Guardian India Appoints Karunakaran Azhisur as Country Head

Guardian India has announced a key leadership appointment to support its next phase of growth. On 21 January 2026, the company named Karunakaran Azhisur as Country Head – India. He will continue to serve as Chief Information Officer, reflecting Guardian’s focus on strong leadership, technology-driven innovation, and people-centric growth in its India operations.

Why in News?

Guardian India Operations Private Limited has appointed Karunakaran Azhisur as Country Head – India, while he continues as Chief Information Officer (CIO), strengthening leadership at its India global capability centre.

About the Appointment

• Guardian India Operations Private Limited, the global capability centre of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, announced the appointment of Karunakaran Azhisur as Country Head – India.
• In this expanded role, Azhisur will oversee overall India operations while continuing to lead technology as CIO. The dual responsibility reflects Guardian’s strategy of aligning business leadership closely with digital transformation.
• The appointment is aimed at ensuring operational excellence, innovation delivery, and seamless support to Guardian’s global business functions from India.

Reporting Structure and Leadership Vision

• As Country Head – India, Azhisur will report to Michael Prestileo, Chief Strategy Officer of Guardian Life and Chair of the Guardian India Board.
• Prestileo highlighted Azhisur’s global experience and ability to lead complex transformations as key strengths.
• According to leadership, Azhisur’s strategic vision and disciplined execution will play a critical role in advancing Guardian’s technology roadmap and accelerating innovation for policyholders.
• This leadership alignment underscores Guardian’s emphasis on strategy-led execution through its India operations.

Focus on People, Technology, and Innovation

• Karunakaran Azhisur emphasized that Guardian India’s core strength lies in its people and organizational culture.
• As the company enters a new growth phase, his focus will be on building strong teams, nurturing leadership talent, and creating an environment where technology and human capability work together.
• Guardian India plays a vital role in delivering digital solutions, IT services, analytics, and innovation support to global operations. Strengthening leadership at the country level is expected to enhance collaboration, agility, and long-term value creation.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Appointment of new Country Head – India
Company	Guardian India Operations Pvt. Ltd.
Appointee	Karunakaran Azhisur
New Role	Country Head – India
Additional Role	Continues as Chief Information Officer

Question

Q. Who has been appointed as Country Head – India of Guardian India Operations Private Limited?

A. Michael Prestileo
B. Karunakaran Azhisur
C. John Smith
D. Rajiv Mehta