Date:16/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/bline/iw/2006/04/16/stories/2006041600220600.htm

Back Passing the baton

Mr T. V. Mohandas Pai stepping down as Chief Financial Officer of Infosys Technologies to pave the way for younger people to get strategic opportunities. This is the culmination of one of the most commendable stints at the top for more than a decade. As the Infosys Chief Mentor, Mr N. R. Narayana Murthy, put it, Mr Pai has been one of the finest professionals who was responsible for several pioneering initiatives at Infosys, including the Nasdaq listing — the first from India — in 1999.

Mr Pai (and his team) has played a key role in translating and integrating the promoters' values — which is most important for high-quality corporate governace — into key aspects of the company's day-to-day functioning. Few CFOs across sectors can match his professional pride, intelligence, charisma and, at times, his brutal candour.

"Is he on his way out?" will also be nagging those with a suspicious bent of mind? Such thoughts will not be a surprise, as the company that has seen a few high-profile exits at the top level, led by the likes of Mr Phaneesh Murthy, Ms Hema Ravichander, Mr Basab Pradhan and Mr Akshaya Bhargava. Though Mr Pai plans to continue as a Member of the Board and take on the HR and education responsibilities, this apprehension must be dispelled quickly.

Krishnan Thiagarajan