Ajei Gopal is a seasoned technology executive and the current CEO of Ansys, a leading engineering simulation software company. With a strong background in computer science and engineering, Gopal has held significant roles at various technology companies, including IBM, Symantec, and HP, before taking the helm at Ansys.
Who is the CEO of Ansys?
Dr. Ajei Gopal, a distinguished alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and Cornell University, has an extensive background in technology and leadership. His early career began at Bell Communications Research, followed by IBM Research, where he worked on distributed and clustered systems and later became a Founding Member and Chief Technology Officer of IBM's Pervasive Computing Division.
Dr. Gopal's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found ReefEdge Networks, serving as its CEO before the company was acquired by Symantec Corporation, where he held the position of Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President. His experience also includes executive roles at CA Technologies, HP, and Silver Lake Partners. With 23 granted US patents and recognition from the IBM Academy of Technology, Dr. Gopal's expertise and vision have been instrumental in his role as CEO of Ansys since 2017.
Work History
- Fiserv: Member, Board of Directors: 2024 - Present
- Carnegie Mellon University: Member, Board of Trustees: 2022 - Present
- ANSYS, Inc.: President and Chief Executive Officer: 2016 - Present
- ANSYS, Inc.: Member, Board of Directors: 2011 - Present
- Citrix: Member, Board of Directors: 2017 - 2021
- Symantec: President and Chief Operating Officer (Interim): 2016
- Silver Lake: Operating Partner: 2013 - 2016
- Hewlett-Packard: Senior Vice President & General Manager, HP Software: 2011 - 2013
- CA Technologies: Executive Vice President & General Manager: 2006 - 2011
- Symantec: Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer: 2004 - 2006
- ReefEdge: Co-founder & CEO: 2000 - 2004
- IBM: Various Positions: 1991 - 2000
Education History
Ajei Gopal's educational journey began at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.Tech). He then pursued higher education at Cornell University, obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science. This strong foundation in both engineering and computer science has played a significant role in shaping Dr. Gopal's successful career in the technology industry.
When did Ajei Gopal join Ansys?
Dr. Ajei Gopal joined Ansys as a member of the Board of Directors in 2011 and later assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer in 2017. Since taking on the CEO position, Dr. Gopal has been leading Ansys for over four years, bringing his extensive experience and expertise to the company.