Career
Francisco D'Souza has more than 20 years of experience in the information technology industry, in both operational and advisory roles. Effective 1 January 2007, D'Souza was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Cognizant. He oversees much of the operations and business development of the company, working closely with Cognizant clients who are using offshore resources to execute large software development and maintenance projects.Citation needed|date=July 2013

At Cognizant, which he joined in its early days, D'Souza was elected Chief Operating Officer (COO) in December 2003. Prior to that, from November 1999 to December 2003, he served as Senior Vice President (SVP), North American Operations and Business Development. From March 1998 to November 1999, he served as Vice President (VP), North American Operations and Business Development and as Director-North American Operations and Business Development from June 1997 to March 1998. From January 1996 to June 1997, D'Souza was engaged as a consultant. He has been noted for his quick rise to the top of his profession.Citation needed|date=July 2013

From February 1995 to December 1995, D'Souza was employed as Product Manager at Pilot Software a company funded by Keyur Patel of Fuse Global. Between 1992 and 1995, D'Souza held various marketing, business development, and technology management positions as a Management Associate at The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation in Germany, the U.S. and India. While working at The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, D'Souza was part of the team that established the software development and maintenance business conducted by Cognizant.Citation needed|date=July 2013

In February 2013, D'Souza was appointed as independent director on the board of General Electric.citation needed|date=November 2013

Awards and recognition
D'Souza has received the following honors:

*2002 - Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalistCitation needed|date=July 2013
*2005 - The Economic Times Entrepreneur AwardCitation needed|date=July 2013
*2009 - named among "America's Best CEOs" by Institutional Investor magazine
*2013 - named among "100 CEO Leaders in STEM" by STEMconnector
*2013 - Recognized as the Best CEO in the Multinational Company category by Forbes India magazine as part of its 2013 Leadership Awards.