Cognizant and Gilead Sciences Announce $800 Million Partnership to Drive Digital Transformation

Cognizant’s recent collaboration with Gilead Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company, is set to have a significant impact on jobs. On July 25, 2023, Cognizant announced the renewal and expansion of its partnership with Gilead Sciences, valued at $800 million. The primary focus of this extended collaboration is to enhance Gilead’s operations and accelerate its digital transformation.

As part of the agreement, Cognizant will be responsible for managing Gilead’s global IT infrastructure, applications, and advanced analytics, incorporating generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and AI automation to enhance customer service and manufacturing efficiencies.

However, this expansion comes with consequences for Cognizant’s workforce. Approximately 3,500 non-billable and corporate personnel will be affected, which amounts to about 1% of Cognizant’s total employee count of 350,000. Regrettably, this decision will lead to the termination of these jobs. The company states that this realignment is aimed at optimizing its workforce to better align with its evolving business priorities and strategic objectives.

Despite the impact on personnel, Cognizant remains committed to delivering value to its clients and capitalizing on growth opportunities in the IT services sector. The company believes that streamlining its workforce will make it more agile and competitive as it engages in significant business deals.

Cognizant’s expanded partnership with Gilead Sciences signifies a new chapter in their collaboration, but it also brings about the elimination of some jobs as part of the company’s effort to adapt to changing business needs and maintain its position in the IT services industry.