Narayana Murthy
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| Name | N. R. Narayana Murthy |
|---|---|
| Role | Entrepreneur, Business Executive, Computer Scientist |
| Personal Details | |
| Born | 20 August 1946Sidlaghatta, Kingdom of Mysore, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Spouse | Sudha Murty |
| Children | Akshata Murty; Rohan Murty |
| Career & Education | |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Business Executive, Computer Scientist |
| Education | Electrical Engineering; Computer Science |
| Alma Mater | University of Mysore; Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur |
| Institution | Infosys |
| Known For | Founding Infosys and contributing to the development of India's information technology industry |
| Years Active | 1969–present |
| Recognition & Links | |
| Awards | Padma Vibhushan; Padma Shri; CBE; Legion of Honour; Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year |
| Website | Official Website |
N. R. Narayana Murthy (born 20 August 1946), commonly known as Narayana Murthy, is an Indian entrepreneur, computer scientist and business executive. He is the founder of Infosys, one of India's major information technology services companies. Murthy helped establish Infosys in 1981 with six other co-founders and served as its chief executive officer for more than two decades. He later served as Chairman and Chief Mentor of the company. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/about/management-profiles/founders.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Murthy is associated with the growth of India's information technology and software-services industry. His career has included leadership in technology services, corporate governance, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. He has received several national and international honors, including the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. ([padmaawards.gov.in](https://www.padmaawards.gov.in/))
Early life and education
Narayana Murthy was born on 20 August 1946 in Sidlaghatta, in the then Kingdom of Mysore, India. He studied electrical engineering at the University of Mysore and subsequently completed a master's degree in computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/investors/news-events/annual-general-meeting/2003/22agm.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
His academic background in electrical engineering and computer science shaped his early career in computing and technology. After completing his education, he worked in several technology-related positions before becoming an entrepreneur.
Early professional career
Before founding Infosys, Murthy worked in technology and computing roles in India and abroad. He was involved with computer systems and software development during a period when India's information technology sector was still developing.
Murthy later became Chief Systems Programmer at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. He subsequently founded Softronics, a software company, before joining Patni Computer Systems in Mumbai.
His experience in software development, management and international technology services contributed to his decision to establish a new software-services company.
Founding Infosys
In 1981, Murthy founded Infosys with six other co-founders: Nandan Nilekani, S. Gopalakrishnan, S. D. Shibulal, K. Dinesh, N. S. Raghavan and Ashok Arora. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/about/management-profiles/founders.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The company was established as Infosys Consultants Private Limited and initially operated from Pune. Its early business focused on software development and technology services for international clients.
Murthy served as Infosys' chief executive officer from 1981 until 2002. During this period, the company expanded its international client base and developed a business model centered on software services, technology consulting and offshore development. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/annual-report/form20f/documents/form20f-2010.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Growth of Infosys
Under Murthy's leadership, Infosys developed from a small software company into an international technology-services organization.
The company expanded its operations outside India and developed delivery centers serving customers in North America, Europe and other international markets. Infosys also became known for its focus on corporate governance, employee training and transparent financial reporting.
Murthy stepped down as CEO in 2002 and was succeeded by co-founder Nandan Nilekani. He subsequently served as Executive Chairman of the Infosys board from 2002 to 2006 and later became Chairman Emeritus. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/annual-report/form20f/documents/form20f-2010.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Infosys identifies Murthy as its founder and lists him separately from the company's current executive leadership. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/about/management-profiles/founders.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Corporate governance
Murthy became associated with corporate-governance practices in the Indian technology industry. During Infosys' development, the company emphasized disclosures, shareholder communication, professional management and formal governance structures.
His approach to corporate leadership has been discussed in Indian and international business publications and academic institutions.
Infosys received numerous corporate-governance and business awards during its early decades. The company has also been recognized internationally for its technology services and business practices. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/about/awards/))
Technology and entrepreneurship
Murthy's career is closely connected with India's transition toward an export-oriented software and technology-services economy.
Infosys became one of the Indian companies that demonstrated how software engineering and technology services could be delivered internationally from India. Its growth contributed to the expansion of India's technology-services ecosystem and the development of large-scale employment in the sector.
Murthy has also participated in discussions about entrepreneurship, technology education, corporate leadership and India's economic development.
International recognition
Murthy has received recognition from numerous international institutions.
In 2003, he received the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year award. He was also recognized by TIME among global technology leaders and received the Max Schmidheiny Liberty Prize in 2001. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/investors/news-events/annual-general-meeting/2007/docpdf/agm2007-notice.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
He was elected a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and a foreign member of the United States National Academy of Engineering. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/annual-report/form20f/documents/form20f-2010.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The French government awarded Murthy the Officer of the Legion of Honour in 2008, while the British government conferred on him the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/annual-report/form20f/documents/form20f-2010.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Indian civilian honors
Murthy received the Padma Shri in 2000 for his contribution to trade and industry.
In 2008, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in the field of Trade and Industry. ([padmaawards.gov.in](https://www.padmaawards.gov.in/Document/pdf/notifications/PadmaAwards/2008.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
These awards recognized his contribution to India's business and technology sectors.
Philanthropy and education
Murthy has been involved in educational and philanthropic initiatives alongside his business career.
He has served on advisory boards and councils associated with educational institutions and philanthropic organizations. His involvement has included institutions such as Cornell University, the Ford Foundation, INSEAD, the Indian School of Business and the United Nations Foundation. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/annual-report/form20f/documents/form20f-2010.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
He has also supported initiatives involving education, research, technology and social development.
Murthy has been associated with the Infosys Foundation through his family and has spoken publicly about the importance of education, social responsibility and access to opportunities.
Personal life
Narayana Murthy is married to Sudha Murty, an author, educator, philanthropist and former engineer. Sudha Murty was involved in the early history of Infosys Foundation and has supported numerous educational and social initiatives. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/infosys-foundation/about/reports/documents/infosys-foundation-report-2020-21.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
They have two children, Akshata Murty and Rohan Murty.
Akshata Murty is a businesswoman and investor, while Rohan Murty is a computer scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Later career
After retiring from executive employment at Infosys in 2006, Murthy continued to participate in business, education and philanthropic activities. He has served on boards and advisory bodies associated with companies, universities and international organizations. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/annual-report/form20f/documents/form20f-2010.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
He has also remained involved in discussions concerning technology, entrepreneurship and India's economic development.
In 2013, Murthy returned to Infosys as Executive Chairman and Additional Director during a period of organizational transition. He subsequently stepped down from the role in 2014.
Legacy
Narayana Murthy is recognized for his role in founding and developing Infosys and for his contribution to India's information technology industry.
Infosys grew from a small software company founded in 1981 into a global technology-services organization with operations and clients across multiple countries. The company identifies Murthy as its founder and continues to recognize the contributions of its seven founders. ([infosys.com](https://www.infosys.com/about/management-profiles/founders.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
His career has connected entrepreneurship, software engineering, international business, corporate governance and philanthropy. His work is frequently discussed in the context of the development of India's modern technology sector.
See also
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