Infosys reshuffle: The challenge is to keep core values intact

Infosys is a model company and its succession is both a natural and important process. What we are seeing is a very successful transition. And the way they have gone about it suggests that it has been done in a very professional manner. Shibulal's and Kris Gopalakrishnan's elevation comes as no surprise. The company inducting KV Kamath as the chairman again shows that Infosys is following the succession model which it has strongly believed in — that is, the company not passing on the mantle to the family members but getting more professionals. Kamath's induction again shows that the company is pushing itself to deliver solutions to its clients across sectors — banking, technology, manufacturing — and so having a non-techie might be a positive.

Having two chairmen is not a challenge. It depends on how responsibilities are divided and the company is able to give solutions to its clients. Kamath's inclusion is complementary and aligns with the company's vision of going global.

How Infosys will look in the future is a debatable but for now there is a likelihood that they will emerge very strong, say in 10 years time. Now, with the world and business changing, it will be a challenge for the new management to keep the core values intact.

— The writer is an author and Roland Berger Chaired Professor of Business and Technology and Dean of External Relations at INSEAD