K Krithivasan is set to take over as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on June 1st. According to a report by The Economic Times, Krithivasan plans to spend the first six months of his tenure on the road, meeting with customers to execute the customer-centricity task set by the TCS board, headed by Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran.
Krithivasan aims to focus on customers, control attrition levels, and make TCS the “employer of choice” in the industry. He plans to meet with customers personally to understand their needs and tweak TCS’s growth plans accordingly. The incoming CEO faces a tough task in the next few months as the management commentary was among the weakest in recent history.
According to a person familiar with the matter, “Krithivasan will first hit the road most of the year to get a first-hand interaction of what the customer wants in a dynamic market situation. That will sharpen his growth strategy in terms of making TCS ready for forthcoming challenges and Gopinathan is helping with the transition. Krithivasan also will intensify connect with employees, and the softer aspects of his role will play out.”
The customer feedback gathered by Krithivasan will be conveyed to employees to prepare them for the changes ahead. The company will also explore opportunities arising from new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
The Economic Times report also notes that N Chandrasekaran used to travel over 200 days a year during his tenure as TCS CEO from 2009 to 2017.
Krithivasan’s focus on customer-centricity is crucial for TCS’s success in a highly competitive industry. By meeting with customers personally and understanding their needs, Krithivasan can develop a growth strategy that is tailored to their requirements. Additionally, his plan to intensify connection with employees is also a positive step towards making TCS an “employer of choice.”
Overall, Krithivasan’s approach shows a commitment to engaging with stakeholders and prioritising the needs of customers and employees alike. As TCS faces new challenges and opportunities, this customer-centric approach could position the company for long-term success.
