Major events in my life linked to milestones at Infosys: S Gopalakrishnan

NEW DELHI: Reminiscing time spent at the firm he co-created with six other friends in 1981, Infosys non-executive chairman S Gopalakrishnan said many major events in his life are linked to major milestones of Infosys.

In a letter to over 1.6 lakh employees, Gopalakrishnan or Kris as he is fondly known, reflected upon his early days at the company and his family life talking about his wedding, the birth of his daughter and the loss of his parents.

"Many major events in my life are linked to major milestones of Infosys. I was married in 1981 when Infosys was founded. I lost my father in 1992 just before our IPO in India in 1993. My daughter was born in 1999 when Infosys did its listing on NASDAQ. I lost my mother in 2007 just one month after I became the CEO.

"In some sense, both these stories are inseparable for me," he said.

Gopalakrishnan, along with NR Narayana Murthy and five others, founded Infosys in 1981.

After handling various roles at the firm, Gopalakrishnan was appointed CEO and MD in July 2007 and then Executive Co-Chairman in August 2011 and then Executive Vice Chairman in May 2013.

The former CII President stepped down from the position of Executive Vice Chairman from Infosys on June 14 and will continue as Non-Executive Vice Chairman till October 10 to ensure a smooth transition at the Bangalore-based firm.

The USD 8.3 billion company last week brought in former SAP board member Vishal Sikka to head the firm, making him the first non-founder and external CEO and MD.

Describing Sikka as a "visionary and respected industry leader", Gopalakrishnan expressed confidence that he will propel Infosys to new heights.

"This (change) would give the new CEO and the leadership team the opportunity to frame the strategy and plans for FY'16 and beyond. I am confident that they would lead Infosys into an even better future," he added.

Highlighting the changes that the now USD 118 billion IT-BPO industry has seen over the years, he said Infosys has been at the forefront as the world moved from mainframes to mobiles.

"We have grown from 7 people to over 160,000 people. Along the way, we saw the computer industry go from mainframe to mobile and internet technologies. We have helped our clients leverage information technologies better and more efficiently. We have continuously innovated our processes, models and our solutions," Gopalakrishnan said.

He further said: "Today, Infosys is stronger and better than ever to serve our clients and provide the best workplace for our employees. I am proud of our achievements and the part that I have played in building this great institution."