Bala Sreenivasan

Observer
DISC Type : ic

Global Head of AI Transformation and Strategic Deals, Intuitive Operations at Cognizant

Greater Boston, United States

Overview

Bala Sreenivasan is the Global Head of AI Transformation at Cognizant, where he has worked for over 15 years. He leads large-scale transformation initiatives using AI for Fortune 500 companies across retail, CPG, and life sciences. He holds an MBA from Babson and a Chief Digital Officer certificate from Kellogg School of Management.

His core passion is creating integrated operating models where humans and AI collaborate symbiotically. This focus on amplifying human capabilities with intelligent systems aims to unlock new levels of performance, agility, and innovation, driving superior experiences for both customers and associates.

He was named one of "The Top 25 Digital Transformation Consultants and Leaders of 2025" by The Consulting Report.

Personality Overview

Example Seeker

Assertive

Value Driven

They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing.  They are generally good communicators and can be hard to convince. They ask a lot of questions and rely heavily on information and collaterals.

Topics They Care About

AI-Powered Transformation
His entire career focus is on leveraging AI to reimagine how Fortune 500 companies operate and compete in an AI-first world.
Human-AI Collaboration
He is passionate about creating symbiotic models where AI amplifies human capabilities rather than just automating tasks, a key theme in his professional philosophy.
Agentic AI
His work involves redesigning operating models using Agentic AI and hyperscaler platforms, indicating a focus on advanced, autonomous AI systems.

Media Appearances

Bala Sreenivasan | Cognizant – The Consulting Report. Featured in The Consulting Report

See Now

Work History

1-2025
Global Head of AI Transformation and Strategic Deals, Intuitive Operations at Cognizant
1-2021 - 12-2024
Head of Digital Transformation - Americas, Intuitive Operations and Automation at Cognizant
7-2018 - 12-2020
Head of Digital Transformation - North America, Digital Business Operations at Cognizant
7-2016 - 6-2018
Senior Director/Principal, Strategy & Transformation Consulting - Banking & Financial Services at Cognizant
7-2014 - 6-2016
Director & Principal, Strategy & Transformation Consulting at Cognizant

Education

4-2022 - 7-2023
Chief Digital Officer from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
1998 - 2002
MBA from Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : N/A Location : Greater Boston, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Global Head of AI Transformation and Strategic Deals, Intuitive Operations at Cognizant
URL has been copied!

Insights For Selling To Bala

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Persuade objectively how your product will help them achieve their goals
  • Use phrases like ‘clear proof that’, ‘data shows’ etc.
  • Invite them for a social do but don’t rely solely on the relationship

DONT's

  • Don’t rely excessively on your relationship with them to win the deal
  • Avoid making offhand commitments
  • Don’t brush off any concerns, take all questions seriously

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Bala is

  • Proven value, strong testimonials are important for them, rapport can impact decisions a little.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Bala

  • They are practical and friendly, don't expect a clear-cut response often.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Bala move?

  • They like to perform full analysis and can take time to make any decision.
  • Can Bala take some risk or not?

  • They weigh all decisions systematically and are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Bala

Personality Compatibility


Other Cognizant Employees

Explore more public profiles from related professionals at the same organization.

More Profiles

Discover additional public profiles from our index.

Search more profiles

Looking for someone else? Search here for anyone.

Or visit Humantic AI to know more.