Infosys, on Thursday has announced the selection of Vishal Sikka as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (CEO and MD) of the company. Vishal Sikka will be inducted as a whole-time director of the Board and CEO & MD (Designate) on June 14, 2014. He will take over as CEO & MD from S. D. Shibulal on August 1, 2014.

The Board has also elevated U.B. Pravin Rao, President and whole-time director, as Chief Operating Officer, with effect from June 14, 2014.

Vishal Sikka was, until recently, a member of the Executive Board of SAP AG, leading all products and driving innovation globally. He has worked closely with leaders of global companies in building breakthrough business solutions. At SAP, he was responsible for all products, from traditional and cloud-based applications to technology and platform products including HANA, analytics, mobile and middleware. In addition, Vishal Sikka led multiple initiatives to accelerate innovation and research at SAP. He holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Stanford University, USA.

“I am honored to lead Infosys, an iconic company built by pioneers in the technology industry. I look forward to working with and learning from talented Infoscions around the world. Computing technology is reshaping every industry across every walk of life. We, at Infosys, have a unique opportunity to deliver breakthrough solutions that will bring greater value to our clients, employees, investors and other stakeholders. I am grateful to the Infosys Nominations and Governance Committee, K. V. Kamath, N. R. Narayan Murthy and the Board for this opportunity”, said Vishal Sikka.

The Executive Chairman’s office will be dissolved with effect from June 14, 2014. Rohan Murty, whose appointment was co-terminus with the Executive Chairman, will leave the company on June 14, 2014. The remaining members of the Chairman’s office will take up other responsibilities in the company.

“I am pleased with the selection of Vishal Sikka as our new CEO. Vishal brings valuable experience as a leader of a large, global corporation. His illustrious track record and value system make him an ideal choice to lead Infosys. On behalf of all of us at Infosys, I would like to thank Mr. Gopalakrishnan, Mr. Shibulal and Mr. Batni for their contributions”, said Executive Chairman, N. R. Narayana Murthy.

“I would like to thank our clients, the members of the Board, all my colleagues at Infosys, ex-Infoscions, our investors, the media, and well-wishers of the company for their support and encouragement. I also want to thank the members of my office, the Chief Financial Officer and the head of Human Resources for their fabulous support through my second innings at Infosys”, added N. R. Narayana Murthy.

“The Committee adopted a rigorous selection process with the assistance of reputed global executive search and evaluation firms. Vishal brings a unique combination of technology prowess and business acumen. The Board is committed to support him to strengthen the company’s leadership in the global technology industry”, said K. V. Kamath, Lead Independent Director and Chairman of the Nominations & Governance Committee.

“I am glad that the Board has chosen a thought leader who has demonstrated how technology can be leveraged to help businesses become more competitive. I wish him all the best”, said S. Gopalakrishnan.

“I would like to thank the Board, employees and investors for the support they have extended to me through the years. I believe that Vishal brings the vision and capability we need to take Infosys to greater heights”, said S. D. Shibulal.

“I have spent some of the most enriching years of my life at Infosys and will always cherish the experience. With Vishal, Infosys is well placed to chart its way forward boldly”, said Srinath Batni.