Four top execs quit NTT Data after integration with Dell, new leadership

They follow Suresh Vaswani, who was President of the combined entity of NTT and Dell Services

Four senior executives have quit NTT Data Services as the firm sees a leadership change with integration of NTT Data and Dell Services.

Dell's IT services business was acquired by Japanese IT and telecom major NTT Data for $3.05 billion in May last year. The company officially announced last November that the acquisition process was completed.

"At least four senior leaders who were announced to be reporting to NTT Data new management have left the company," said two sources aware of the development. These senior executives are Anand Sankaran, head of infrastructure, cloud computing and security services, Ashutosh Vaidya, head of delivery operations, quality and client satisfaction, Prasad Thrikutam, innovation office head and Raman Sapra, head of digital business and innovation.

“As part of the integration of NTT DATA and Dell Services, it was decided that the leader of the Infrastructure, Cloud and Security line of business will be based in the U.S,” a NTT Data spokesperson said in an email response. “It was not feasible for Anand Sankaran move to the U.S., and to that end, it was amicably and mutually decided between the organization and Anand to work on a detailed transition plan with our key stakeholders, and remain in the organization until 30th of June, 2017.”

The company however did not comment on the other three exits.

“Through the integration process we have judiciously shaped the leadership team with great collaboration between both companies and careful consideration of the best path forward for the company and our clients. India remains key to our business. We are in a stable and strong position to continue innovating and growing globally.,” the  NTT Data spokesperson said.

Before this the key exit from the joint entity was of Suresh Vaswani. Vaswani was the President of the combined entity of NTT Data and Dell Services and there was an official announcement that he would leave the company in January this year. He served as co-CEO of IT services major Wipro before joining Dell Services.

With the combined capabilities in technology services and consulting-based solutions for dedicated verticals, NTT Data Services may prove to be one of competitors of the leading IT services firms.

NTT Data had announced in November while Sankaran and Thrikutam would report to chief executive of the joint entity John McCain, Vaidya would report to Bob Pryor, chief operating officer.

Exodus of these three key leaders surprised the industry analysts as NTT Data announced they would be part of the new management to drive growth.

While Vaidya has more than three decades of experience in the consulting and technology industries, Sankaran has spent more than 15 years in IT services industry. Both them were absorbed into NTT Data Services management from Dell Services.

"The reason behind such big ticket exits could be many. At times, after such big acquisition, the old leaders do not find themselves culturally fit to a new team or management. It could be because of overlap of similar positions at at the help," said an industry analyst, requesting anonymity. He added that the industry noticed similar developments after Capgemini bought i-Gate.