Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-chairman
Position: 17 Last year: 40
Why? Strong influence on Indian and global tech scene
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Nilekani stood down as CEO and MD of Infosys in June to become co-chairman of the board of directors of the giant Indian outsourcing company. But he is still making his presence felt through continued innovation.
Following his debut Agenda Setters entry last year, Nilekani has risen to number 17 and was singled out by the panel as someone who had continued to break new ground.
Panellists specifically commented on Infosys's decision to bring in talent from around the world, recruiting graduates from the US, UK and Europe.
The panel suggested Infosys is well ahead of the game in this respect compared with the other two big Indian players, TCS and Wipro.
Reports earlier this year of Infosys's interest in acquiring French tech services firm Capgemini underline how far the company has come under Nilekani's leadership.
But Nilekani's influence extends beyond the company. He is a co-founder of India's National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) and a member of the country's Knowledge Commission and Advisory Group on e-Governance.
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