and interesting.
Family Man
Rishad married his childhood friend Aditi in 2005, and their relationship represents a beautiful blend of tradition and modern values. They have two children together, and Rishad has spoken about the importance of work-life balance—not just for his employees, but for himself as well.
Cricket Enthusiast
Like millions of Indians, Rishad is a huge cricket fan. This passion connects him to the pulse of the nation and provides common ground with employees and stakeholders across the organization.
Love for Travel and Movies
Rishad enjoys travelling and movies—pursuits that broaden perspectives, spark creativity, and remind us that life is about more than quarterly earnings reports.
These personal interests might seem trivial, but they’re important. They make him relatable, they provide balance, and they remind us that successful leaders are whole people, not just work machines.
Challenges and Criticisms: Keeping It Real
Let’s not paint an unrealistically rosy picture. Rishad Premji’s journey hasn’t been without challenges and criticisms:
The Wipro Performance Debate
Some analysts have pointed out that under Rishad’s leadership, Wipro’s financial performance has been mixed. While the company has grown, it hasn’t always kept pace with competitors like TCS and Infosys in terms of stock performance and revenue growth rates.
Fair criticism? Partially. But it’s worth noting that Rishad inherited a company that needed significant cultural and strategic transformation. These changes take time, and measuring success purely by quarterly stock performance might miss the bigger picture of sustainable, long-term value creation.
The Succession Question
There’s always the question: Would Rishad have gotten this opportunity if he weren’t Azim Premji’s son? Probably not. But here’s the thing—he could have easily squandered that opportunity. Instead, he’s worked to prove his worth through action, transparency, and results.
He took the long route—spending six years outside Wipro, starting at a managerial level when he joined, serving as CSO before becoming chairman, and leading NASSCOM. This wasn’t fast-tracking; it was methodical preparation.
Navigating Change Management
Transforming a large, established organization is like turning an aircraft carrier. It’s slow, it’s difficult, and not everyone is happy about it. Rishad has had to navigate internal resistance, manage stakeholder expectations, and make tough decisions—all while being under the microscope as the son of a legend.
The Recognition: Acknowledging Excellence
Rishad Premji’s achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. Being recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2014 was significant—it acknowledged not just his position but his potential and his commitment to using business as a force for good.
Serving as NASSCOM Chairman for 2018-19 put him at the helm of India’s IT industry at a crucial time, when issues like data privacy, artificial intelligence regulation, and skill development were becoming increasingly important.
The Future: What’s Next for Rishad Premji?
As Wipro continues its transformation journey under Rishad Premji’s leadership, several interesting developments are worth watching:
Technology Evolution
How will Wipro position itself in emerging technologies like generative AI, quantum computing, and advanced automation? Rishad’s strategic vision will be crucial in navigating these rapidly evolving domains.
Generational Transition
Will Rishad’s two children eventually join the business, continuing the Premji legacy into a third generation? And if so, will Rishad apply the same patient, credential-building approach that his father applied with him?
Philanthropic Innovation
How will the next phase of the Azim Premji Foundation’s work evolve under Rishad’s influence? Will new models of giving emerge? How will the younger generation of the Premji family engage with philanthropy?
Leadership Evolution
As Rishad matures as a chairman, will his leadership style evolve? What will he do differently in the next decade? How will he balance the demands of a global technology company with his commitment to values-based leadership?
Conclusion: Leadership for a New Era
Rishad Premji represents the kind of second-generation leadership India needs today—rooted in values, open to change, and deeply human. His journey hasn’t been flawless or easy, but that’s precisely what makes it credible. Instead of leaning on privilege, he chose preparation. Instead of noise, he chose nuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Rishad Premji?
Rishad Premji is an Indian business executive and the Executive Chairman of Wipro Limited, one of India’s largest IT services companies. He is the son of Azim Premji and Yasmeen Premji, and grandson of Mohamed Hasham Premji. Born in 1977, he took over as Wipro’s Chairman in July 2019. He was previously Chief Strategy Officer at Wipro and served as Chairman of NASSCOM for 2018-19.
2. What is Rishad Premji’s educational background?
Rishad Premji attended Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai for his schooling. He then completed his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Wesleyan University in the United States. Following this, he pursued his MBA from Harvard Business School. His educational background combines strong economics fundamentals with top-tier business management training.
3. What did Rishad Premji do before joining Wipro?
Before joining Wipro, Rishad Premji worked at Bain & Company for two years after completing his MBA. He then spent four years at GE Capital in the United States. This six-year period outside the family business gave him valuable experience in management consulting and financial services, helping him build independent credentials before joining Wipro in 2007 as a Business Manager.
4. When did Rishad Premji become Chairman of Wipro?
Rishad Premji became Executive Chairman of Wipro Limited in July 2019, succeeding his father Azim Premji. However, his journey at Wipro began much earlier—he joined the company in 2007 as a Business Manager and later served as Chief Strategy Officer before taking on the chairman role.
5. What is Rishad Premji’s role in NASSCOM?
Rishad Premji served as the Chairman of NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies) for the year 2018-19. This position made him the industry spokesperson for India’s entire IT sector during a crucial period of technological transformation and policy development. This role demonstrated his leadership capabilities beyond Wipro and his standing in the broader technology industry.
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