Advanced research to boost India's growth: Kris

BANGALORE, INDIA: Call it diplomacy or simplicity. Kris S. Gopalakrishnan, co-founder and executive co-chairman, has no favourites. CIOL’s Guest Editor opens up in an interview.

Excerpts:

CIOL: What made you accept CIOL’s invitation to be our guest editor?

Kris: I considered it an opportunity in a small way to send across my views, influence people in some way and present my thoughts.

CIOL: How did you meet N.R. Narayana Murthy and could brief about your job at Patni?

Kris: I joined Patni straight out of my college and Murthy was my manager there.

CIOL: During the crisis at Infosys in 1989, when some executive members opted to move out, what prompted you to stay on with the company?

Kris: When Murthy said he would buy us out and continue with the company, that was an inspiration for us to stay on. It was then we considered the things that we could do differently.

We considered public offering in India and use that money to build a campus, quality system and create a solid foundation for the company. So, we were listed in 1993, a year after markets took a beating.

CIOL: What would you like to be addressed as - CEO, co-founder, and executive co-chairman?

Kris: Though I am the co-founder, I would like to be addressed as executive co-chairman as that is my designation.

CIOL: Which are the major decisions that have changed Infosys?

Kris: In 2008, when downturn happened, we had to honor our offers as we had made commitments to the employees. Though there were no salary cuts, promotions and hikes were held up and training periods were extended.

Secondly, it was tough to shut doors on GE, but it was the right decision as later on we built our own sales engine. It took us four years to get listed on NASDAQ, and we were the first company from India to be listed. That was a platform to brand ourselves.

CIOL: Fifteen years down the line, where would you place yourself?

Kris: (Smiles) I seriously haven't thought about it. At 65, I would retire from the board, so 15 years later, I may not be with Infosys. I am planning to build a research facility in Bangalore. Bangalore has the right eco-system for IT companies which is exciting.  If India has to be taken to next level it is essential to invest in advanced research.

CIOL: Are you planning to write any book?

Kris: I am not a good writer. I try to be as concise as possible. I think writing is not in me.

CIOL: What dishes can you prepare?

Kris:I can make dosa and pizzas, though the latter is not south Indian, which is my favourite cuisine.

CIOL: We hear that you are a gadget freak...

Kris: Yes, I am. I wouldn’t say that I change my phone often, but I do use multiple phones. Right now, I am using Microsoft Mango phone and Lenovo Thinkpad, iPad and iPhone.

CIOL: Do you have any New Year resolutions?

Kris: Less travel. It has been hectic of late.