Cognizant announces executive leadership change

TEANECK, NJ – Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ:CTSH), a prominent player in the IT Services industry with a market capitalization of $39.6 billion, has reported that Robert Telesmanic, the company’s Senior Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer, has decided to retire on July 1, 2025. The announcement was made in a recent 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains strong financial health with annual revenue of $20.09 billion.

Alina Kerdman, who currently serves as the company’s SVP, Assistant Global Controller, will succeed Telesmanic in his role. Kerdman’s appointment, effective on Telesmanic’s retirement date, was approved by the Board of Directors on May 28, 2025. Telesmanic will continue to serve as a non-executive officer and special advisor to ensure a smooth transition until December 31, 2025.

Kerdman, 44, has been with Cognizant since 2010 and has held various finance roles within the company. Before joining Cognizant, she began her career at Ernst & Young LLP in 2001. She holds a bachelor’s degree from New York University Stern (AS:PBHP) School of Business and is an alumna of the Advanced Management Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

In her new role, Kerdman’s annual target compensation will be $1,200,000, which includes a base salary of $400,000, an annual cash incentive target of $200,000, and equity in the form of performance-based and time-based restricted stock units valued at $300,000 each. To align with her new position’s compensation, Kerdman will also receive a transition award of RSUs and PSUs valued at $150,000 and approximately $50,411 respectively, to be granted on July 1, 2025. InvestingPro analysis shows the company trades at a P/E ratio of 16.9 and maintains a healthy current ratio of 2.22, indicating strong liquidity.

The company disclosed that there are no family relationships between Kerdman and any of the company’s directors or executive officers, and there are no arrangements or understandings between Kerdman and any other persons related to her appointment. Furthermore, Kerdman does not have any material interest in any transactions that would require reporting under SEC regulations.

This executive leadership change comes as part of Cognizant’s ongoing management transitions and is detailed in the company’s recent SEC filing. The information is based on a press release statement from Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation. InvestingPro analysis suggests the company is currently undervalued, with 16 analysts revising their earnings upward for the upcoming period. For detailed financial analysis and additional insights, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively to InvestingPro subscribers.

In other recent news, Cognizant Technology Solutions reported earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by improved execution and growth across various sectors. The company also raised its full-year 2025 guidance, reflecting favorable foreign exchange impacts, despite a decline in bookings in some regions. JPMorgan analysts upgraded Cognizant’s stock rating from Neutral to Overweight, raising the price target to $98, citing strong operational performance and strategic positioning. Meanwhile, Susquehanna also upgraded the stock to Positive, with a new price target of $90, highlighting revenue growth and improved automation productivity.

Conversely, BMO Capital Markets maintained a Market Perform rating but lowered the price target to $85, citing a potential slowdown in organic growth for the year. William Blair and Needham maintained their Market Perform and Hold ratings, respectively, reflecting a balanced view of Cognizant’s strong start to the year against potential challenges in discretionary IT spending. Analysts noted Cognizant’s success in securing large deals, although they cautioned about slower conversion to revenue and potential margin impacts. Despite macroeconomic uncertainties, Cognizant’s improved attrition rates and strategic focus are seen as positive indicators for future growth.

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