Srini Pallia takes over as Wipro CEO succeeding Delaporte

Srini Pallia has taken over as technology and services firm Wipro Ltd’s chief executive officer (CEO), succeeding Thierry Delaporte.

Pallia, the head of Wipro’s America business, is a member of the Wipro executive board. The company is scheduled to announce its quarterly and fiscal earnings on 19 April.

Shares of the company declined about 1% in intraday trading on Monday from their previous session’s closing.

“Srini is an ideal leader to lead Wipro at this pivotal moment for our company and industry. Over the past four years, Wipro has undergone a major transformation under the most challenging external conditions. Srini has been an integral part of this journey. His client-centric approach, growth mindset, strong execution focus, and his commitment to Wipro’s values, make him the perfect fit as we enter the next chapter of growth and profitability,” Wipro chairman Rishad Premji said.

Frenchman Delaporte, whose tenure was scheduled to end in July next year, was “stepping down to pursue passions outside the workplace” after heading the IT service firm for four years, the company said in a statement to the exchanges.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to Thierry for his leadership at Wipro. The changes he implemented have better positioned us for the future. We have optimized our structure, enhanced our leadership, prioritized partnerships, and improved our overall efficiency. This provides a strong foundation for Srini to effectively build upon,” Premji said.

“Thierry will continue until the end of May, working closely with Srini and me to ensure a smooth transition,” Premji added.

Thierry Delaporte said, “I’m grateful to Rishad and the board for the opportunity to lead Wipro through a period of significant transformation. I am proud of the solid foundation we have laid for Wipro’s future success. In the four years we have worked together, Srini has built a successful business in our largest market of Americas 1 and has become an important strategic partner to our clients. As I pass the torch to Srini, I’m confident he’ll continue our journey, steering us to greater heights.”

Pallia joined Wipro in 1992 and has held many leadership positions, including president of Wipro’s consumer business unit and global head of business application services.

Pallia, who will be based in New Jersey and report to Premji, brings to the CEO role extensive institutional and industry knowledge, as well as a strong track record of leadership through some of the most significant technological shifts the industry has seen, the company said.

“Wipro is one of those rare companies that combines profit with purpose, and I am truly honored to have been chosen to lead this iconic institution. I am excited to build on the strong foundation established by Thierry and lead Wipro on its next growth trajectory. I have built my entire career at Wipro, and I have a deep appreciation of our 78-year history and our incredible team of more than 240,000 associates,” Pallia said in the statement.

“We have the right strategy, and tremendous people and capabilities throughout the organization, and I am excited about the opportunities for future growth,” said Pallia, who holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and a master’s in management studies from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

Pallia graduated from Harvard Business School’s leading global businesses executive program, and the advanced leadership program at the McGill Executive Institute.