UB Pravin Rao has been appointed as the interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Infosys, India's second-largest software services exporter, following CEO and MD Vishal Sikka's resignation today. Sikka has been appointed the Executive Chairman, with effect from today, until a new person is appointed and takes charge. His resignation was accepted during a board meeting on August 18.
Rao, also the chairperson of Infosys BPO, has been with Infosys for 30 years.
Here are seven points about the man:
UB Pravin Rao joined Infosys in 1986.
As chairperson of Infosys BPO, he oversees global sales, global delivery and business enabling functions. His profile also involves handling key processes, systems and policies across the company in client relationship management, sales effectiveness, delivery excellence, quality, talent management and leadership development.
Rao holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Bangalore University.
He has held several leadership positions in the company including Chief Operating Officer, Head of Infrastructure Management Services, Delivery Head for Europe, and Head of Retail, Consumer Packaged Goods, Logistics and Life Sciences.
Rao is also a member of the Executive Council of Nasscom and the National Council of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Vishal Sikka described Pravin Rao in his resignation letter as his"... partner, friend, and pillar of strength, Pravin, who carried all the load in the world, with a smile, impeccable integrity and the most amazing grace, and [who] will now lead you to the next phase of our company's growth."
The company's co-founders led by Narayana Murthy have expressed displeasure several times over the Board's decision to increase compensation to senior management, including Vishal Sikka and Pravin Rao. Rao was given a pay hike by 33 per cent in April this year. This has been reported to be one of the reasons for the growing discord within the company.