Abidali Neemchuwala is new Wipro CEO

In a major restructuring, India's third largest IT services firm Wipro today named Abid Ali Neemuchwala as its new Chief Executive Officer, replacing TK Kurien who has been elevated as Executive Vice Chairman.

Neemuchwala, ex-TCS veteran, will assume charge from next month, Wipro said in a statement.

"Over the past five years, Wipro has been transforming into a next generation technology and consulting company with defining differentiators in the market place," Wipro Chairman Azim Premji said.

As Executive Vice Chairman, Kurien will enable Abid by leveraging his deep relationships with customers and chart out a new technology roadmap for Wipro, he added.

"The new structure will ensure smooth succession and will build on the solid foundation we have developed to drive superior growth and profitability," Premji said.

The restructuring is expected to help the Bangalore-based firm compete better as IT services firms are looking at leveraging the latest technologies including digital and automation to help clients.

Neemuchwala had joined Wipro as Group President and Chief Operating Officer in April last year, quitting India's largest software services firm Tata Consultancy Services after 23 years.

He was heading the service lines of global infrastructure services, business application services, business process services, and advanced technology solutions.

"Abid has demonstrated a deep understanding of technology, business vision, sound judgment, and an innate ability to bring people together. I have no doubt that Abid is the right leader to lead Wipro in its next phase of growth," Kurien said.

Kurien, who turns 58 next year, completes his five-year tenure as CEO this month.
His appointment, also effective from February 1, will see him continue to report to Premji. He will remain a Member of the Board until March 31, 2017.

Before Wipro, Kurien served as Managing Director of GE X-Ray and CFO of GE Medical Systems (South Asia).