Every era of business has its defining challenge moments when enterprises must decide whether to adapt or be left behind. In 2026, that challenge is no longer about simply digitizing processes or optimizing costs; it is about re-imagining entire ecosystems, creating value where none existed before, and building organizations that are resilient, innovative, and human-centric at their core.
Building on his extensive experience, Mr. Saibal Samaddar, Senior Principal Business Consulting at Infosys, has emerged as a key voice in the discourse on business transformation. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in repositioning how enterprises navigate the complexities of the modern market. Mr. Samaddar’s approach is characterized by a unique fusion of profound domain knowledge and forward-looking strategies, enabling organizations to not only adapt but to flourish in a landscape defined by continuous change.
A Journey Shaped by Technology and Business
Mr. Saibal Samaddar’s career reflects a seamless integration of technology and business, driven by a deep curiosity about data and artificial intelligence. He has built a career that seamlessly integrates technology with business strategy. Back in 2006, his journey began at Infosys as a software engineer, where he developed a robust foundation in data engineering and analytics. As a top-ranked Mtech. of Jadavpur University and an MBA with distinction from Warwick Business School, he embodies the leadership and foresight essential for navigating the complexities of AI transformation today.
His passion for solving complex business problems led him to consulting roles at PwC and KPMG, where he drove large-scale data and analytics transformations across Asia and the Middle East. From improving customer experiences in telecom to driving efficiency in banking and enabling digital transformation in government, each milestone reinforced his belief in technology’s ability to unlock value for organizations and society.
As a leader of AI strategy and transformation at Infosys, he helps enterprises harness AI as a strategic driver of growth and sustainability. His journey illustrates how vision and strategic fluidity can shape a leader, redefining the future of business through technology.
Influences that Shaped a Visionary Path
Mr. Saibal Samaddar’s career has been guided by experiences and mentors that reinforced his belief in technology’s power to transform businesses. Inspired by Steve Jobs’ philosophy of a beginner’s mindset, he embraced every challenge as an opportunity for innovation.
Serving as a lecturer in his youth cemented his conviction that constant learning is the starting point for strong leadership. Later, mentors who sharpened his strategic thinking, broadened his understanding of AI’s business value, and emphasized data-driven decision-making left a lasting impact on his professional development.
These influences shaped his certitude that successful transformation requires both technical excellence and visionary thinking-a philosophy that continues to define his leadership in AI-driven business transformation.
Lessons Forged in Transformation Journeys
Mr. Saibal Samaddar’s career has been shaped by navigating complex challenges that tested both his expertise and leadership. Transitioning from a technical role into consulting required him to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage diverse stakeholders, and deliver results under tight timelines.
Navigating intercontinental operations and multinational mandates exposed him to varied cultural and regulatory landscapes, emphasizing the importance of empathy, adaptability, and trust in unfamiliar contexts. These experiences reinforced a critical principle: while technology enables transformation, people remain at its core.
Setbacks, tough negotiations, and high-stakes projects became growth opportunities, strengthening his problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. They shaped his philosophy that true leadership is defined not by avoiding challenges but by leveraging them to drive innovation. Today, this approach allows him to guide enterprises through uncertainty while keeping human impact central to every technological transformation.
Milestones in Transformation
- Head of AI Transformation Consulting at Infosys – Owning P&L, building and leading a 50-member high-performing team
- External Industry Expert – Board of Studies, M-Tech in AI & Data Science, Amrita University
- Key Chair – Tripartite Roundtable: India as the R&D Powerhouse – The Road Ahead (July 2025)
- Program Director for UK-India AI Conference, February 2025
- Chief Advisor to startups
- AI Coach – Guiding C-level executives
- Program Director for UK-India Cooperation towards a fair AI horizon, December 2024
- Delivered high-impact programs for global clients across 15+ countries and multiple sectors
Driving Innovation Through Transformative Initiatives
With a wide range of initiatives under his belt, Saibal has consistently driven innovation across multiple sectors. He has modernized consumer interaction by redefining the customer grievance management process and is a vocal advocate for building safe and sustainable AI, a topic he has highlighted in prestigious conferences, including platforms like the World Mobile Congress.
A passionate supporter of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ he has successfully spearheaded projects to establish AI R&D Center of Excellence(s) (CoEs) in India, creating new jobs and opportunities for the country’s talented workforce. His work also includes delivering classic AI, analytics and data solutions within the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sectors. He firmly believes that the transformative power of AI can be fully realized only when it is inclusive, built for everyone, and the data currency is harnessed holistically and responsibly.
Awards & Recognitions
- Chief Guest of Honor for B.Tech. AIE Programme Inauguration (July 2025)
- Recognized AI Speaker at AWS Summit, Bangalore (May 2025)
- 10th International Conference on Data Management, Analytics & Innovation – ICDMAI 2026, January 9-11, 2026, Kolkata, India.
- Saibal has recently presided over a community of students at IIT Madras and also shared his insights during a panel discussion
An Open Mindset as a Framework for Leadership
Central to Mr. Saibal Samaddar’s leadership is a framework rooted in cognitive agility and intellectual humility. In a world where technology evolves faster than traditional change cycles, he champions an “open mindset” that embraces learning, unlearning, and relearning as a continuous discipline.
This philosophy shapes his leadership style, where empowerment takes precedence over instruction. Rather than providing ready solutions, he challenges his teams with probing questions that inspire self-discovery and accountability. This method not only strengthens decision-making skills but also instills a sense of ownership, enabling professionals to deliver beyond expectations.
By fostering resilience and innovation through this approach, Saibal has cultivated teams capable of navigating uncertainty while driving transformative outcomes. For him, leadership is less about directing actions and more about creating the right environment for people and ideas to thrive-an ethos that prepares organizations for both present challenges and future opportunities.
Anchored in Principles, Driven by Purpose
Mr. Saibal Samaddar’s success is rooted in values that guide both his leadership and outlook. Integrity remains central, ensuring every decision balances impact with ethical responsibility. He believes in responsible leadership, fostering teams built on meritocracy and psychological safety, where individuals thrive and grow into future leaders.
Equally defining are his resilience and organizational dynamism abilities. Having worked across diverse industries and geographies, he embraces ambiguity as a catalyst for clarity and innovation. This foundation is continually fortified by a deep commitment to intellectual growth. From completing an MBA with distinction at Warwick to executive programs at MIT and Kellogg, he has shown that leadership demands growth at every stage.
Together, these principles shape a leader who is visionary, people-centric, and committed to creating lasting impact.
The Architect of the AI-First Enterprise
In the next five years, Mr. Saibal Samaddar envisions enterprises transforming into AI-first organizations, where autonomous systems form the core of strategy and growth. He sees consulting evolving around three priorities: sovereign AI infrastructure, industry-specific solutions, and responsible innovation. As businesses and nations invest in scalable AI frameworks, leaders like Saibal will play a crucial role in shaping strategies that balance competitiveness with compliance and sustainability.
Equally central to his vision is talent-cultivating diverse, future-ready teams and mentoring the next generation of AI leaders. By engaging with academia, policymakers, and industry, he aims to foster ecosystems where innovation flourishes responsibly. For Saibal, the future of AI-driven transformation is not only about advancing technology but ensuring its impact benefits both enterprises and society.
