How Vishal Sikka transformed Infosys

I started my journey as the CEO of this iconic company with a mission to transform it on the basis of software, especially artificial intelligence, and innovation, enabled by education. Three years later, I feel proud of our progress and achievements: Vishal Sikka.

On June 13, 2014, Infosys announced the name of Vishal Sikka, the former chief technology officer and member of the executive board at enterprise software maker SAP, as its new CEO & MD.

He was infosys' first non-founding CEO.

“I am pleased with the selection of Dr Vishal Sikka as our new CEO. 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,” the then executive chairman N R Narayana Murthy had said.

On August 18,2017, Sikka resigned.

"Vishal has made a seminal contribution to the transformation of Infosys, and he will be remembered for infusing a refreshed sense of direction, purpose and energy in the organisation, said R Seshasayee, chairman of the board.

Following are some of Infosys' achievements during his tenure:

Infosys launched breakthrough new programs to drive innovation, education and entrepreneurship on a large scale.

These programs included (i) Zero Distance, a program which was the first of its kind in the industry intended to drive grassroots innovation at a massive scale, through every employee,

(ii) Design Thinking training, the largest program of its kind to drive creative confidence and problem-finding in every Infoscion, and

(iii) Zero Bench, a bold notion of leveraging the bench as a means to drive additional value for clients.

Employee attrition has decreased dramatically during Sikka's tenure, particularly among high performers, utilisation is at a 10-year high, and client satisfaction is at an all-time high.

The company launched more than 25 new services which rose to 8.3 per cent of revenue last quarter, from zero per cent in April 2015.

Under Sikka’s leadership, Infosys developed and launched its artificial intelligence platform Nia, and already has more than 160 artificial intelligence scenarios deployed with more than 70 clients.

Infosys has also ventured into new horizons both with design-thinking with clients and its start-up investment fund.

Further, the Infosys US foundation has done inspiring work in bringing computer science education and a culture of innovating to the masses.

"I started my journey as the CEO of this iconic Company with a mission to transform it on the basis of software, especially (artificial intelligence), and innovation, enabled by education.

Three years later, I feel proud of our progress and achievements, from profitable revenue growth to rapid purposeful adoption of software, new services and grassroots innovation, to the extraordinary recognition from our clients worldwide.

I am deeply grateful to our Board for providing me with strong support and guidance, and especially wish to thank our chairman (Seshasayee) for his extraordinary and thoughtful stewardship, and look forward to working together on a smooth transition.

Congratulations to my friend and partner Pravin on his appointment, and heartfelt thanks to all Infoscions for their warmth, amazing support and the sparks of their imagination," said Sikka.

Photograph: PTI Photo