Infosys appoints Nandan Nilekani as Chairman; R. Seshasayee steps down

New Delhi [India], Aug 24 (ANI): Indian IT major Infosys on Thursday announced appointment of Nandan Nilekani as the Non Executive Chairman of the Board, with immediate effect.

After unanimous approval of the Board of Directors, Nilekani was announced as the new chief to manage the company in the future.

An iconic leader, Nilekani is a successful entrepreneur and investor, and someone who has played a pivotal role in India's transition to a digital economy.

Among his many achievements, Nilekani led the implementation of one of the world's biggest technology initiatives, India's Aadhaar program, which has now enrolled over a billion Indians and which is transforming the lives of ordinary Indians every day. He is also one of the co-founders of Infosys and served as its CEO from 2002 to 2007.

"His appointment will allow Infosys to focus on the strategic changes it needs to make in order to capitalize on the attractive opportunities in the years ahead. Under Nandan, Infosys will build a cohesive management team that will no doubt take the company to a leadership position in the industry," said outgoing chairman R. Seshasayee.

"I believe these changes will infuse further confidence to the stakeholders in executing the transition plan and in reinforcing the strategy for the future. I am confident our employees and customers will join me in welcoming Nandan to the company," added R. Seshasayee.

Also stepping down from the Board, effective immediately, are Dr. Vishal Sikka, Prof. Jeffrey Lehman and Prof. John Etchemendy, each of whom welcomed the appointment of the new Chairman.

"I welcome Nandan's appointment as Chairman to help guide Infosys to new frontiers of success and wish him, Pravin and all Infoscions the very best in the times ahead," said Dr. Vishal Sikka on Nandan' appointment.

Upon the appointment of Nilekani as Chairman, Ravi Venkatesan stepped down from his role as co-chairman. Venkatesan will continue on the Board.

"I am happy to return to Infosys, now in the role of non-executive chairman, and look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board and in executive management on the business opportunities we see before us and delivering benefits to our clients, shareholders, employees and communities. I thank Vishal for his service as the CEO of Infosys over the last 3 years and wish him well in his future endeavors," said Nilekani on his appointment.

Earlier this month, Vishal Sikka had resigned as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Infosys Ltd. with immediate effect, after which U.B. Pravin Rao was appointed as the interim-managing director and chief executive. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI