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Arvind Thakur
Member, Board of Management at NIIT University
Professional Background
Mr. Arvind Thakur has had a remarkable journey in the technology and education sectors, marked by his leadership at NIIT Technologies Ltd, which has now been rebranded as Coforge Limited. Since its inception in 2004, Arvind served as the CEO, Vice Chairman, and Managing Director, guiding the organization to become one of the top IT services providers in India. Under his stewardship, the company rapidly expanded its global footprint while providing innovative IT solutions tailored to clients across various sectors. His dedication and commitment to excellence culminated in 2012 when he was awarded the prestigious Gold Stevie global award as the "Executive of the Year" in the Computer Services category, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the industry.
Education and Achievements
Arvind Thakur's educational foundations were laid at Mayo College, where he completed his Indian School Certificate. He then pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) in Mining Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, where he received the Institute Silver Medal for his outstanding academic performance. Following his undergraduate degree, he went on to earn a postgraduate diploma in Industrial Engineering from the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai, which later conferred upon him the "Distinguished Alumnus Award" in recognition of his impactful contributions to the field.
Executive Leadership and Board Memberships
Beyond his tenure at NIIT Technologies, Mr. Thakur has made significant contributions to various organizations. He has held positions on the boards of many esteemed companies, including his role as Chairman at innovative tech firms such as Esri India Technologies Ltd and Incessant Technologies Ltd. Currently, he serves as a non-executive director on the board of JK Technosoft Ltd and is a member of the Board of Management at NIIT University, a leading not-for-profit institution dedicated to education.
Arvind’s influence extends well beyond the corporate sector. He was an elected member of the Executive Council at NASSCOM, the apex IT industry association, for three consecutive terms until May 2020. In this pivotal role, he held key positions that shaped the industry, including serving as the Chairman of the Domestic Council and the Finance and Audit Committee. His leadership at NASSCOM demonstrated his commitment to advancing the interests of the IT sector in India. Additionally, he participated in the National Council of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) as the Chairman of the National Committee on IPR and was an active member of the Indo Spanish CEO Forum supported by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). These roles illustrate his extensive insight into industry standards and his drive to foster growth within the IT landscape.
Notable Contributions and Philanthropic Interests
Mr. Thakur's philanthropic efforts are also noteworthy. He served on the board of Hole-in-the-wall Education Ltd, an initiative that effectively leverages technology to provide educational resources to underprivileged children, showcasing his commitment to social responsibility and using technology for the betterment of society. His leadership capabilities are complemented by his genuine desire to make a positive impact on educational initiatives in India.
Personal Interests
In his leisure time, Mr. Thakur enjoys engaging in golf—a sport that complements his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, both critical in his professional endeavors. His dedication to this sport reflects his belief in the importance of balance in life and professional pursuits, embodying a well-rounded approach to success.
Throughout his career, Arvind Thakur has consistently exemplified leadership, innovation, and philanthropy, making significant contributions to both the IT sector and the educational landscape in India. His journey from an industrial engineer to a revered leader in the technology industry serves as an inspiration for future generations of professionals, emphasizing the importance of education, continuous learning, and a commitment to societal development.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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