Wipro Ltd., a Bangalore, India-based information technology, consulting and business process service company which has an office in East Brunswick, announced Thursday that Rishad Premji has been named executive chairman.
Premji previously served as Wipro Ltd.’s chief strategy officer and member of the board.
“I am humbled and honored to be invited to chair the board of Wipro Ltd., a company that has over decades demonstrated that success can be built on the foundation of strong values and uncompromising integrity. This is a testament to the spirit and dedication of thousands of Wiproites. I am very excited about our future and the opportunity to create value for all our stakeholders in these transformative times for Wipro and the technology industry. I look forward to their trust, collaboration and support,” Premji said.
Azim Premji, founder of Wipro, will retire from his role as executive chairman on July 30 after having led the company for 53 years. He will continue to serve on the board as a non-executive director and founder chairman.
“I wish to thank generations of Wiproites and their families for their contribution towards building our company to what it is today. I am grateful to our clients, partners, and other stakeholders who have reposed trust and confidence in us. It has been a long and satisfying journey for me. As I look into the future, I plan to devote more time to focus on our philanthropic activities. I have great confidence and trust in Rishad’s leadership to steer Wipro in its next phase of growth as we move forward,” Azim Premji said.
The company also announced Abidali Z. Neemuchwala, CEO and executive director, will have his role re-designated to CEO and managing director, effective July 31.
“We thank Azim for his vision, outstanding leadership and years of extraordinary contribution towards building Wipro and the Indian IT industry. His unflinching commitment to values makes him an exemplar of how business and ethics can and must go together. His exceptional generosity makes him one of the greatest philanthropists of our time,” Ashok S. Ganguly, independent director and chairman of the board governance, nomination and compensation committee, Wipro Ltd., said. “Rishad’s understanding of the global technology industry, strong strategic orientation and diverse leadership experience make him the right person to guide Wipro. He is also best positioned to represent the interests and fundamental social purpose of the largest shareholder of Wipro.”
