From the boardrooms of Silicon Valley to the corridors of global finance, Hyderabad Public School (HPS) has quietly shaped some of the world’s most powerful business leaders. Alumni from this prestigious institution include Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, and World Bank President Ajay Banga — a remarkable testament to the school’s legacy.
A Century of Excellence
Originally founded in 1923 as Jagirdar’s College, HPS was modeled after England’s elite Eton College. Over the decades, it evolved into a premier co-educational institution set on a sprawling 122-acre campus in Hyderabad, nurturing students who would go on to impact industries globally.
Meet the HPS Alumni Leading the World
Satya Nadella – Chairman and CEO, Microsoft
One of the most recognized names in global tech today, Satya Nadella completed his early education at HPS. His journey from Hyderabad to becoming the head of Microsoft is a powerful example of Indian talent thriving on the global stage. Under his leadership, Microsoft pivoted successfully to cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Shantanu Narayen – CEO, Adobe
Shantanu Narayen, another HPS alumnus, has transformed Adobe from a desktop publishing software company into a leader in digital experiences and creative cloud solutions. His strategic vision helped Adobe stay ahead in the fast-evolving tech landscape.
Ajay Banga – President, World Bank
Former Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga is now leading the World Bank, where he’s focused on driving economic inclusion and global development. Known for prioritizing financial accessibility, Banga also established the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth during his corporate tenure.
Prem Watsa – CEO, Fairfax Financial Holdings
Often called the “Warren Buffett of Canada,” Prem Watsa also studied at HPS. As the founder and CEO of Fairfax Holdings, he built a global investment and insurance empire, earning a reputation for long-term, value-based investments.
Other Notable Alumni
The school’s extensive alumni network also includes:
- Shailesh Jejurikar – COO, Procter & Gamble
- Baron Karan Bilimoria – Founder, Cobra Beer & Member of UK House of Lords
- Girish Reddy – Co-founder, Prisma Capital Partners
- T.K. Kurien – CEO, Premji Invest
Beyond the School Walls: Global Success Rooted in Indian Classrooms
While Hyderabad Public School provided a strong foundation, these leaders’ achievements were also shaped by individual ambition, higher education abroad, and global exposure. Still, their roots in HPS highlight the powerful influence of Indian schooling in shaping world-class leaders.
From tech and finance to entrepreneurship and public service, the legacy of HPS continues to echo in boardrooms and institutions around the world.
