The CEO of a technology firm bringing 2,000 jobs to Wake County has resigned.
Vishal Sikka, managing director and CEO of Infosys, resigned on Friday during a board of directors meeting. The board accepted his resignation, effective immediately.
Sikka cited among his reasons for leaving, “the distractions that we have seen, the constant drumbeat of the same issues over and over again, while ignoring and undermining the good work that has been done, take the excitement and passion out of this amazing journey.”
Sikka worked in the position for three years. He will continue as the company’s executive vice chairman until a new CEO can be found.
The India-based company announced in July its plan to bring 2,000 jobs to Wake County that average a starting salary above $72,000, according to previous reports. State officials said the deal includes some $25 million in state grants and other supports.
Sikka had differences with some founders of the company, including N.R. Narayana Murthy.
The Infosys board appointed U.B. Pravin Rao as interim CEO and managing director, a company statement said Friday.
Sikka was the first non-founder CEO of the Bangalore-based company. He joined Infosys in 2014.
Murthy and some other founders recently complained over salary issues and large compensation packages paid to some senior employees who had quit the company.
The company said Sikka was made an executive vice-chairman. He will stay in that capacity until a new permanent CEO and managing director takes charge by March 31.
In March, Infosys announced that it will establish a central Indiana tech center as part of a broader expansion in the United States that is projected to create 10,000 jobs in coming years. The plan includes an $8.7 million investment to lease and equip office space in the Indianapolis, Indiana, area to accommodate 2,000 new workers by the end of 2021 as well as the North Carolina deal..
Infosys describes itself as a global leader in technology services and consulting with clients in 45 countries.
