Infosys: Vishal Sikka out, Pravin Rao in, Narayan Murthy unhappy with both

UB Pravin Rao has been appointed as the interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Infosys His appointment comes after the exit of Infosys CEO and MD Vishal Sikka Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy is also upset with the company's board saying that Murthy is the primary reason for Sikka’s resignation

After the controversial exit of Infosys CEO and MD Vishal Sikka, UB Pravin Rao has been appointed as the interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Infosys.

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, reported the New Indian Express. 

Rao, also the chairperson of Infosys BPO, has been with Infosys for 30 years.

An investor advisory firm today favoured Nandan Nilekani being brought back on its board as its non-executive chairman.

The Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS) said the Infosys board has been "unable to protect its CEO" and to select a successor it must begin by "reinventing itself".

However Rao also seems to be an apt choice.

1. UB Pravin Rao joined Infosys in 1986
2. As chairperson of Infosys BPO, he oversees global sales, global delivery and business enabling functions
3. Rao holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Bangalore University
4. 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.
5. Rao is also a member of the Executive Council of Nasscom and the National Council of Confederation of Indian Industry
6. 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."
7. 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.

Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy is also upset with the company's board saying that Murthy is the primary reason for Sikka’s resignation.

This is the first time that the board has openly lashed out against Narayana Murthy ever since he began his critique against Sikka and the management.