HCLTech has expanded its partnership with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) by signing a new seven-year agreement focused on AI and technology transformation.
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As part of the deal, HCLTech will also acquire Guardian’s India Global Capability Center (GCC) for $10.5 million.
The move strengthens HCLTech’s position in the insurance sector and will bring nearly 2,000 Guardian India employees into the company. HCLTech will create a dedicated Strategic Business Unit (SBU) to support Guardian’s technology and business operations.
AI to Drive Technology and Operations
The new agreement builds on the companies’ existing partnership and focuses on using AI to improve Guardian’s technology and operations. HCLTech will help the insurer increase the use of AI while improving efficiency, customer experience, and speed of delivery.
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The work will cover data, applications, engineering, and operations across Guardian’s group benefits, individual protection, retirement, and wealth management businesses.
HCLTech will also expand the use of its AI Service Transformation Platform, AI Force, to develop and deploy agentic AI capabilities. These will support Guardian’s product operating model and provide a technology platform that can grow with the business.
HCLTech to Acquire Guardian India GCC
As part of the expanded partnership, HCLTech will acquire Guardian India, the company’s Global Capability Center that supports technology, operations, and shared services.
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The acquisition, valued at $10.5 million, will transfer around 2,000 employees to HCLTech. The company will set up a dedicated Strategic Business Unit to support Guardian’s technology, engineering, operations, and AI initiatives.
Karunakaran Azhisur, currently Country Head of Guardian India, will join HCLTech to lead the new Strategic Business Unit.
Leadership Comments
Steve Rullo, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Guardian, said the agreement is an important step in expanding AI across the company and improving the way Guardian operates.
Together with HCLTech, we are strengthening how we operate to drive greater consistency and scalability while continuing to invest in the capabilities that differentiate Guardian, strengthen operational excellence, and create value for our customers, policyholders and distribution partners,” he said.
Srinivasan Seshadri, Chief Growth Officer and Global Head of Financial Services at HCLTech, said
The expanded agreement reflects the long-standing relationship between the two companies.
He said bringing Guardian India’s employees into HCLTech will help both companies develop AI-based products and solutions while strengthening HCLTech’s experience in the insurance industry.
The agreement reflects the increasing role of AI in the insurance industry and the growing trend of companies expanding partnerships by bringing Global Capability Centers under their technology partners.
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About the Author
Sheetal Singh
Contributing Writer