The Hindu Business Line : Nilekani passes CEO baton to Kris

Continuing with the tradition of passing the baton to the generation next, Mr Nandan Nilekani has stepped aside as CEO and Managing Director in favour of the Co-founder and COO, Mr S. Gopalakrishnan. After steering Infy for over five years as CEO, Mr Nilekani, 51, would wear a new hat as Co-Chairman from June 22.

Announcing the management transition, the Chairman and Chief Mentor, Mr N.R. Narayana Murthy, said: "This is a historic occasion. The hugely successful CEO Nandan Nilekani has voluntarily decided, at a young age, to pass on the baton to a worthy successor chosen by the Board — Kris (S) Gopalakrishnan." The Head of Worldwide Sales and Delivery, Mr S.D. Shibulal, is the new COO of the company.

Brand Equity

Mr Gopalakrishnan on his new role said: "My focus will be to make Infosys more competitive, increase productivity further, continue to be a leader in corporate governance, attract the best of global talent and enhance brand equity further."

Mr Nilekani said the succession plan is in tune with Infosys' `tradition' of making space for talented to realise their full potential. Last year, Mr T.V. Mohandas Pai had handed over the position of CFO to Mr V. Balakrishnan.

"In my role, I will focus on key client relationships, be a brand ambassador, deal with broad industry issues, provide global thought leadership, lead some transformation initiatives and contribute to strategy," Mr Nilekani said.

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