In the fast-moving world of technology, staying relevant is a constant challenge. For a company as big as Infosys, the pressure is even greater. When Salil Parekh took charge as CEO in January 2018, Infosys was facing one of its most uncertain times. But in just a few years, Parekh’s calm and practical approach has helped the company regain stability, build trust, and move confidently into the digital age.
Today, Infosys stands stronger, more innovative, and future-ready — all thanks to the steady hands of a leader who believes in quiet transformation rather than loud disruption.
A Leader Who Listens Before He Acts
Salil Parekh isn’t the kind of leader who rushes to make big announcements. He’s known for his thoughtful, composed style. Before making any move, he listens carefully — to clients, employees, and even critics.
This listening-first attitude helped him understand the deeper issues Infosys was facing when he joined. After a period of management changes and internal disagreements, what Infosys needed most was stability — and Parekh brought exactly that.
His early days were focused not on massive overhauls but on rebuilding confidence. He encouraged open communication, respected existing talent, and avoided unnecessary disruption. It was this quiet confidence that began to rebuild the trust of employees, customers, and investors alike.
From Traditional IT to Digital Powerhouse
Infosys has always been a respected name in IT services. But the world of technology was changing fast — automation, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence were becoming the new normal.
Parekh realized that Infosys had to go beyond traditional IT outsourcing and move toward digital transformation services that help businesses modernize and compete in a connected world.
Under his leadership, Infosys started offering advanced solutions in areas like:
- Cloud migration and management
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Data analytics and automation
- Cybersecurity and digital experience design
These changes didn’t happen overnight. Parekh made sure Infosys built the right teams, invested in the right tools, and formed partnerships with global tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and AWS. This focus helped Infosys transition from being just a service provider to becoming a strategic partner for digital transformation.
A Culture of Trust and Teamwork
Inside Infosys, one of Parekh’s biggest achievements has been reshaping the work culture. Before he joined, the company had gone through leadership changes that created uncertainty among employees.
Parekh changed this with his “people-first” approach. He made it clear that Infosys’s success depends on its people — not just its products or profits. He introduced flexible work options, new learning programs, and leadership development initiatives.
Infosys also launched its internal learning platform, Lex, where employees can upskill in new technologies like AI, cloud, and blockchain. This has kept the workforce adaptable and future-ready.
As a result, employee satisfaction improved, turnover reduced, and Infosys once again became a company people were proud to work for.
Turning Vision into Measurable Growth
Salil Parekh’s vision for Infosys was simple — grow steadily, modernize constantly, and earn trust every step of the way. The numbers tell the story.
Infosys Before and After Salil Parekh’s Leadership
| Area | Before 2018 | Now (2024) | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Direction | Focused mostly on traditional IT projects | Focused on digital, cloud, and AI services | Infosys became more modern and future-ready |
| Revenue | Around $10 billion | Around $18 billion | Steady growth under Parekh’s leadership |
| Digital Work Share | About 1 in 4 projects were digital | About 6 in 10 projects are digital | Major shift toward digital technology |
| Employees | About 2 lakh (200,000) people | Over 3.2 lakh (320,000) people | Large increase in global workforce |
| Leadership Stability | Faced internal changes and uncertainty | Stable leadership, renewed trust | Company regained confidence |
| Global Recognition | Seen mainly as a service provider | Seen as a digital transformation partner | Stronger brand image worldwide |
In simple terms, Infosys under Salil Parekh has grown in size, trust, and vision. It’s now seen as a forward-looking company ready for the digital era.
Balancing Innovation with Discipline
Unlike some tech leaders who chase trends, Parekh believes in sustainable innovation — creating long-term value instead of quick wins.
He has encouraged Infosys to experiment but with purpose. Whether it’s AI-driven tools like Infosys Topaz or automation frameworks like Cobalt, the focus is always on solving real business problems, not just showcasing technology.
This disciplined innovation has helped Infosys stay profitable even during global slowdowns. While many companies struggled, Infosys continued to grow because it balanced creativity with careful execution.
Client-Centric Approach
One thing that sets Parekh apart is his strong focus on client relationships. He understands that lasting partnerships are built on trust and results, not just contracts.
Under his leadership, Infosys has strengthened its position among major global clients across industries like banking, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing.
He introduced a client-first model, where senior leaders directly interact with customers to understand their needs and challenges. This personal approach has helped Infosys win major projects and long-term deals, including multi-year digital transformation partnerships with global brands.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Salil Parekh believes technology should also help society, not just businesses. Under his leadership, Infosys has made sustainability a key part of its mission.
Infosys became carbon neutral in 2020, one of the first global IT companies to achieve this milestone. It has continued investing in green energy, reducing waste, and promoting environmental awareness.
The Infosys Foundation, led by Sudha Murty earlier and now by others, continues to support education, healthcare, and rural development projects across India. Parekh ensures that corporate responsibility remains a core value of the company’s culture.
A Calm Leader in a Noisy World
In a world where CEOs are often loud and constantly in the spotlight, Salil Parekh’s leadership style feels refreshing. He rarely seeks attention or headlines, yet his results speak for themselves.
His quiet confidence, combined with strategic thinking, has given Infosys a new identity — a company that’s modern, global, and future-ready, but still rooted in Indian values of trust and respect.
Parekh’s leadership reminds us that great leaders don’t need to shout to make an impact. Sometimes, all it takes is focus, patience, and integrity.
Challenges Ahead
Even with its strong growth, Infosys faces challenges ahead — global economic uncertainty, changing technology trends, and intense competition from rivals like TCS, Accenture, and Wipro.
But Parekh has shown that he knows how to navigate tough situations. By staying focused on long-term goals, continuing to invest in people, and keeping clients at the center, Infosys is well-positioned to stay strong in the years ahead.
FAQ – (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Who is Salil Parekh?
Salil Parekh is the CEO and Managing Director of Infosys since January 2018. He’s known for his calm leadership and strong focus on digital growth and stability.
2. What has Salil Parekh changed at Infosys?
He shifted Infosys from traditional IT services to digital transformation solutions, improved employee culture, and strengthened client relationships worldwide.
3. How has Infosys performed under his leadership?
Infosys’s revenue has nearly doubled since 2018, digital business now makes up most of its work, and employee satisfaction has improved significantly.
4. What is Salil Parekh’s leadership style?
He leads with quiet confidence, collaboration, and a focus on long-term progress rather than short-term headlines.
5. What are Infosys’s future goals?
Infosys aims to keep growing in cloud, AI, automation, and sustainability — helping global companies adapt to the digital future.
Infosys and the Road Ahead
Salil Parekh has led Infosys through one of its most important transitions. From an IT service provider to a digital transformation leader, the company’s journey shows how vision and steady leadership can bring powerful results.
As technology continues to evolve, Infosys under Parekh’s guidance is ready for the next chapter — one where innovation, responsibility, and human connection go hand in hand.
Conclusion
Salil Parekh has quietly transformed Infosys into a stronger, smarter, and more digital-driven company. His calm and consistent leadership has rebuilt trust, inspired teams, and guided Infosys toward lasting growth. In a fast-changing tech world, Parekh proves that steady leadership can make the biggest impact.
Leave a comment