Tech giant Infosys plans to create 500 jobs in Calgary expansion

The global technology services company Infosys plans to create 500 jobs in Calgary over the next three years as it ramps up its Canadian workforce.

Infosys president Ravi Kumar made the pledge at a virtual news conference on Wednesday with Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

"Calgary is a natural next step as part of our Canadian expansion and represents a significant and promising market for Infosys," Kumar said.

"The city is home to a thriving pool of talent that the economic downturn of COVID-19 has impacted. We will tap into this talent and offer critical skills and opportunities that will build on the city's economic strengths."

The company, which started in India and now has operations in 46 countries, provides digital services and consulting for clients in many industries, such as natural resources, energy, media, retail and communications.

Infosys'shead of global government and public affairs,Anurag Varma, who spoke from the company's office in Silicon Valley, said because he was born in Calgary and educated in Alberta he's confident that the expansion is a smart move.

"It only gives me more pride that our global company is coming to a neighbourhood that I know very well, and I believe that this is going to be a match made in heaven," he said.

Officials said the Calgary office will be in the core, but a location was not specified.

The Calgary office currently has fewer than 10 employees, but the company has hired about 2,000 people in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver over the past two years.

Officials say the plan is to double the Canadian workforce to 4,000 employees by 2023.

Mary Moran, president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development, says the Infosys expansion could be a game-changer for the city.

"We are embracing digital transformation in Calgary and Infosys can support companies on their digital journey as they address global challenges like cleaner energy, safe and secure food supplies, safer and more efficient transportation and logistics and better health solutions," she said.

Infosys says it will hire tech grads from 14 educational institutions in Canada, including the University of Calgary, SAIT and the University of Alberta.