In today’s fast-paced global business environment, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have become key drivers of organizational growth and innovation. Positioned in strategic locations worldwide, these centers act as essential branches of multinational corporations, providing specialized skills, operational efficiency, and regional expertise. Guided by visionary leaders, GCCs are crucial for integrating diverse talent, promoting cross-cultural collaboration, and achieving top-notch operational performance on a global scale.
As global leaders navigate the complexities of operating GCCs in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, AI presents unparalleled opportunities to enhance agility, efficiency, and innovation, reinforcing their pivotal role in driving sustainable growth and competitive advantage on a global scale.
Dr. Durga Prakash Devarakonda (Managing Director and Global Capability Centres Head) is dedicated to establishing impactful Global Capability Centers (GCCs) through international collaboration with Indian talent. He is passionate about guiding and mentoring the younger generation for positive and sustainable growth across the economy, society, and environment.
Serving on advisory boards of globally significant organizations, he has received numerous awards and recognitions both in India and internationally. As an influential leader, he advocates for global innovation, leveraging technology, and establishing business hubs. Dr. Devarakonda promotes the idea of India contributing to the world and vice versa.
From Rural Roots to Global Leadership
“Every problem is an opportunity to learn. Building culturally sensitive global teams is one such challenge that requires open-mindedness and collaboration,”
– Dr. Durga Prakash Devarakonda
Says Dr. Durga Prakash Devarakonda, a Senior Leadership Team member and Staff Vice President of Technology at Legato Health. Founded in 2017, Legato Health Technologies is a subsidiary of Elevance Health Inc., using digital technologies and AI to simplify healthcare.
Dr. Devarakonda, known as DP, was born in rural Andhra Pradesh. His story is a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to significant achievements through hard work and intelligence. He lost his father at one year old and grew up with limited means, studying in local government schools under the guidance of his three elder brothers. Academically gifted, he completed a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Information Technology. At 21, he became the youngest Indian to earn all possible Microsoft certifications, earning praise from Bill Gates.
Cultural Sensitivity in Global Teams
Dr. Devarakonda is a key member of the Senior Leadership team at one of the Fortune 50 US Conglomerates, serving as the Managing Director of Technology. It is a Global Capability Center (GCC) for a $170 billion Fortune 20 health insurance company based in the US. He leads India’s largest AI practice for GCCs, managing a team of about 700 AI professionals.
Dr. Prakash developed the healthcare industry’s first scalable Generative AI platform, Clinical Review Assist, for pre-authorization, which is unique worldwide. He also heads the Technology Capability Center, delivering $200 million in operational savings to the parent firm over the last four years. Additionally, he has established and scaled a 5,000-strong digital capability for healthcare within three years. From 2019 to 2023, his leadership in technology generated a combined $2 billion in operational gains for Elevance Health.
With over 27 years of experience, Dr. Prakash holds a post-doctoral degree, a doctoral degree, and a master’s degree in Information Technology. His expertise spans software development, global delivery operations, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Digital Transformation, Data Engineering, and Advanced Analytics.
Honors and Accomplishments
- Honored with the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi International Leadership Award by both houses of Parliament for contributions to AI in global healthcare.
- Recognized as an International Expert in AI, specializing in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Semantics & Ontology, Computer Vision, and NLP.
- Developed patent-pending frameworks in autonomous health systems and personal health assistants.
- Held significant roles at:
- Accenture Global Delivery Network for APAC Operations
- Karvy Analytics as CEOTech
- Mahindra as Global Leader of Analytics
- Oracle India
- Earned accolades from Bill Gates in 1998 as the youngest Indian to complete all possible Microsoft certifications.
- Actively involved in various CSR initiatives and passionate about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Builds partnerships with startups, entrepreneurs, accelerators, and academic institutions.
- Promotes positive and growth mindsets in large teams.
- Consistently recognized in 360-degree feedback as a visionary and a dedicated developer of people.
Shaping the Future
Dr. Durga Prakash is a member of the Governing Body at QETCI. He participates in reviewing the UK Government’s AI Policy and the UNO’s AI Policy for Telecom Standard – ITU-T SG-20. He is involved with the NASSCOM Digital & AI Forum and serves as an advisory board member at the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad and Mohali, India.
As a founding member of the AIML Society of India, he also engages with the TiE chapters in Hyderabad and New York. Dr. Prakash is a member of Open AI, actively contributes to AI World, and serves on the Customer Advisory Board for UiPath APA. He attended Harvard Business School’s executive education program on “Managing and Transforming Professional Services Firms in India”.
With 25 years in the Indian software industry, Dr. Devarakonda has set up global capability centers for Fortune 100 companies. He contributed to the development of the JD Edwards ERP System and helped MunichRE, the world’s largest reinsurance firm, develop comprehensive software.
He has built complex algorithms for risk prediction for MNCs like Capgemini, Oracle, Accenture, Tech Mahindra, and Temenos. His expertise spans Consumer, Retail, Banking, and Healthcare software platforms, with a knack for solving core business problems. His passion for Mathematics and Critical Thinking has been recognized in senior leadership roles, particularly in developing AI and digital platforms for major US companies.
Multi-Trillion-Dollar Opportunity
“There is ample room for Digital and AI Platforms in global healthcare. This opportunity is a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity,”
“My passion is to drive value from India and solve world problems with Indian intellectual talent.”
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Durga Prakash is committed to social causes. “In the last 25 years, I have created over 20,000 highly paid software engineering jobs in India and guided thousands towards better careers. I have worked with many educational institutions to help them develop the right curriculum and global exposure,” he says.
He actively promotes talent and bridges gaps in the job market by designing high-end leadership and business analytics courses for top business and engineering schools in India and abroad, believing that with the right support, India can become a global center of opportunity.
With expertise spanning analytics, AI, blockchain, and more, Dr. Devrakonda has made significant contributions to firms like Accenture, Temenos, and Legato. His leadership in cybersecurity, as a board member of the Global Cyber Security Forum, underscores his commitment to combating cyber threats. He attributes his success to mentorship and thrives in the dynamic cultures of multinational and IT companies. His journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to advancing technology and creating opportunities.
Championing Globalization
Since 1996, Dr. Durga Prakash has generated over 100,000 jobs and contributed more than USD 10 billion to the global economy by advocating for India-based talent, representing a significant portion of the population in advanced economies. For the past three decades, he has championed the principles of globalization and positive societal impact.
Dr. Devarakonda actively supports various spiritual, cultural, and religious initiatives, emphasizing mental well-being as a crucial aspect of spiritual development. Recognized as a world record holder and a digital event organizer promoting Indian culture, spirituality, technology, and religion worldwide, he is a prominent figure in the Global Network of Indians.
Dr. Durga Prakash was applauded with standing ovations at parliament houses across multiple countries. Inspired by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which teaches that the entire world is one family, Dr. Devarakonda embodies the spirit of global India. He fosters international collaboration through principles of trust, respect, and shared success. Known as a passionate advocate, he values simple living and high thinking. His approach encourages thinking globally, acting decisively, and achieving ambitious goals while embracing and promoting Indian culture.
Awards and Recognition
- Featured as one of the top Change Agents of Modern India during the 75 years of Independent day celebrations by Outlook Magazine.
- One of the top Digital Platforms Pioneers globally – Who’s Who of the World 2022
- Asia One Magazine – Asia’s Most Influential Business Leader – 2022
- Forbes India – Tycoons of Tomorrow 2022
- Global Achievers Forum Award 2021
- GCC Visionary Award 2021
- Mahatma Gandhi International Leadership Award from UK Parliament 2018
