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Sonata Software Appoints Hariprasad Rebala as Chief AI Officer to Drive Transformation

Kalpana Kanungo - Mumbai Bureau Published Aug 17, 2026, 07:49 PM Updated Sep 18, 2026, 07:09 AM

Sonata Software has appointed Hariprasad Rebala as its new Chief AI Officer to spearhead the company's transition into an AI-native enterprise. Bringing over 30 years of IT and startup experience, Rebala will oversee AI strategy, engineering, and client platforms, reinforcing the firm's growth trajectory and recent revenue gains.

BENGALURU, INDIA — Sonata Software Limited [NSE: SONATSOFTW, BSE: 532221] announced on August 17, 2026, the appointment of Hariprasad Rebala as its Chief AI Officer. In this newly created leadership role, Rebala will direct the company's end-to-end artificial intelligence strategy, shaping AI-led business transformation across its service delivery, platforms, and partnerships. The strategic move comes as the $1.2 billion modernization engineering company seeks to embed AI capabilities across its global operations to deliver measurable enterprise velocity to its clients.

Leading the AI-Native Transition

As Chief AI Officer, Rebala assumes responsibility for executing a cohesive AI strategy that aligns with Sonata Software's broader operational goals. His mandate includes developing differentiated AI capabilities and turning technological investments into sustained competitive advantages for clients in sectors such as Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Financial Services.

Rebala brings more than three decades of professional experience spanning enterprise technology, IT services, and the deep-tech startup ecosystem. Prior to joining Sonata Software, he served as Chief of AI Solutions and Growth at a deep-tech AI startup. His entrepreneurial background includes co-founding Forfend, where he was instrumental in building Internet of Things (IoT) and conversational AI platforms. Rebala also held senior leadership positions at IT service majors such as Mindtree, Capgemini, and Wipro, focusing on scaling businesses and managing large-scale transformation programs for the Banking and Financial Services industries.

Strategic Context and Financial Performance

The executive appointment aligns with Sonata Software's recent financial disclosures and operational restructuring. The firm recently reported its Q1FY27 results, posting a consolidated revenue increase of 10.6% year-on-year to ₹3,279.1 crore. During the earnings call earlier in August, management emphasized a strategic acceleration toward becoming an "AI-native" organization.

Sonata Software has been strengthening its technological partnerships to support this pivot. The company was recently invited by Microsoft to join the Copilot agents and platform engineering Depth Partner Program, positioning it among a select global group of system integrators. The firm's proprietary Platformation framework and a workforce of over 6,400 AI engineers will report into the strategies spearheaded by Rebala's office.

Official Sources Section

The details regarding the appointment and the company's strategic roadmap were confirmed through official statements released by Sonata Software. Information regarding the company's financial performance, Q1FY27 revenue figures, and management commentary were verified through quarterly regulatory filings provided to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and BSE Limited. Executive leadership structures were verified via the company's corporate governance disclosures.

Quote Section

According to official statements, Rajsekhar Datta Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Sonata Software, noted that transforming the company into an AI-native organization is fundamental to its growth trajectory. "Hari brings a unique combination of AI startup and IT services expertise, with deep context of enterprise-grade AI platforms and engineering, delivering to outcome-based models. His addition to our leadership significantly strengthens our executive team as we rapidly transform to an AI-native organization," Roy stated.

Hariprasad Rebala commented on his appointment, stating, "AI is rapidly moving from experimentation to becoming fundamental to how enterprises compete, operate and create value. AI alone will not define the winners — the ability to translate AI into enterprise velocity will". He added that his focus will center on building differentiated platforms with customers and partners to turn AI investments into measurable outcomes.

Why It Matters

For investors and industry observers, Sonata Software's creation of a Chief AI Officer role signals a formal institutional commitment to integrating artificial intelligence at the executive level. As enterprise clients increasingly demand practical AI solutions rather than experimental proofs-of-concept, service providers must demonstrate deep engineering capabilities. By bringing in leadership with hybrid experience across large-scale IT deployments and agile AI startups, Sonata aims to bridge the gap between emerging deep-tech innovations and reliable enterprise implementation. For businesses partnering with Sonata, this transition promises more integrated AI solutions capable of accelerating modernization and time-to-market.

Key Facts at a Glance

Appointment: Hariprasad Rebala joins Sonata Software as Chief AI Officer effective August 17, 2026.
Background: Over 30 years of experience, including roles at Mindtree, Capgemini, Wipro, and as an AI startup founder.
Company Revenue: Sonata Software reported Q1FY27 consolidated revenue of ₹3,279.1 crore, up 10.6% YoY.
Strategic Goal: Rebala will lead the firm's transformation into an AI-native enterprise, driving measurable business value for clients.

FAQ Section

What will Hariprasad Rebala do as Chief AI Officer?

He will lead Sonata Software's end-to-end AI-led business transformation, overseeing AI strategy across service delivery, client platforms, and technological partnerships.

What is Sonata Software's current financial standing?

The company is a $1.2 billion+ modernization engineering firm. It recently reported first-quarter revenue for FY27 of ₹3,279.1 crore, marking a 10.6% year-on-year growth.

Why is Sonata Software focusing on an "AI-native" strategy?

According to company management, an AI-native framework is foundational to its future growth, allowing it to move clients from AI experimentation to scalable enterprise velocity and tangible business outcomes.

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