Ajei Gopal, President, CEO & Director - Ansys (ANSS)
Building on over 50 years of technological innovation, Ansys (Nasdaq: ANSS) develops and markets engineering simulation software and services to predict and optimize product performance across several industries. Through its diverse portfolio of advanced engineering simulation software, the company empowers clients to solve complex design challenges and engineer products limited only by the boundaries of imagination. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ajei Gopal, President, CEO, and Director, Ansys partners with leading organizations worldwide to deliver remarkably superior products to its customers. Dr. Gopal currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors at Fiserv and a member of the Board of Trustees at Carnegie Mellon University. He was appointed an independent Director of the Board at Ansys in 2011 and served until he joined the company as an employee in 2016. During this period, he was the senior vice president of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and an operating partner at Silver Lake, a leading private equity technology investor. His tenure at Silver Lake equipped Dr. Gopal with valuable insights into managing and growing technology-driven businesses, which contributed to the success of Ansys.
His expansive educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a Ph.D. in computer science, which equipped Dr. Gopal with a strong technical proficiency in engineering principles and advanced simulation technologies. With his expert guidance, the company developed a comprehensive suite of software solutions that cater to various engineering simulation needs throughout the design process. The portfolio encompasses powerful tools such as Ansys Fluent, Mechanical, and Maxwell, which address a broad spectrum of physics domains, including fluid dynamics, electromagnetics, and thermal analysis.
“We deliver innovative technology solutions that empower clients across various industries and remain dedicated to helping them achieve their objectives,” says Dr. Gopal.
Dr. Gopal played a crucial role in driving the adoption of Ansys simulation software across various industries, ranging from aviation and automotive to healthcare and defense. Recognizing the transformative power of intelligent connectivity in sectors such as autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the industrial Internet of things (IIoT), he has been advancing simulation applications for high-tech companies. These applications span from semiconductor design and fabrication at the silicon level to ensuring thermal and electronic reliability in packages and systems.
Dr. Gopal has contributed significantly to the industry as a renowned technologist with 23 granted U.S. patents and numerous publications. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional business and technological acumen, reflecting his ability to lead businesses and drive growth, both organically and through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), while improving operational efficiency.
His expertise in cutting-edge technology has been shaped by a distinguished professional journey that began with Bell Communications, where he served as a researcher. He then moved on to IBM research, where he progressed to the position of founding member and chief technology officer of the organization’s pervasive computing division. He also co-founded ReefEdge, where he served as CEO and a member of the Board of Directors until Symantec acquired the company. Following this, he took up various leadership roles at prominent technological companies, including Symantec, further strengthening his influence in the industry.
His expertise in cutting-edge technology has been shaped by a distinguished professional journey that began with Bell Communications, where he served as a researcher. He then moved on to IBM research, where he progressed to the position of founding member and chief technology officer of the organization’s pervasive computing division. He also co-founded ReefEdge, where he served as CEO and a member of the Board of Directors until Symantec acquired the company. Following this, he took up various leadership roles at prominent technological companies, including Symantec, further strengthening his influence in the industry.
"We deliver innovative technology solutions that empower clients across various industries and remain dedicated to helping them achieve their objectives "
During his first 18 months as CEO of Ansys, its value doubled, highlighting Dr. Gopal’s strategic leadership and vision. His deep technical knowledge and constant guidance led the company to redefine how products—ranging from microchips to rocket ships—are designed, developed, and brought to market. Dr. Gopal introduced the concept of “pervasive simulation,” a visionary approach incorporating engineering simulation throughout the product lifecycle. This bold idea has captured the industry's imagination, helping propel the company to achieve greater success.
As the largest engineering simulation company in the world, Ansys is driven by a commitment to innovation and research and development (R&D), as reflected by its consistent growth and financial strength. Along with successfully delivering outstanding financial results at the company, Dr. Gopal ensures continuous promotion of its environmental, social, and governance initiatives. By reinvesting in research annually, he ensures continuous improvement at Ansys while strengthening client trust and partnership.
With a clear mission to foster transparency, integrity, inclusiveness, and collaboration, Dr. Gopal leads the team at Ansys to foster a robust, unified, “ONE Ansys” culture. The entire workforce is dedicated to helping clients worldwide by delivering on the promise of sustainable engineering simulation solutions. By bridging the gap between design and reality, the company is pushing the boundaries of product design and powering innovation, successfully driving human advancement.