Alumni Profile: Kris Gopalakrishnan

Early Life and Education

Senapathy "Kris" Gopalakrishnan was born on April 5, 1955, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Kerala and pursued further education, earning an MSc in Physics and a Master's degree in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.

Global Success in Finance

After completing an MBA at the University of Western Ontario in Canada, Watsa began his career in the financial sector. His pivotal role at Markel Financial and the subsequent founding of Fairfax Financial Holdings marked the beginning of a global conglomerate. Known as ‘Canada’s Warren Buffet’, Watsa's unorthodox investment strategies and risk assessment skills led to remarkable success.

Co-founder of Infosys

Kris Gopalakrishnan is widely recognized as one of the co-founders of Infosys, a leading multinational information technology and consulting company based in India. Under his leadership, Infosys expanded globally, establishing itself as a major player in the IT industry and achieving significant milestones. Gopalakrishnan played a pivotal role in shaping the company's strategic vision and driving innovation and research initiatives.

Entrepreneurial Initiatives

Demonstrating a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, Kris Gopalakrishnan founded Axilor Ventures in 2014. This initiative reflects his dedication to supporting and empowering emerging entrepreneurs.

Recognition and Awards

In 2011, Kris Gopalakrishnan, an alumnus of IIT Madras, was honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award by the Government of India. His influence extended to influential platforms, including serving on the United Nations Global Compact Board.

Contributions to IIT Madras

Kris Gopalakrishnan made significant contributions to his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. He established three prestigious Chairs in honor of distinguished individuals: N R Narayana Murthy, C R Muthu Krishnan, and H N Mahabala. These Chairs have played a crucial role in advancing research in the field of Computational Brain Research at IIT Madras.

Legacy and Recognition

Kris Gopalakrishnan's legacy is marked by his transformative contributions to Infosys, his dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, and his influential role at IIT Madras. His journey exemplifies the impact of IIT Madras alumni on the global stage.