Infosys Experiences Another Resignation as Former HR Head Richard Lobo Steps Down

The trend of resignations within Infosys, India's second-largest IT service company, continues with the departure of former HR head and executive vice president, Richard Lobo.

The company formally announced his resignation to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Friday night.

Resignation Details:

Richard Lobo tendered his resignation to Salil Parekh, CEO of Infosys, on August 4, 2023, at 6:13 PM. The official filing with BSE took place at 11:15 PM on the same day.

The announcement stated that Lobo's last day with the company would be August 31, 2023. The filing also expressed the company's appreciation for Lobo's contributions.

Change in Responsibilities:

Last month, Lobo transitioned to a special projects team under CEO Salil Parekh. Sushanth Tharappan succeeded him as the head of HR. In February of the current year, Shaji Mathew was appointed as Group Head of Human Resources and assumed the role on March 22, 2023.

Lobo's Resignation Mail:

Lobo's resignation email conveyed his decision to step down and expressed gratitude for the opportunities and experiences during his tenure at Infosys. He extended thanks for the support and understanding provided by the company.

Recent Appointments and Departures:

The announcement follows closely after Sangoma Technologies Corporation, a Canada-based Communication as a Service (CaaS) provider, appointed Charles Salameh, former senior vice president of Infosys, as their new CEO and a member of the Board of Directors, effective September 1, 2023.

Infosys and Wipro have witnessed the departure of several top executives recently, with some moving on to become CEOs of global IT firms or smaller Indian competitors.

Trends in Leadership Changes:

Ravi Kumar, former president of Infosys, took on the role of CEO at Cognizant earlier this year. In June, Mohit Joshi, another former president of Infosys, assumed the position of CEO designate at smaller rival Tech Mahindra.

Vishal Salvi, the former Chief Information Strategy Officer (CISO) at Infosys, left the company to lead cybersecurity firm Quickheal as its new CEO last month.

Last November, Angan Guha, who had previously held the position of Wipro's America 2 strategic market unit CEO, was appointed as CEO and MD of midcap IT firm Birlasoft.

Background of Richard Lobo:

Richard Lobo is a prominent figure in the corporate landscape of India, particularly in the information technology (IT) sector. He has played a significant role in shaping HR strategies and contributing to the growth of major companies. Here's a closer look at the background and career journey of Richard Lobo:

Early Life and Education:

Born and raised in India, Richard Lobo pursued his education with a focus on business and management. He obtained his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, equipping himself with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the corporate world.

Professional Journey:

Richard Lobo's professional journey began with his entry into the human resources (HR) domain. He recognized the critical role that HR plays in shaping organizations and fostering a conducive work environment for employees.

Role at Infosys:

Lobo's association with Infosys, one of India's leading IT service companies, is particularly noteworthy. He served as the company's HR head and executive vice president, a role that placed him at the forefront of driving HR policies, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development.

Contributions to HR Strategy:

During his tenure at Infosys, Richard Lobo made significant contributions to the company's HR strategies. He was instrumental in aligning HR practices with the organization's growth objectives. His initiatives aimed to attract top talent, enhance employee satisfaction, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Transition to Special Projects:

In a strategic move, Lobo transitioned to a special projects team under the leadership of CEO Salil Parekh. This shift highlighted his adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges within the company. His role in special projects allowed him to contribute his insights and expertise to various critical initiatives.

Resignation and Legacy:

Richard Lobo's resignation from Infosys marked a new phase in his professional journey. His departure comes at a time when leadership changes are becoming a common occurrence in the IT industry. His legacy at Infosys includes his role in strengthening the HR function and contributing to the company's growth trajectory.

Industry Trends and Beyond:

The IT sector, known for its dynamism and innovation, continues to witness leadership changes as companies navigate evolving market demands. Lobo's decision to move on from Infosys reflects the broader trend of executives exploring new opportunities and challenges in their careers.

Conclusion:

Richard Lobo's journey from his educational pursuits to his impactful role as HR head at Infosys showcases his dedication to the corporate world. His contributions to HR strategies and organizational growth highlight the vital role that HR plays in shaping the success of companies. As he embarks on new endeavors beyond Infosys, his legacy and insights will continue to resonate in the corporate landscape.