From Vision to Value: DigiKey’s Proven Path to GCC Success

DigiKey has successfully completed the transfer of its Global Capability Center (GCC) in India — marking the culmination of a high-impact, three-year journey executed through a structured Build-Optimize-Transfer (BOT) model in partnership with SMC Squared. 

What began as a strategic vision has now become a fully operational, high-impact capability center delivering measurable enterprise value. This achievement reflects not only the strength of DigiKey’s leadership but also a shared commitment to building a center that is not just operationally sound, but also strategically aligned to their global business goals.   

"Our Global Capability Center has evolved into a key strategic asset for DigiKey. It offers us scalability, resilience, and ongoing innovation. By integrating top-tier global talent with unified operating models, the GCC enhances our capacity, expedites delivery, and ensures DigiKey consistently excels for our customers. This is much more than a support center; it's a powerful multiplier for our business,"  — Ramesh Babu, CIO, DigiKey 

The transition from SMC Squared to DigiKey was executed with precision and care — the result of close collaboration, disciplined governance, and engaged stakeholders. 

Over the course of this three-year partnership, the transition included: 

• Legal entity setup 

• Procurement and contract management 

• Finance, payroll, and HR transitions 

• Operational compliance and readiness 

Despite the complexity, the outcomes speak volumes: 

• Over 90% employee retention 

• 100% of the team in place on Day 1 

• No disruption to operations or services 

This seamless handoff preserved institutional knowledge, ensured business continuity, and positioned the GCC for scalable growth and long-term success. 

The maturity of DigiKey's GCC — its talent depth, operating model, and capacity to scale — stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through clarity of purpose and a true partnership. 

SMC Squared is proud to have played a part in building a capability center that is driving innovation, agility, and lasting impact for one of America’s top private companies. 

Want to see how DigiKey did it? Download the full case study to explore their GCC blueprint.