Kolkata, Apr 22 (UNI) The National Association of Software and Services Companies

(NASSCOM), on Thursday announced the appointment of Rekha M. Menon, Chairperson

and Senior Managing Director at Accenture in India as its Chairperson for 2021-22.

Rekha takes on the position from her previous role as Vice Chairperson, succeeding

UB Pravin Rao, Chief Operating Officer, Infosys, who served as Chairman of NASSCOM

for the year 2020-21.

NASSCOM also announced the appointment of Krishnan Ramanujan, President and

Head of Business & Technology Services, Tata Consultancy Services as their Vice

Chairperson for 2021-22. Ms Menon is the first woman to take on the role of Chairperson

for NASSCOM in the association’s 30-year history.

Keeping in line with the evolving industry dynamics, the newly appointed leadership along

with President Debjani Ghosh, will spearhead the industry in its digital transformation journey,

with the imperatives of making India a leading hub for digital talent, catalysing innovation and

developing a favourable policy ecosystem that supports innovation, technology growth and

ease of doing business.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Menon said, “I am honoured and humbled by this vote of

confidence by the NASSCOM Executive Council at such a crucial time for our industry. The

ongoing Covid-19 pandemic continues to test the resilience of our more than 4 million

people, even as it has created new opportunities for growth with technology emerging as

the lifeline for societies and economies across the world.”

“As we cautiously navigate the pandemic, I look forward to working with the NASSCOM

Executive Council and its members to drive our industry’s long term growth by augmenting

India’s position as the digital talent nation for the world, driving people first innovation, and

working with the government to create a conducive policy environment needed for

sustainable growth,” Ms. Menon added.

In addition to this NASSCOM also announced its new Executive Council which comprises

industry sectors like ER&D, BPM, IT Services, GCC, SME and Startups. The new Executive

council will play a strategic role in enabling India’s tech sector to take leadership on the global

map through focused initiatives and programs.

Debjani Ghosh, President, NASSCOM, said, “With the industry re-aligning itself in the new

normal, I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Rekha and Krishnan to drive the

industry through another uncertain but growth opportunity year. As a champion of future skills

and inclusive growth, Rekha’s past contributions to NASSCOM have been invaluable, and we

look forward to working together to take our industry to newer heights in this new normal where amalgamation and integration of technology is going to continue, and digital skilling is going to

be the cornerstone for a collaborative development.”

UB Pravin Rao, former Chairman, NASSCOM said, “This journey with NASSCOM has been

a memorable experience for me. During my tenure, I had the privilege of working alongside the Government, NASSCOM and some of the best minds in the ecosystem to lead the industry

into the new normal. I take great pride in the industry’s response and readiness, and

NASSCOM’s role in working with various stakeholders on work-from-home solutions as well as providing technology solutions in the wake of the COVID19 outbreak. Much is needed to be

done in the days ahead as the new wave of the virus threatens to disrupt operations. The

industry needs to remain agile and resilient as we sail through the crisis. I would like to wish

Rekha and Krishnan all the success in their journey with NASSCOM.”

Aligned with the innovation and skills agenda for the country, NASSCOM will continue to work

with the government to build frameworks for responsible tech and strengthen the Indian narrative

across the key pillars of trust, digital talent, innovation, and responsible tech. Achieving this

potential will require a significant collaborative call to action across stakeholders. NASSCOM

will help bring people, companies, government, universities, investors, and customers together

to drive innovations that will make the nation and the world better, safer, cleaner, and more

prosperous.

UNI BM