Hexaware boosts digital transformation expertise with new Manila centre

Indian IT services firm Hexaware Technologies announced the opening of a new delivery centre in Manila, Philippines. This initiative expands Hexaware's presence in the region, aiming to leverage the local talent pool to drive digital transformation and operational solutions globally, the company said on Tuesday.

"The talent pool in the Philippines, with a wide range of skills and a service-oriented culture, aligns with our goal of delivering a quality customer experience," said Gopinath Manian, Senior Vice President of BPS at Hexaware. The Manila facility will provide support for customer service, IT troubleshooting, and help desk services.

According to Bennet Kumar, Global Head of BPS at Hexaware, the new centre is essential for scaling operations to meet customer demand. Amrinder Singh, Corporate Vice President & Head of EMEA & APAC Operations, highlighted that the office aligns with Hexaware's growth strategy by utilising local resources. This expansion is part of Hexaware's broader aim to increase its employee count and strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Earlier this month, Hexaware announced a plan to expand its workforce by 2024. The company plans to hire between 6,000 and 8,000 employees across its offshore, onshore, and near-shore centers in multiple countries. Currently, Hexaware Technologies employs more than 28,000 individuals.

"We are undergoing a digital transformation as a company while also assisting our customers in doing the same. We are leveraging technologies such as data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to predict demand and better understand the needs of our customers," CEO R Srikrishna said in an interview with TechCircle in October 2023.

Atul Nishar, the founder and chairman of Hexaware Technologies, sold the majority stake in 2013 to Baring PE Asia for ₹1,687 crore, with an open offer for another 26%, totaling the deal at ₹2,745 crore. Later that year, he completely exited the company, and by November, Baring had acquired 100% ownership.

However, in 2021, the global investment firm Carlyle Group acquired Hexaware from rival private equity firm Baring Private Equity Asia (now part of Sweden's EQT AB) for around $3 billion. A successful listing would mark the return of Hexaware Technologies to the domestic markets after 22 years. According to NSE data, it was first listed on June 14, 2002.

In March, as reported by Bloomberg, Carlyle Group is exploring strategic options for Hexaware. Among the possibilities being considered is an initial public offering (IPO) in Mumbai that could raise up to $1 billion. Sources familiar with the discussions, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks, revealed in the report that Carlyle is in talks with potential underwriters to prepare for an IPO later this year or in 2025.