Salil Parekh: An understated manager, an energetic networker
, ET Bureau|
Dec 04, 2017, 10.33 AM IST
MUMBAI | BENGALURU: Salil S Parekh, an aeronautical engineer by training, is all set to get Infosys off the runway after the Bengaluru-based IT firm got caught up in a long boardroom battle between its management and iconic founders over serious corporate governance allegations amid a challenging business environment.
Parekh, who is known as an understated manager, an energetic networker with an astute mind, is taking over Infosys at a crucial juncture. Investors craving for stability are expected to give a thumbs up to Parekh’s appointment.
Parekh was one of the five global deputy CEOs at Capgemini and was seen as a one of the contenders to succeed Capgemini CEO Paul Hermelin when he retired. Back in 2014, he was in the running with Vishal Sikka, who eventually became the first outsider to hold the post at Infosys. “He is not flamboyant, which will be a good thing. The last CEO had issues with the founders. Too many icons in one company do not work, at least in India. He is more understated and less likely to make grand statements, which was a problem that Vishal Sikka had,” an analyst with a Mumbai brokerage said.
Parekh joined French IT firm Capgemini in 2000 as a result of the acquisition of the consulting division of Ernst and Young. Since then he played a key role in the development of the Group in India and the US in a variety of leadership roles. “While he is not an iconic leader, he is a seasoned CEO with a strong grip of the services industry. There are few Indians in senior roles that are running a global portfolio, and he has always worked out of India,” said a senior executive working with an executive search firm. “He is a good choice because he brings a calming effect, which is crucial for Infosys after what has transpired in the past year.”
Parekh climbed the ranks at Capgemini to become CEO in India and then executive chairman.
Before becoming one of the few global Deputy CEOs in 2015 and a member of the Group’s Operations Committee, he led the Application Services Strategic Business Unit at Capgemini that included North America and the UK, the Financial Services business unit globally, and local business units in India and Australia. He was responsible for almost half of the company’s revenue.
Experts are betting on Parekh’s India experience with adequate global exposure to steer Infosys in the future. “Salil has spent time in India as Capgemini head. So he is used to working in India, as a professional, unlike somebody like Sikka who had never operated from India. Salil has studied and worked in India and the US. He has a view of how professionals work in India and the markets, and people skills necessary in the US,” said an IT consultant of two decades.
Parekh holds a Master’s degree in computer science and mechanical engineering from Cornell University.
Parekh, who is known as an understated manager, an energetic networker with an astute mind, is taking over Infosys at a crucial juncture. Investors craving for stability are expected to give a thumbs up to Parekh’s appointment.
Parekh was one of the five global deputy CEOs at Capgemini and was seen as a one of the contenders to succeed Capgemini CEO Paul Hermelin when he retired. Back in 2014, he was in the running with Vishal Sikka, who eventually became the first outsider to hold the post at Infosys. “He is not flamboyant, which will be a good thing. The last CEO had issues with the founders. Too many icons in one company do not work, at least in India. He is more understated and less likely to make grand statements, which was a problem that Vishal Sikka had,” an analyst with a Mumbai brokerage said.
Parekh joined French IT firm Capgemini in 2000 as a result of the acquisition of the consulting division of Ernst and Young. Since then he played a key role in the development of the Group in India and the US in a variety of leadership roles. “While he is not an iconic leader, he is a seasoned CEO with a strong grip of the services industry. There are few Indians in senior roles that are running a global portfolio, and he has always worked out of India,” said a senior executive working with an executive search firm. “He is a good choice because he brings a calming effect, which is crucial for Infosys after what has transpired in the past year.”
Parekh climbed the ranks at Capgemini to become CEO in India and then executive chairman.
Before becoming one of the few global Deputy CEOs in 2015 and a member of the Group’s Operations Committee, he led the Application Services Strategic Business Unit at Capgemini that included North America and the UK, the Financial Services business unit globally, and local business units in India and Australia. He was responsible for almost half of the company’s revenue.
Experts are betting on Parekh’s India experience with adequate global exposure to steer Infosys in the future. “Salil has spent time in India as Capgemini head. So he is used to working in India, as a professional, unlike somebody like Sikka who had never operated from India. Salil has studied and worked in India and the US. He has a view of how professionals work in India and the markets, and people skills necessary in the US,” said an IT consultant of two decades.
Parekh holds a Master’s degree in computer science and mechanical engineering from Cornell University.
