Kurien becomes vice-chairman in Wipro rejig

Software major Wipro on Monday announced it had elevated its chief executive T.K. Kurien to vice-chairman and promoted chief operating officer Abidali Z. Neemuchwala to fill his place from February 1.

"As executive vice-chairman, TK will enable Abid by leveraging his relationships with customers and chart out a new technology roadmap for Wipro," company chairman Azim Premji said in a statement here.

Kurien will continue to report to Premji and be a board member till March 31, 2017.

"Over the past five years, Wipro has been transforming into a next generation technology and consulting firm with defining differentiators in the market place," said Premji, adding that Neemuchwala, as the company's group president and COO for nine months, has assimilated into its culture and ethos.

"The new structure will ensure smooth succession and will build on the foundation we have developed to drive superior growth and profitability," he added.

Noting that it was a privilege and honour to lead the company with a rich heritage of technology innovation and commitment to values, Neemuchwala said Wipro was well positioned to seize new opportunities in the marketplace.

Kurien meanwhile said: "Abid has demonstrated understanding of technology, business vision, sound judgement and ability to bring people together. He is the right leader to lead the company in its next phase of growth."