Narayana Murthy: "Second innings" at Infosys exciting yet challenging

Bangalore: IT major Infosys announced today that the company's Board has appointed N R Narayana Murthy as its Executive Chairman. Here's what Mr Murthy said about his "second innings" at a presser

• When I walked out of Infosys on August 20,2011, never in my wildest dreams I had imagined I would be back here as an Executive Chairman
• Therefore when the Chairman met me on May 4 and invited me to come back to Infosys to add value to the company, I was in dilemma
• When I turned 65, I had decided that I would do things that I enjoyed most in the company of those that I enjoyed most
• I realized I was fortunate enough to add value in whatever way I could
• This is in some sense like a second innings
• It is exciting and yet some what a new challenge
• Have no doubt it will be good. It will be an extra ordinarily pleasant and an exciting opportunity

On his son Rohan Murthy's role:

• I have been away from executive responsibilities for the last seven years therefore I am not as much in touch with the youth of Infosys
• Post-retirement period was set apart for doing things with youngsters I enjoy working with
• My son Rohan will be my executive assistant. He has no leadership role
• Strong cadre of management at Infosys... the only role that Rohan has is to make me more effective

Here's what Mr Murthy said in a press release

• This calling was sudden, unexpected, and most unusual
• Infosys is my middle child. Therefore, I have put aside my plans-in-progress and accepted this responsibility
• I am grateful to Mr. K V Kamath - the Chairman, the Board, and every Infoscion for giving me this opportunity.
• I intend to do my best to add value to the Company in this challenging situation.