Vanitha Narayanan: The Technology Leader

Vanitha Narayanan, chairman IBM has been at the helm of affairs for nine years. Under Narayanan, one of the few women to have led a technology company in the country, IBM India managed to flourish and grow. Leading a technology company in India has not been an easy task, especially with competition intensifying in the field. She had little time to spare in the last few years but her hard work paid off and India is considered one of the fastest growing markets for the company.

IBM’s revenue in December last touched $5 billion in India. It has outgrown several other tech companies such as Tech Mahindra and Wipro. The company, headquartered in Bengaluru, manages about 200 customers.

While Narayanan became managing director in 2013, last year she took over as chairman of the company. She has simultaneously served as a member of the CII National Committee on Financial Inclusion in 2016-17. Besides, she was also a member of the Digital India Council, which is shaping India's digital transformation. Narayanan has also managed to align IBM with India's digital focus.

Narayanan, however, will soon be leaving for the US where she will take over as managing director of the IBM-Verizon relationship. Narayanan, who recently became a grandmother tweeted: “Today I wrapped up my tenure in IBM India. I am grateful to our clients, partners, stakeholders in Govt, industry chambers and well wishers. I leave knowing that the best for IBM & India are ahead of us.”

Mahua Venkatesh

BW Reporters Over 20 years of experience. Writes on finance, economic affairs, banking and insurance. Past gigs: Hindustan Times, The Financial Express, Business Standard.