Infosys appoints Nandan Nilekani as Non Executive Chairman of the Board

Infosys has announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved the appointment of Nandan Nilekani as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. He is an iconic leader, 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.

Chairman R. Seshasayee, who stepped down from the Board today, stated, “Nandan is the ideal leader for Infosys at this stage in the company’s development. 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. 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.”

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. Dr. Sikka said, “Last week I said that my remaining on the Infosys Board was to primarily enable a smooth transition. In Nandan, we have found an ideal leader to manage this transition. "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."

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

Venkatesan, took this opportunity to thank Seshasayee, and stated, “It is a great privilege to have worked with a person of such stature and dignity as Sesh. It has been an honour for the entire Board to be captained by him. His strength of character and his unwavering commitment to the company is deeply admired by all members who have served alongside him on this Board.”

Nilekani said, “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.”

Nilekani also stated that the Board will actively consider a broad-based shareholder consultation process as a critical part of its overall engagement initiatives with all the stakeholders of the company that are being taken up on a priority basis.

U. B. Pravin Rao who will continue as Interim CEO and MD and, also was pleased to welcome Nilekani to Infosys. The Infosys Board will continue with its earlier stated plan to identify a permanent CEO and MD.