T K Kurien, Wipro's executive vice chairman to retire on Jan 31

IT major Wipro Limited today announced that T K Kurien, Executive Vice Chairman and Member of the Board will retire on January 31, 2017.

The company had announced the elevation of Kurien as Executive Vice Chairman with the appointment of Abidali Z Neemuchwala as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director a year ago.

Stating that Kurien has been an integral part of the organization's leadership for years, Wipro Limited Chairman Azim Premji said he has played a vital role in building and scaling many of Wipro's successful businesses, besides spearheading the company's transformation into a future ready organization.

"TK (Kurien) and Abid have worked together over the past 12 months to complete a smooth and effective transition.In the past year, TK and Abid have charted out a new technology roadmap and further deepened our client relationships besides scaling our big bets in automation, artificial intelligence and digital," Premji said.

This seamless transition has allowed TK to advance his retirement from the previously planned date by two months, Wipro said in a release.

Popularly known as TK with in industry circles, Kurien served Wipro as its CEO from February 2011 to January 2016.

"I consider myself deeply honored and privileged to have been a part of this organisation. Together, we launched and led businesses to global recognition. We have grown manifold and are today a partner of choice for several marquee names around the world," Kurien said.

Abidali Z Neemuchwala, who succeeded Kurien as CEO, said it has been a privilege and honor to work closely with TK, calling him an exceptional leader gifted with sharp intellect and an uncanny ability to sense technology trends well ahead of time.

"His abiding interest in history and deep understanding of finance gives him a rare perspective beyond the technology landscape. I wish him the very best," he added.