Nirmallya’ s 16-Year Journey: Building Success at Parexel

One of the cornerstones of Nirmallya’s leadership approach is fostering a culture of trust and open communication, values that Parexel holds in high regard. “I believe trust starts with communication. I begin building relationships with new hires before they officially join the team, setting expectations and creating an environment where they feel supported from day one.”

Nirmallya emphasizes the importance of empowering his team to take ownership of their work while ensuring they have the support and resources they need to succeed. “At Parexel, you’re given the tools to grow and the freedom to make decisions. I always encourage my team to propose solutions, even when challenges arise. It builds confidence and fosters a sense of accountability.”

This approach reflects Parexel’s broader commitment to developing talent and nurturing leadership within its ranks. Nirmallya’s dedication to his team is evident in the way he mentors and guides them, helping several Clinical Operations Leaders (COLs) progress into Project Leaders. 

“Seeing my team members step into leadership roles and knowing that I played a part in their journey is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.”

Having been with Parexel for 16 years, Nirmallya has witnessed the company’s evolution firsthand. “When I joined, we had a small team in Bangalore. Now, Parexel has expanded its operations and capabilities across India and the globe, and I’ve had the privilege of contributing to that growth.”

Nirmallya notes that the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation has been instrumental in its success. “The way Parexel adapts to industry changes embraces new technologies and fosters a global culture of collaboration is truly inspiring. Even after all these years, I’m excited about what the future holds for both the company and my role within it.”

This evolution hasn’t just been about scaling operations—it’s also been about maintaining the core values that make Parexel a great place to work. “The culture has always been one of inclusion, respect, and mutual support. As the company has grown, those values have remained at the heart of everything we do.”

Nirmallya is passionate about sharing the knowledge and experience he has gained over the years with those just starting in clinical operations. His advice to new employees is simple: “Be patient, focus on building a strong foundation, and never stop learning.”

He stresses the importance of adaptability and problem-solving, qualities that are essential in the fast-paced world of clinical research.