Nandan Nilekani is the CEO and managing director of the Infosys. He, along with N R Narayana Murthy and five others, co-founded India's IT jewel, Infosys Technologies.
Born in Bangalore to Durga and Mohan Rao Nilekani, he graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
After graduation, he met Narayana Murthy, who then led Patni Computer Systems's software group, seeking a job. Murthy hired the young engineer. That was the beginning of a relationship that was to create Indian corporate history.
Three years later, seven enthusiasts (including Nandan) decided to start their own outfit (Infosys Technologies Ltd) with Murthy in the lead. Their decision rewrote the domestic software industry of India.
He became the chief executive officer of Infosys in March 2002. He now leads the company with Narayana Murthy having retired in August 2006.
He is married to Rohini, an English-language novelist, and they have two children: daughter Janhavi and son Nihar. He speaks Konkani at home.
In 2006, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. He is regarded by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in its issue of May 2006.
Photograph: Jewella C. Miranda
Advertisement
