HFS Research Assembles Global Advisory Board of Industry Titans to Shape the Emerging Services-as-Software Industry

BOSTON, July 1, 2025 — HFS Research today announced the formation of its Global Advisory Board, assembling eight of the most influential leaders in enterprise technology, consulting, services, and business model innovation. This strategic initiative positions HFS to provide distinctive value and influence to Global 2000 executives navigating the complexities of AI-driven business transformation at the intersection of services and software.

The board represents a collective $500+ billion in enterprise transformation experience, bringing together former CEOs, global consulting and tech leaders, and academic pioneers who have shaped the technology landscape for decades. 

Bridging the Strategy-Execution Gap for Enterprise Leaders
The Advisory Board directly addresses a critical market need: the growing disconnect between theoretical research and practical enterprise execution. While organizations struggle with AI implementation, workforce transformation, and operational resilience, traditional advisory approaches often fall short of delivering actionable intelligence. 

“Enterprise leaders don’t need more white papers—they need proven frameworks from executives who’ve actually delivered transformation at scale,” said Phil Fersht, CEO and Chief Analyst at HFS. “The Global Advisory Board brings together leaders who’ve navigated billion-dollar transformations, built global delivery models, and successfully scaled emerging technologies across the world’s most complex organizations.” 

Strategic Impact Areas
The HFS Global Advisory Board will drive value across five critical dimensions: 

1. Market Intelligence and Research Direction: Challenge and refine HFS research priorities to reflect real-world enterprise complexities, ensuring coverage of emerging technologies, evolving business models, and macroeconomic pressures that impact transformation decisions. 
2. C-Suite Engagement and Strategic Dialogue: Facilitate direct access to senior executive networks through exclusive roundtables, peer advisory sessions, and strategic briefings that connect research insights with boardroom priorities. 
3. Academic-Enterprise Innovation Bridge: Foster collaboration between cutting-edge academic research and practical business applications, accelerating the translation of breakthrough innovations into competitive advantage. 
4. Global Thought Leadership Platform: Participate in HFS Summits, executive podcasts, and industry panels, elevating conversations around the most pressing transformation challenges facing enterprises today. 
5. Market Credibility and Influence Amplification: Leverage collective industry standing and network reach to enhance HFS’s voice in shaping enterprise technology discourse and vendor accountability standards. 

Meet the Inaugural Advisory Board 

• Frank D’Souza – Co-founder & Former CEO, Cognizant. Built Cognizant from startup to $16+ billion global technology leader. 
• Malcolm Frank – Former President, Cognizant Digital Business, CEO, TalentGenius. Pioneer in digital business transformation and AI-powered talent strategies. 
• CP Gurnani – Former CEO & MD, Tech Mahindra. Led one of India’s largest IT services transformations, driving $6+ billion in revenue growth. 
• Steven Hill – Former Vice Chairman, KPMG. Guided consulting strategy and investments for one of the world’s largest professional services firms. 
• Mark Hodges – Former Founder of Equaterra (acquired by KPMG in 2011) and G2 Research (acquired by Gartner in 1998). Key executive at Exult (the first BPO company) and TPI (now ISG).  Invented the term “BPO” in 1989. 
• Mary Lacity – David D. Glass Chair and Distinguished Professor. Leading academic authority on emerging technologies and enterprise adoption patterns. 
• Jesús Mantas – Former Global Managing Partner, IBM Consulting. Directed IBM’s worldwide consulting operations across 170+ countries. 
• Debbie Polishook – Former Global Chief Executive, Accenture Operations. Led a $6B portfolio of business process services employing 131,000+ people in 150+ countries. Pioneer in driving business process services into a full-blown tech+people+outcomes “business operations” proposition that has revolutionized today’s services and consulting landscape. 
• Tiger Tyagarajan – Former CEO, Genpact. Transformed traditional outsourcing models into AI-powered business process innovation. 

Immediate Impact and Market Positioning
The Global Advisory Board launches immediately with three strategic initiatives: a Q4 2025 U.S. Summit featuring board members as keynote speakers, a new quarterly research series addressing board-level transformation priorities, and the development of proprietary benchmarking frameworks based on collective board experience. 

“This isn’t about adding prestigious names to our masthead,” added Fersht. “These are active advisors who will shape our research agenda, challenge our conclusions, and ensure our insights drive measurable business outcomes for the executives who depend on us.” 

About HFS Research
HFS Research is an influential analyst-advisory firm at the intersection of services and software. It is a leading research and advisory authority on enterprise transformation, serving Fortune 500 companies with fearless insights and actionable strategies. With unparalleled access to Global 2000 executives and deep expertise in AI, automation, and digital business models, HFS empowers organizations to make confident decisions that create sustainable competitive advantage. For more information, visit hfsresearch.com. 

Media Contact:
Emma Melando, Chief Marketing Officer
HFS Research
[email protected]

Note to editors: High-resolution photos and detailed biographies of the Global Advisory Board members are available upon request.