S.D. Shibulal - The Progress Catalyst
From IT leader to philanthropist and investor
Sarojini Damodaran Shibulal, S.D. Shibulal, is an Indian entrepreneur best known as a co-founder of Infosys, one of the world’s leading IT services and consulting firms. As a key figure in the global outsourcing revolution, he played a significant role in developing Infosys’ Global Delivery Model, which transformed the way multinational corporations approached IT services and software development. His career spans decades of leadership in technology, corporate governance, and philanthropy, making him one of India’s most influential business leaders.
Nationality: Indian
Date of Birth: 1 March 1955
Hometown: Alappuzha, Kerala, India
Parents: Damodaran Shibulal, Sarojini Shibulal
Spouse: Kumari Shibulal
Education:
Master’s degree in Physics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University
Master’s degree in Computer Science from Boston University
Employment History:
Co-founder of Infosys (1981–1991, 1997–2014)
Sun Microsystems, US (1991–1996): established the first e-commerce app
CEO & Managing Director of Infosys (2011–2014)
Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Infosys (2007–2011)
Co-founder of Axilor Ventures (2014–present)
Chairman of The Tamara Leisure Experiences (2015–present)
Founder of the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI)
S.D. Shibulal’s journey from a small town in Kerala to leading Infosys on a global scale exemplifies vision, perseverance, and leadership in the technology sector.
S.D. Shibulal, transforming IT services
S.D. Shibulal was part of the seven-member team that co-founded Infosys in 1981, led by N.R. Narayana Murthy. Starting with an initial capital of $250, the team aimed to build an Indian IT firm that could compete on a global level. Shibulal was instrumental in shaping Infosys’ technology and service delivery models, particularly the Global Delivery Model (GDM), which optimised software development by distributing work across geographies, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Over the years, Infosys evolved from a small start-up into a multi-billion-dollar IT powerhouse, serving clients across 50+ countries. Shibulal played a key role in expanding Infosys’ operations, focusing on innovation, customer-centric solutions, and ethical corporate governance. His leadership as COO (2007–2011) and later as CEO & MD (2011–2014) ensured that Infosys remained one of India’s most valuable IT companies, with a market capitalisation of over ₹6.3 lakh crore (£60 billion) as of 2024.
Beyond Infosys, Shibulal co-founded Axilor Ventures, an accelerator that supports early-stage start-ups in technology, healthcare, and fintech. His continued investments in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and education demonstrate his commitment to fostering innovation beyond Infosys.
Impact Maker S.D. Shibulal
S.D. Shibulal’s contributions to Infosys and the IT services industry have been transformative. His Global Delivery Model (GDM) redefined how companies outsourced software development, allowing Infosys to deliver high-quality services at reduced costs by leveraging skilled talent from India. This model became a blueprint for India’s entire IT industry, positioning the country as the world’s leading software outsourcing hub.
During his tenure as CEO, Infosys focused on large-scale digital transformation, implementing AI-driven automation, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions to serve Fortune 500 clients. Shibulal also emphasised employee growth, introducing training programmes that made Infosys one of the top employers for IT professionals globally. His leadership was marked by consistent revenue growth, strategic acquisitions, and Infosys’ expansion into new markets, including Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Shibulal has been an advocate for leadership in education, highlighting how India’s education system needs to integrate problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills to remain competitive in the global economy. Through philanthropic initiatives, he has worked on bridging the gap between education and employability, ensuring that future generations of Indian professionals are equipped for high-skilled jobs.
Change Maker S.D. Shibulal
After retiring from Infosys in 2014, S.D. Shibulal shifted his focus to philanthropy, start-up mentorship, and sustainable development. Along with his wife, Kumari Shibulal, he founded the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI), which focuses on education, rural development, and healthcare. SFPI has funded scholarships for underprivileged students, vocational training programmes, and leadership development initiatives, impacting thousands of young professionals across India.
As the Chairman of The Tamara Leisure Experiences, Shibulal has also ventured into eco-friendly tourism, ensuring that luxury hospitality integrates sustainability and environmental responsibility. His interest in start-up investments led him to co-found Axilor Ventures, which has supported over 100 early-stage start-ups, particularly in fintech, AI, and healthcare.
His ability to transition from a technology leader to a start-up mentor and philanthropist showcases his multi-faceted impact on business, innovation, and social development.
Progress Catalyst S.D. Shibulal
S.D. Shibulal’s vision extends beyond corporate success, as he actively works towards bridging technology with social impact. His education-focused philanthropy aims to enhance learning accessibility, with SFPI providing over 700 scholarships to students in STEM fields, business, and social sciences. He has also invested in skill development programmes, ensuring that India’s workforce remains globally competitive in the age of AI and automation.
Through Axilor Ventures, he continues to mentor and invest in technology-driven start-ups, fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders. His role in Tamara Leisure Experiences reflects his commitment to sustainable business practices, advocating for green hospitality models that balance luxury with environmental consciousness.
As India’s IT sector continues to evolve with AI, blockchain, and quantum computing, Shibulal’s insights, investments, and mentorship ensure that he remains a key player in shaping the industry’s future.
Achievements
Co-founded Infosys (1981): Built one of India’s most successful IT services firms.
Developed the Global Delivery Model (GDM): Transformed IT outsourcing worldwide.
Led Infosys as CEO (2011–2014): Expanded operations to 50+ countries.
Founded Axilor Ventures (2014): Supported 100+ early-stage start-ups.
Established SFPI (1998): Impacted thousands of students through scholarships and skill training.
Awards & Recognitions
Economic Times Award for Corporate Excellence (2012): Recognised for Infosys’ global expansion under his leadership.
Philanthropy Leadership Award (2023): Honoured for contributions to education and social impact.
Forbes India Top Business Leaders (2014): Featured among India’s most influential business figures.
Media References
Wikipedia - S.D. Shibulal Profile
Infosys - Co-founder profile
Financial Express - Co-founder of Infosys who owns over 700 apartments
Moneycontrol - Infosys co-founder SD Shibulal
Fortune India - SD Shibulal on measurability in philanthropy
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