As part of its new Phase-3 strategy, the country’s second largest software exporter, Infosys Technologies, is bringing back former leader Basab Pradhan.
Pradhan was serving as head of Global sales, before he quit Infosys in 2005 and founded Gridstone Research.
Though it is not certain at what position Pradhan has joined, reports suggest his second innings would again be as head of Global sales.
“I’m back at Infosys for a second innings. In the last couple of days, I met/spoke to many old friends. It feels great to be back.
But lots to do,” Pradhan said in a tweet on popular microblogging site Twitter.
When contacted, an Infosys spokesperson confirmed the appointment, but declined to comment on his role in the firm.
Pradhan took over as global sales head in July, 2002, when Phaneesh Murthy, the then Infosys director and global sales and marketing head, quit after being sued for sexual harassment by a former Infosys employee.
Before he quit Infosys in 2005 to launch his own venture, Pradhan handled global sales for the company and headed several key businesses like retail, consumer packages goods, healthcare and transportation.
Pradhan’s new stint is going to be tough, since he joins at a time when Infosys is trying to fend off rivals and maintain its leadership position.
Recently, the company underwent one of its biggest management changes with the appointment of banker K V Kamath as its Chairman. Kamath will take over from founder Narayana Murthy.
Co-Founder and COO S D Shibulal has been appointed as the new CEO, to take over from S Gopalakrishnan, who will now serve as Co-Chairman. The company will be announcing new additions to its board and to its executive council this month.
Infosys has described this phase as “Infosys 3.0”, under which it has announced new verticals and service lines. It is also transitioning from a technology company to one offering business solutions. Pradhan’s entry may be seen as a part of that process.
