Girija Kolagada Is Country Manager-India and VP-HRBP for APAC, Progress Software
•February 12, 2026
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Companies Mentioned
Why It Matters
Her appointment positions Progress Software to accelerate AI innovation and talent acquisition in the fast‑growing APAC market while reinforcing diversity leadership.
Key Takeaways
- •Former ISRO scientist now leads Progress India
- •Over 20 years experience across space, Oracle, cloud
- •Will drive AI-driven digital experience strategy regionally
- •Focus on inclusive leadership and women talent pipelines
- •Strengthens Progress Software's APAC talent hub ambitions
Pulse Analysis
Girija Kolagada’s appointment blends deep technical expertise with executive leadership. Beginning as an ISRO scientist, she spent over seven years on satellite projects before moving to Mascon Global, where she led large technical teams. At Oracle she rose to director of cloud infrastructure, delivering a cloud‑native MVP swiftly. Since joining Progress Chef in 2021, she advanced to vice‑president of engineering, steering AI‑powered digital experience platforms. Her engineering degree from University of Mysore and tenure at Oracle's cloud platform further solidify her credibility, equipping her to helm Progress Software’s India operations and APAC HR strategy.
As country manager‑India and VP‑HR business partner for APAC, Kolagada will align product development with regional talent acquisition. She will scale Progress Software’s AI‑driven infrastructure suite, tapping India’s engineering talent to speed time‑to‑market. The HR function will build high‑performing microservices and DevSecOps teams while embedding inclusive hiring. She will also champion cross‑border collaboration, ensuring that best practices flow between India and other APAC hubs. Synchronizing technology roadmaps with localized HR programs aims to capture a larger share of the fast‑growing APAC cloud and AI market.
Kolagada’s focus on inclusive leadership and women’s mentorship reflects a wider industry push for diversity as a growth driver. By mentoring early‑career professionals, Progress can develop home‑grown talent, reducing dependence on external hires. In a region where AI and cloud expertise are scarce, a strong, culturally aware talent pipeline offers a competitive edge. Such initiatives not only improve retention but also position Progress as an employer of choice in a talent‑tight market. Progress’s talent‑centric strategy under Kolagada may become a benchmark for multinational software firms seeking sustainable expansion in emerging markets.
Girija Kolagada is country manager-India and VP-HRBP for APAC, Progress Software
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Girija Kolagada has been appointed country manager-India and vice president-HR business partnering for APAC, Progress Software. She has been with Progress Chef the AI-powered digital experience and infrastructure software provider (which was acquired by Progress Software) since August of 2021.
This engineering graduate holds a BE in Computer Science from University of Mysore. She served as a scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for over seven and a half years, from 1997 to 2005.
In April, 2005, she joined Mascon Global as senior technical manager where she stayed put for the next six years and eight months.
Oracle roped her in as senior development manager, network application platform, in January of 2012.
Almost three years later, she was elevated to director, cloud infrastructure and platforms. In this role, she successfully delivered Cloud Native MVP in record time by assembling and leading high-performing microservices and DevSecOps teams. She also acted as IDC hub lead, mentoring talent and strengthening Oracle’s innovation ecosystem in India.
It was in August of 2021 that she took up the role of senior director, engineering, at Progress Chef. Less than two years later, she was promoted to vice president of engineering, in April of 2023.
In her new role, she will lead Progress Software’s India operations and regional HR strategies, advancing the company’s AI innovation and strengthening its position as a key centre for world-class talent.
Kolagada is “honored to lead Progress Software India and continue developing our presence as a hub of innovation, collaboration and talent.”
She is a champion of inclusive leadership and talent development, and has founded and supported programmes focused on strengthening women’s leadership pipelines and mentoring early-career professionals.
HRKatha wishes Girija Kolagada all the best in her new role!
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