| Analysts raise governance issue on Rohan Murty's role |
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Bangalore, 26 August Amid uncertainty around the designation and role of Rohan Murty, son of Infosys Chairman N R Narayana Murthy, industry experts have started raising question marks over the corporate governance standards at India's second largest information technology services company. "We do not have any opinion on Junior Murthy's ability, but making him a vice president surely diminishes the halo around Infosys's corporate governance standards," HDFC Securities said in a note on Monday. "If Junior Murthy is eventually elevated to a decisionmaking position like chief information officer, chief executive officer or managing director, without spending significant time at middle management levels and without proving his mettle, that would be not taken kindly by investors," it added. The brokerage firm went on to say that such decisions by Infosys, if they happen, might lead to a de- rating of the company. Rohan joined Infosys in June, when Narayana Murthy returned to the Bangalorebased company as the executive chairman. At the time of his joining, Narayana Murthy had stated that Rohan would only work as an executive assistant in the chairmans office, and would not have any leadership role in the company. "The only role Rohan has, is to make me more effective," Murthy had said in June at a press conference to announce his appointment as the executive chairman. However, last week, some media reports stated that Rohan has been designated as a vice president, which is a relatively senior position in the company. Infosys did not deny the reports, but came out with an official statement, saying: "Mr Rohan Murty's appointment at Infosys is yet to be approved by the corporate affairs ministry. His designation would be confirmed once the process of appointment has been completed." "If reports that Rohan Murty has been designated vice- president are to be believed, it looks like Infosys would soon designate him the chief executive officer of the company," Shriram Subramanian, founder and managing director of corporate governance research firm, InGovern Research Services Pvt. Ltd, said. "Rohan Murty joined in June, and at that time, Narayana Murthy himself went on record to say that Rohan Murty doesnt aspire for senior leadership position. But now, if the position has changed, what can prevent Rohan Murty from becoming managing director of Infosys before Diwali?" he added. Most analysts share such concerns and believe that Infosys might be taking " desperate measures due to desperate times". "The biggest concern for investors is that a senior position for the inexperienced Rohan Murty might raise eyebrows within the companys top leadership," an analyst with a US- based brokerage said. " This would be the third time that N R Narayana Murthy bends the rules that he himself had instated," the analyst added. Infosys under Narayana Murthy had earlier formulated apolicy as a part of which the family members of the cofounders were not allowed to join the company even through the normal route. To a question if with the entry of Rohan Murty into the company, the family members of the other cofounders would also be allowed to join the company, Murthy had said it would be the prerogative of the board to take any such decision. SINCE NARAYANAMURTHY'S RETURN JUNE 1, 2013 : Infosys recalls Narayana Murthy as executive chairman for five years. Rohan Murty made executive assistant to the chairman on Murthys request. NRN says Rohan never to take up any leadership roles in Infosys JULY 11, 2013 : T Basab Pradhan, head of global sales and marketing, quits Infosys. Industry experts say this may be a part of the organisation overhaul initiated by Narayana Murthy JULY 12, 2013: Infosys sticks to FY14 revenue guidance and delivers 3.7% net profit growth for Apr- Jun. Stock rises 11 per cent. CEO & MD Shibulal says " Murthys presence is a huge difference for us" AUGUST 3, 2013 : Shareholders approve Narayana Murthy's appointment as executive chairman at Infosys AUGUST 20, 2013 : Infosys adds three members to its executive council, a high- level decision making body AUGUST 24, 2013 : Vice- president & head ( financial services) in Americas, Sudhir Chaturvedi, steps AUGUST 25, 2013 : Reports of Rohan Murtys appointment as a vice president emerge. Infosys says his appointment not yet cleared by corporate affairs ministry and his designation not yet final ROHAN MURTY |
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