The next wave @ Infosys

In the last thirty years since its inception, Infosys has established itself as the most respected IT company not only in India but also across the world for many reasons, primarily on the operational front, the fine balance of interest among employees, customers, and investors has always been their priority, furthermore the transparency in corporate governance is so exemplary that very few company across the world can dare to tread this path. From a seed capital of $250 to an annual turnover $6.2 billion IT behemoth, and from seven founding members to 135000 employees, in just 30 years, are an unprecedented business record that hardly any company can claim. In the post-independent India, many companies have formed and have displayed extremely alluring balance sheets, but when it comes to corporate governance, business ethics, integrity, empathy for employees, customers, and investors, and CSR initiatives, no one can ever match the height that Infosys has achieved.

And on April 30, 2011, Infosys has again created another history by inducting a non-founding board member KV Kamath, a veteran banker famous for his business transformation strategy at ICICI bank, to its highest post, the chairman of the board. The decision is obviously strategic as to why Kamath was chosen over Kris Gopalakrishnan although the latter has been promoted to co-chairman from the CEO. And simultaneously SD Shibulal, a founding member who is the current COO has also been promoted to CEO and MD, a position that now will bring in more challenges given the transformation Infosys is eying for. Over and above NR Narayana Murthy will remain as the chairman emeritus and the chief mentor, a position that no one can ever serve better than him.

Infosys at this point of time is on a crossroad. The IT back office operation which was the major revenue generator is now waning. Under these circumstances Infosys is aggressively looking forward to expand its consultancy business. Despite the fact that Kamath is not from IT industry, his extraordinary skills in corporate governance, business transformation through technology, and innovative business modeling will be of immense help for Infosys to mark a distinct position in IT consulting business like its key competitors such as Accenture and IBM. Being a banker for over four decades, Kamath has garnered exclusive business relations with almost all sectors, and this goodwill could work as miracle while acquiring new businesses in consultancy front. Infosys, for sure, is all set to ride on the new wave of transformation.

All the best Infosys for your continued exemplary service not only to your valued customers across the globe but also to millions of Indians on many fronts. May your mission for excellence long live.