7 July, Microsoft India president Anant Maheshwari steps down, COO gets elevated

7 July, Microsoft India president Anant Maheshwari steps down, COO gets elevated

Microsoft India President Anant Maheshwari has made the decision to step down from his position and pursue other interests outside of the company. This development aligns with a reshuffle among the top executives at the software giant.

The news of Maheshwari’s departure was initially reported by The Economic Times on Friday. A spokesperson for Microsoft confirmed the information, stating, “We can confirm that Anant has decided to leave Microsoft to pursue a role outside the company. We would like to thank Anant for his many contributions to our business and culture in India and wish him every success in his future endeavors.”

Anant Maheshwari played a significant role as the President of Microsoft India, overseeing the company’s operations and growth strategies in the country. During his tenure, he made notable contributions to Microsoft‘s business in India and helped shape the company’s culture within the region.

While the exact reasons for his departure and the specifics of his future pursuits are not yet disclosed, Maheshwari’s decision to explore other opportunities indicates a new chapter in his professional journey.

As part of the reshuffle in Microsoft India’s top leadership, several appointments and promotions have taken place. Irina Ghose, who previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as the Managing Director of Microsoft India. This appointment recognizes her leadership capabilities and contributions to the company.

Sashi Sreedharan, the previous Managing Director of Microsoft India, has been promoted to a more senior position within the organization. This promotion acknowledges his achievements and expertise in driving Microsoft’s business in the region.

In addition to these changes, there are reports suggesting that Puneet Chandok, the former head of Amazon Web Services (AWS) India, may be joining Microsoft India. If confirmed, his appointment would bring his extensive experience and industry knowledge to the company.

Furthermore, Navtej Bal, who previously held the position of Director of the Public Sector at Microsoft India, has been promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer. This elevation reflects his demonstrated leadership and ability to drive operational excellence.

Venkat Krishnan, who previously led partnerships at Microsoft India, has also been promoted to the position of Executive Director of the Public Sector Business. This promotion recognizes his contributions in building strategic partnerships and driving growth in the public sector segment.

These appointments and promotions highlight Microsoft’s focus on strengthening its leadership team in India and leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals to drive the company’s growth and success in the region.

Anant Maheshwari, the former President of Microsoft India, holds a Master of Science degree in Economics from Birla Institute of Technology, which he obtained in 1996. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, which he completed in 1998.

Prior to joining Microsoft in 2016, Maheshwari held various leadership positions in notable companies. He served as the President of Honeywell India, where he played a crucial role in driving business growth and enhancing the company’s presence in the Indian market. Before that, he worked as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, where he gained valuable experience in advising clients on strategic and operational matters.

Maheshwari’s diverse background and extensive experience in leadership roles have contributed to his success in leading Microsoft’s operations in India. His expertise in business strategy, innovation, and building strong partnerships has played a significant role in driving Microsoft’s growth and impact in the Indian market.

In the Indian cloud market, Microsoft is considered a leader in the enterprise cloud space. However, it faces strong competition from other major players, particularly Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud. The cloud market in India is experiencing rapid growth, and AWS and Google Cloud are making significant investments to capture a larger share of this expanding market.

According to a report by Gartner, the Indian cloud market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.6% from 2022 to 2027. This growth is driven by factors such as the increasing adoption of cloud services by businesses, the need for digital transformation, and the rising demand for data storage and processing capabilities.

AWS, a subsidiary of Amazon, is currently recognized as the market leader in India’s cloud market. With its comprehensive range of cloud services and a strong presence in the country, AWS has established itself as a trusted provider for businesses of all sizes. Its extensive portfolio includes infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS) offerings.

Microsoft, with its Azure cloud platform, holds a significant position in the Indian cloud market. Azure offers a wide range of cloud services and solutions, including infrastructure, data storage, analytics, artificial intelligence, and more. Microsoft’s strong presence in the enterprise sector and its ability to integrate with existing Microsoft technologies have contributed to its success in the Indian market.

Google Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Google, is also making substantial investments to expand its footprint in India. With its advanced technology stack and focus on innovation, Google Cloud aims to address the evolving needs of businesses in the country. The company offers a range of cloud services, including infrastructure, data analytics, machine learning, and collaboration tools.

As the Indian cloud market continues to grow, competition among these major players is expected to intensify. Each provider brings unique strengths and capabilities to the table, catering to different customer requirements. Enterprises in India have the opportunity to choose from a diverse set of cloud service providers based on their specific needs, preferences, and budget.