Intuit lays off 90-odd workers in India

Says part of global rejig and will try to ensure those told to go are 'treated with dignity and respect'

Intuit India, the Indian arm of Nasdaq-listed financial software maker Intuit, is said to have dismissed around 100 employees, both staffers and contractual employees, as part of a global restructuring.

Those affected, according to sources, primarily belonged to the go-to-market team which was headed by Nikhil Arora, its vice-president and managing director for India. He is said to have quit. He had joined in September 2011.

Asked for comments, a company spokesperson said the exercise had impacted 11 permanent employees and 80 contingent workers. The company said Arora's exit wasn't related to this restructuring.

"Intuit is in the midst of a transformational journey to become a 'one Intuit' product and platform company. We have communicated organisational changes that drive greater alignment with the company's priorities. Unfortunately, this included some reductions to our staff to ensure we're structured appropriately and aligned with our priorities. As part of these changes, we've eliminated 399 positions overall globally," the company said in reply to an e-mail query.

Adding: "We remain committed to helping employees affected by today's announcement through times of transition. Our goal is to make sure they are treated with dignity and respect, and to assist them as they enter the next step in their careers."

Sources say the restructuring in India is an offshoot of the integration process of KDK Software, a Jaipur-based company Intuit had acquired in 2014. Most of the workers who were asked to go had come through that acquisition, it appears. Though not on Intuit's payroll, the contingent workers who lost their jobs had got the same perquisites the full-time employees enjoyed, the sources added.

"The changes we've made unfortunately did include 80 contingent workers overall. All will receive separation packages and are eligible to look for another position with the company," said Intuit.

It had reported $4.5 billion in global revenue in its accounting year ended July 31, 2014. Intuit employs around 8,000 people globally, across America, Britain, Canada and India.

In India, it has around 900 people, located at its India development centre in Bengaluru and marketing offices in Delhi.

After Arora's exit, the company said, Brad Paterson, its Asia-Pacific vice-president and managing director, would fill his role. "Supported by the India leadership team", including Niraj Seth, head of marketing and Shriram Krishnamachari, head of sales.