Mahindra Satyam, the first Indian IT services provider for the FIFA World Cup 2010, is likely to expand its basket of services in the sports vertical. CP Gurnani, CEO, Mahindra Satyam, is tipped to become the head for both Mahindra Satyam and Tech Mahindra, now that Tech Mahindra CEO Sanjay Kalra has put in his papers. CP (as he is fondly called) explains to BV Mahalakshmi that the FIFA achievement was a litmus test for the company . The company has also introduced a new whistleblower policy to bring in new transparency levels after the scam hit them hard. Excerpts:
Post FIFA World Cup, how has been the road to recovery and how do you see the brand image improving?
Our association with FIFA gives us enormous pride because we were the first Indian IT services provider for the World Cup and demonstrated to the world our technological prowess. This has also enabled us to build our abilities and expertise in this segment which has helped open other opportunities. We have won new customers and many of our existing customers like GE and GSK have announced the extension of their relationship with Mahindra Satyam. The momentum is positive and we are focusing on emerging markets and verticals in a big way to drive our revenues. We have now also repositioned Mahindra Satyam as a complete Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) firm from just an IT outsourcing player.
It is said that big clients deserted you across key verticals. What is the current scenario?
Given the uncertainty of the time in 2009, there were a few clients in the financial services segment in the US who made the decision to move on due to their policies and not because of any performance-related issues. However, in the UK and Europe we did not suffer any loss of customers. Since then, we have added companies globally, done some great work for FIFA and are working with UIDAI or the Aadhaar programme which will help us support the country?s development.
How is the attrition level in the company? What are your hiring plans for the current year?
The attrition levels are being monitored and we continue to increase our focus on associate welfare measures and retention initiatives. We are back to hiring associates from campuses and from the market. Campus recruitments will be our main focus and will give us the bulk of our requirement. We will go into the external market for niche skills requirement. The company is also in the process of hiring laterals in sync with its growing business. Given the growth, we may continue to hire more in the coming quarters.
Which are the key sectors for growth in the current scenario and have you identified any new sectors?
We will not be able to make any statement as we are in a silent period. Much of our growth comes from two focus areas ? adding new service offerings and specific solutions for specific industries. Investing in key capabilities and expanding our competencies are a part of our three-year plan to spur growth. As we have already stabilised the company, our focus now is to get into the growth mode across the world.
How is the shadow board helping the company?
The shadow board consists of eight members. It provides us with a fresh source of ideas from the ?front line? of the businesses, they foster a feeling of participation in important decision-making, and they provide the top management perspectives into the fresh and young talent.
