Abid Ali to steer Wipro

Wipro, India’s third-largest software firm, reshuffled its top management, appointing Abid Ali Neemuchwala as the new Chief Executive Officer in place of T K Kurien, who has been elevated as executive vice chairman. Neemuchwala, who joined Wipro as group president and Chief Operating Officer from Tata Consultancy Services in April last year, will assume his new role from February 1. He will also be a member of the company’s board. Kurien, 57, is completing five-year tenure as CEO this month.

"In his 9 months as group president and COO, Abid has effortlessly assimilated into the culture and ethos of Wipro. The new structure will ensure smooth transition and will build on the solid foundation we have developed to drive superior growth and profitability," said Azim Premji, Chairman, Wipro.

Kurien will continue to report to Premji and will remain a member of the board until March 31, 2017. Neemuchwala had joined Wipro last year after a long tenure of over 23 years with TCS. Over the past five years, Wipro has been transforming into a next generation technology and consulting company with defining differentiators in the market place, said Premji.

The changes come as Wipro looks to regain market share. The company makes about three-fourth of its revenue from the US and Europe as firms worldover cut outsourcing spending. The restructuring is expected to help the Bengalure-based firm compete better as IT services firms are looking at leveraging the latest technologies including digital and automation to help clients. "I am convinced that we are well positioned to seize new opportunities in todays marketplace. I look forward to working with the thousands of Wiproites to take our company to greater heights," said Neemuchwala.