Vishal Sikka to be CEO and MD of Infosys from August 1

Bangalore: Dr. Vishal Sikka has been selected to be the next Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (CEO & MD) of Infosys, according to a statement by the company. Sikka will be inducted as a whole-time director of the Board and CEO & MD (Designate) on June 14, 2014. He will take over as CEO & MD from S. D. Shibulal on August 1, 2014.

According to the statement, Infosys Board has also elevated U.B. Pravin Rao, President and whole-time director, as Chief Operating Officer, with effect from June 14, 2014.

Dr. Vishal Sikka was, until recently, a member of the Executive Board of SAP AG, leading all products and driving innovation globally. He has worked closely with leaders of global companies in building breakthrough business solutions. At SAP, he was responsible for all products, from traditional and cloud-based applications to technology and platform products including HANA, analytics, mobile and middleware. In addition, Dr. Sikka led multiple initiatives to accelerate innovation and research at SAP. He holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Stanford University, USA.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Sikka said, “I am honored to lead Infosys, an iconic company built by pioneers in the technology industry. I look forward to working with and learning from talented Infoscions around the world. Computing technology is reshaping every industry across every walk of life. We, at Infosys, have a unique opportunity to deliver breakthrough solutions that will bring greater value to our clients, employees, investors and other stakeholders. I am grateful to the Infosys Nominations and Governance Committee, Kamath, Murthy and the Board for this opportunity.”

The Board also announced the following changes:

• N.R. Narayana Murthy and S. Gopalakrishnan will voluntarily step down as Executive Chairman and Executive Vice Chairman, respectively, on June 14, 2014. In order to facilitate a smooth transition of responsibilities, they will continue on the Board till October 10, 2014 as the Non-executive Chairman and Non-executive Vice Chairman, respectively.
• K. V. Kamath will become the Non-executive Chairman of the Board on October 11, 2014
• Murthy will be designated as Chairman Emeritus with effect from October 11, 2014 in recognition of his contributions to the company.
• S. D. Shibulal will step down as CEO & MD and from the Board on July 31, 2014
• Srinath Batni, whole-time Director of the company, will step down from the Board on July 31, 2014
• In addition, the company has elevated twelve leaders to the position of Executive Vice President with additional responsibilities
• The Executive Chairman’s office will be dissolved with effect from June 14, 2014. Dr. Rohan Murty, whose appointment was co-terminus with the Executive Chairman, will leave the company on June 14, 2014. The remaining members of the Chairman’s office will take up other responsibilities in the company.

“I am pleased with the selection of Dr. Vishal Sikka as our new CEO.” said Executive Chairman, N. R. Narayana Murthy. “Vishal brings valuable experience as a leader of a large, global corporation. His illustrious track record and value system make him an ideal choice to lead Infosys. On behalf of all of us at Infosys, I would like to thank Gopalakrishnan, Shibulal and Batni for their contributions.”

Murthy added , “I would like to thank our clients, the members of the Board, all my colleagues at Infosys, ex-Infoscions, our investors, the media, and well-wishers of the company for their support and encouragement. I also want to thank the members of my office, the Chief Financial Officer and the head of Human Resources for their fabulous support through my second innings at Infosys.”

K. V. Kamath, Lead Independent Director and Chairman of the Nominations & Governance Committee said, “The Committee adopted a rigorous selection process with the assistance of reputed global executive search and evaluation firms. Vishal brings a unique combination of technology prowess and business acumen. The Board is committed to support him to strengthen the company’s leadership in the global technology industry.”

S. Gopalakrishnan commented, “I am glad that the Board has chosen a thought leader who has demonstrated how technology can be leveraged to help businesses become more competitive. I wish him all the best.”

S. D. Shibulal remarked, “I would like to thank the Board, employees and investors for the support they have extended to me through the years. I believe that Vishal brings the vision and capability we need to take Infosys to greater heights.”

Srinath Batni said, “I have spent some of the most enriching years of my life at Infosys and will always cherish the experience. With Vishal, Infosys is well placed to chart its way forward boldly.”

Infosys will host a press conference at its Headquarters at Electronics City, Bangalore at 12:30 p.m. (IST) on June 12, 2014.