Google has brought in a major name from the enterprise tech world. Karthik Narain, the former Chief Technology Officer of Accenture, has joined Google Cloud as its new Chief Product and Business Officer, a move that signals the company’s deepening focus on artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and digital transformation.
The announcement came from Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian, who introduced Narain in a LinkedIn post on Monday. Kurian wrote, “Today we welcome Karthik Narain to Google Cloud as Chief Product & Business Officer. He will lead product and engineering teams across cloud, developer, data and Applied AI, and the go-to-market organisation. Karthik’s proven track record with clients, along with his depth in enterprise technology, will accelerate our customers’ journey into the AI era.”
Soon after, Sundar Pichai also welcomed Narain publicly, calling him a key leader who will help shape Google Cloud’s next phase of growth. “Karthik will partner closely with our Cloud customers as they transform their businesses with AI. Just over a week ago, we announced Gemini Enterprise, which has had a really positive response. Much more to come, welcome Karthik!” Pichai wrote.
From Accenture to Google Cloud
Before joining Google, Narain served as CTO and Group Executive for Technology at Accenture, where he led large-scale digital and cloud transformation projects for Fortune 500 clients. In the initial years of his career, he worked at HCLTech between 2005 and 2015, heading verticals like high-tech, software, and automotive solutions.
Narain holds a master’s degree in computer systems and business from Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli.
Sharing his excitement on LinkedIn, Narain said, “After more than 25 years in the tech consulting industry, I am excited to share the next chapter of my career - I am joining @GoogleCloud as its first Chief Product & Business Officer. This is an incredible opportunity to combine engineering, product strategy, and AI innovation to drive transformation for customers worldwide.”
With this appointment, Narain becomes one of Google Cloud’s most senior executives, directly reporting to Thomas Kurian. His role will include overseeing critical areas of Google’s global cloud ambitions like product development, business operations and applied AI strategy.
Narain's combination of technical expertise and managerial skills will be crucial in determining Google Cloud's AI-driven future as the company intensifies its competition with AWS and Microsoft Azure.
