Infosys

Infosys was founded on July 2, 1981, by Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, and five others in Pune, India, with a capital of just $250. The company was started to provide outsourced software development and IT services across the globe. Over the years, Infosys has grown into one of the largest IT services companies in the world, pioneering the Indian IT industry and setting benchmarks in corporate governance, ethics, and social responsibility.

Infosys became the first Indian company to be listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange on March 31, 1999. This move marked a significant milestone for Infosys and Indian IT companies, showcasing the global ambitions and international standards of Indian enterprises. The listing helped Infosys raise capital to fund its expansion and signaled to the world the emergence of India as a major competitor in the global software services market.

Narayana Murthy stepped down as CEO of Infosys on November 15, 2002, after serving the company since its inception. He transitioned to the role of Chairman of the Board, making way for Nandan Nilekani to take over as the CEO. Under his leadership, Infosys achieved considerable growth and established itself as a global leader in IT services. Murthy's emphasis on values and transparency became a hallmark of the company's ethos.

Infosys was added to the prestigious Fortune Global 500 list in 2006, marking a significant achievement for the company and highlighting its emergence as a global powerhouse in IT services. Being included in the Fortune 500 was a testament to Infosys's successful business strategies and its ability to navigate the competitive global market. The recognition further solidified its reputation as a leader in the IT industry and a model for other Indian companies aspiring to go global.

NR Narayana Murthy retired from the company on June 14, 2014, after returning to Infosys in 2013 to stop the sliding performance and guide the company back to its esteemed position in the global market. During his brief second stint, Murthy introduced several changes aimed at improving competitiveness and innovativeness within the firm. His leadership contributed to stabilizing Infosys, and his final retirement marked the end of an era in the company's history.

Vishal Sikka resigned as the CEO of Infosys on August 18, 2017. His resignation came amid differences with the company's founders, particularly with Narayana Murthy, over various strategic and operational issues. Sikka had been the first non-founder CEO of the company, and his exit marked a significant shake-up in Infosys's leadership. Following his resignation, Infosys's shares dropped significantly, reflecting investor concerns about the leadership crisis.

Infosys signed a significant $2 billion deal with Verizon Communications in 2017. This strategic partnership was aimed at driving innovation, efficiency, and performance for Verizon, showcasing Infosys's capabilities in telecommunications and its commitment to strengthening its business collaborations. The deal was among the largest for Infosys at the time and indicated the company's robust position in the global IT service industry by securing major international contracts.

Infosys announced the appointment of Salil Parekh as CEO and Managing Director in January 2018. Parekh, who had previously been with Capgemini, was tasked with revitalizing growth and addressing challenges in the IT services industry. His leadership came at a time when Infosys was dealing with the aftermath of Vishal Sikka's resignation and working on aligning its business strategies with digital transformation. Parekh's appointment was viewed positively by investors.

In 2019, whistleblower complaints against Infosys alleged unethical practices by its top executives including CEO Salil Parekh. The whistleblowers accused the management of misrepresenting profits and exploiting accounting loopholes. An internal investigation was launched to look into the claims, and Infosys cooperated with external auditors to ensure transparency. The allegations affected Infosys's share prices and raised questions about its corporate governance practices.

Infosys announced the acquisition of Simplus, a Salesforce consulting and advisory firm, in May 2020. This acquisition was part of Infosys's strategy to enhance its Salesforce expertise and to consolidate its leadership position in cloud-based digital transformations. The acquisition allowed Infosys to offer an expanded portfolio of services and solutions to its clients, making it a stronger player in the industry.