Early Life
Nandan Nilekani was born in Bangalore, India. He received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. His father's socialist ideals influenced his early life, instilling a strong sense of social responsibility.
Rise to Success
Nilekani started his career at Patni Computer Systems in 1978 and co-founded Infosys in 1981 with N.R. Narayana Murthy and five others. He served as the CEO of Infosys from 2002 to 2007, leading the company's growth and global expansion. During his tenure, Infosys became a global leader in IT services. Nilekani also implemented significant changes at Infosys and later returned as chairman. In 2009, he took on the role of chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), heading the Aadhaar project.
Key Business Strategies
Nilekani's leadership at Infosys was marked by a focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. He emphasized the importance of building a strong company culture and investing in employee development. His ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and embrace new technologies was crucial to Infosys's success. His work on the Aadhaar project demonstrated his commitment to leveraging technology for social good.
Philanthropy
Nilekani and his wife, Rohini Nilekani, have dedicated themselves to philanthropy. They are signatories of the Giving Pledge, committing to donate half of their wealth to charitable causes. Their philanthropic efforts focus on societal platforms aimed at addressing complex issues. Rohini Nilekani is also a significant environmental philanthropist.