TEANECK, NJ (TIP): Anil Cheriyan, former director of the General Services Administration’s Technology Transformation Services, will join Cognizant  on Aug. 3 to serve as executive vice president of strategy and technology. Cheriyan will oversee the company’s Global IT, Global Security, Strategy, Alliances, and Business Development organizations and will report directly to chief executive Brian Humphries. As the company’s leader of Technology, he will be responsible for informing strategy, digitizing the business, and strengthening IT and Security capabilities and resilience, according to Cognizant.

Cheriyan stepped down from his post as head of TTS and deputy commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service at GSA on July 17. Mr. Cheriyan was appointed as Director of TTS in January 2019. In this position, he oversees the Presidential Innovation Fellows, 18F, the Office of Products and Programs, and the IT Modernization Centers of Excellence along with offices that provide support across TTS.

Prior to joining GSA, Mr. Cheriyan was the Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at SunTrust Banks, where he led the transformation of the banks’ digital, data, and operations. Prior to SunTrust, he led several consulting practices at IBM and PwC Management Consulting, where he drove the business and technology transformation for the firms’ strategic clients.

Mr. Cheriyan earned his Master of Science and Master of Philosophy Degrees in Management as well as a Bachelor of Science in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from Imperial College in London, UK. He has been the recipient of numerous industry awards throughout his career, including IDC CIO 100, Computerworld Premier 100 Leader, and Enterprise CIO of the Year.