Founder Editor Team
Senapathy Gopalakrishnan, affectionately known as Kris, is a visionary leader whose journey epitomizes the fusion of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and technological innovation. Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Gopalakrishnan’s early life was marked by academic excellence and a passion for leveraging technology to drive societal change. Armed with master’s degrees in physics and computer science from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, he embarked on a career that would ultimately redefine the landscape of the global IT industry.
Gopalakrishnan’s trajectory into the world of technology began in 1979 when he joined Patni Computer Systems as a software engineer. However, driven by an innate desire to innovate and create something extraordinary, he soon embarked on a new chapter in his career—one that would lead him to co-found one of the world’s largest IT companies, Infosys.
In 1981, alongside Narayana Murthy and six other visionary partners, Gopalakrishnan laid the foundation for Infosys, setting out to revolutionize the way businesses leveraged technology. With a relentless focus on delivering value to clients and a commitment to excellence, Infosys rapidly emerged as a global leader in IT services, garnering a massive market capitalization of Rs 698,000 crore.
Throughout his tenure at Infosys, Gopalakrishnan played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Serving as Vice Chairman from 2011 to 2014 and as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director from 2007 to 2011, he spearheaded numerous initiatives that propelled Infosys to new heights of success, earning him widespread acclaim for his acute leadership and vision.
However, Gopalakrishnan’s contributions extend far beyond the realm of business. Recognizing the importance of giving back to society, he has been a staunch advocate for philanthropy, channeling his resources towards initiatives that drive meaningful social impact. Notably, he contributed Rs 225 crore towards the establishment of a Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, underscoring his commitment to advancing scientific research and healthcare.
Furthermore, Gopalakrishnan’s philanthropic endeavors extend to the realm of education and academia. He donated an additional Rs 60 crore to set up distinguished visiting chairs in Neurocomputing and Data Science at both the Indian Institute of Science and the Indian Institute of Technology, furthering his commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation in the field of technology.
Beyond his professional and philanthropic achievements, Gopalakrishnan’s legacy is characterized by his unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and ethical leadership. His journey from a software engineer to a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders and innovators worldwide, showcasing the transformative power of vision, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
In conclusion, Senapathy Gopalakrishnan’s remarkable journey is a testament to the transformative potential of entrepreneurship, innovation, and philanthropy. Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to driving positive change, he has not only reshaped the global IT landscape but also left an indelible mark on society, enriching lives and empowering communities for generations to come.
