Former Infosys CEO Nandan Nilekani, who took over as Chairman of the company to resolve the tension between key shareholders and the management, said he did not join the IT company to run it.
He said he was not in the company to step into the shoes of Vishal Sikka, the CEO who resigned last week alleging ‘constant assaults’ from key shareholders.
He said the company will continue to look for a CEO to replace Sikka.
“We have to get a CEO as a soon as possible,” Nilekani said.
“I see my primary role as ensuring that there is complete stability, that there is complete alignment of views between all stakeholders, including institutional shareholders, founders and other stakeholders including the company management,” Nilekani said.
He said he was not in Infosys as an “executive officer” but as someone who has moved in to resolve the crisis. He pointed out that he cannot be associated with Infosys in an executive role as he is involved in several roles that are public in nature.
Nilekani is the key force behind the setting up of India’s Unique Identification Authority or UIDAI, the body that oversees the Aadhaar program.
“I see myself.. as someone who has trusted relationship with all stakeholders and is using that trusted relationship to keep the company on a new platform.”
Infosys stock was up 2% today on news that the former CEO was back at the company.
He said the company’s nominations committee will drive the CEO selection process.
It will also come up with a plan on board composition.
The move to bring in Nilekani is seen as a victory for key shareholders and founders such as V Balakrishnan, Mohandas Pai and N R Narayana Murthy, who have been miffed by what they believe are ‘corporate governance lapses’ in the company in recent years, particularly around the acquisition of Israel-based Panaya, a cloud solutions company.