Tampa Bay Area, Florida, United States, December 2025 – Nikhil Sawant has been promoted to Global Program Director – Global HR Modernization at Cognizant, taking on a pivotal mandate to transform global HR service delivery and employee performance management. In his new role, he leads complex, enterprise-wide HR modernization programmes, driving stronger governance, enhanced employee experience, and digitally enabled HR operations across Cognizant’s global workforce.
Over more than two decades with Cognizant, Nikhil Sawant has built deep expertise at the intersection of HR technology, large-scale ERP implementations and global programme leadership. Most recently, as Global Program Manager – HRIS, he led the global implementation of Workday Performance Management for approximately 350,000 employees, improving employee and manager experience while driving significant efficiency gains in HR services. He also delivered return on a US$60 million investment through strategic vendor negotiations and agile methodologies, and oversaw M&A HR system integrations and core HCM ERP enhancements.
Before that, as Client Engagement Manager, Nikhil successfully delivered HR and financials ERP implementations for a major US investment bank, managing blended onsite–offshore teams and overseeing a portfolio of around US$6.5 million. His work strengthened operational efficiency, sharpened client satisfaction and reinforced Cognizant’s reputation as a trusted transformation partner in highly regulated, data-intensive environments.
Earlier, in his role as ERP Program Manager, he led a transformative PeopleSoft HCM 9.1 rollout for one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, covering APAC, EMEA and the Americas. Nikhil’s ability to align regional needs, build high-performing teams and orchestrate complex go-lives positioned him as a go-to leader for global HR systems transformation.
Prior to this, as ERP Project Manager and Project Lead – Customer Relationship Management, he managed large-scale PeopleSoft upgrades and implementations for clients in sectors such as healthcare, long-term nursing, hospice and entertainment. Handling multi-million-dollar budgets, 30+ member delivery teams and cross-regional programmes, he honed his strengths in programme governance, issue management, stakeholder communication and on-time delivery.
In his early leadership journey as Team Lead – Financials ERP Support, Nikhil focused on optimising PeopleSoft Financials support for a leading US insurance provider. By enhancing batch job performance and reducing claims processing time, he laid a strong foundation in financial systems support, operational excellence and global delivery, which continues to underpin his impact in HR modernization today.
Cognizant (Nasdaq-100: CTSH) is a leading global, AI-powered technology services and consulting company that helps clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences in a fast-changing world. Through its consulting-led approach and the Cognizant® suite of platforms and solutions, the company partners with enterprises across industries to drive digital transformation and build intelligent, resilient businesses.
With a global network of delivery centres and professionals, Cognizant supports clients in strengthening their technology core while unlocking new levels of customer experience, productivity and innovation. Its work spans sectors such as financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, communications, retail and technology, improving everyday life for millions worldwide.
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