Microsoft India chairman Ravi Venkatesan quits

BANGALORE, INDIA: Software major Microsoft said on Thursday said that Ravi Venkatesan, chairman and corporate vice president of its India operations has resigned.

Venkatesan has decided to pursue opportunities outside Microsoft, a PTI report quoted Microsoft as saying in a statement.

A successor will be named in the near future and Venkatesan will partner with Microsoft International President Jean-Philippe Courtois to ensure a smooth transition with his successor, it added.

“Mr. Ravi came to Microsoft India at a very critical time. He has since architected our growth, making this among the fastest growing markets for us. He has laid a strong foundation which, I believe, will help us to continue our business successes,”  Courtois said.

Sanket Akerkar will continue to lead overall sales, marketing and services businesses as the Sales and Marketing Head for India, while Hemant Sachdev will continue to lead the Consumer and Online business.

In August 2010, Srini Koppolu, the corporate vice president and managing director had left the company. Former Microsoft India MD Rajan Anandan had also left the company to join Google India.