Accenture promotes its MD-HR as chairperson, India

The outgoing chairman & country managing director’s responsibilities will now be shared by two person — Rekha Menon as chairperson, and Anindya Basu as country managing director of India operations.

Rekha Menon, the current managing director, human resources, for Accenture’s growth markets, has been elevated as the chairperson for India operations. She will take the place of Avinash Vashistha, who is on his way out to pursue entrepreneurial and corporate leadership opportunities in technology.

Vashistha was chairman and country managing director for Accenture India, since 2011. His role will now be managed by two individuals.

While Menon will take on the role of chairperson, Anindya Basu will handle the India operations as country managing director.

Menon, until now, was responsible for leading the development and execution of the company’s human capital strategy for Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Russia, Turkey and Latin America.

As the chairperson, she will now play an active role in growing Accenture’s business and further strengthening the company’s presence in communities across India. Besides, she will continue to be deeply engaged in the company’s inclusion and diversity, and corporate citizenship initiatives. Menon will also be responsible for institutional relationships with public authorities and industry associations.

In the past, Menon was managing director, geographic operations, for India, ASEAN and the Asia Pacific Delivery Centres. In this role, she supported the growth and development of Accenture’s global delivery network.

With over 24 years of industry experience, Menon has been consistently named as one of the most powerful Indian women in business.

As the country managing director, Basu will be responsible for driving Accenture’s domestic business in India and build relationships with key clients. He will accomplish this by leveraging the company’s capabilities in strategy, consulting, digital technology and operations.

He will also continue with his current role of working with Accenture’s products clients in India, and serve as the APAC regional head of the company’s automotive, industrial, infrastructure and travel & transportation industry practice.

In the 23 years that Basu has spent with Accenture, he has held leadership roles spanning multiple industries.

Gianfranco Casati, Accenture’s group chief executive, growth markets, says, “Menon’s experience will be extremely valuable as we continue to build our brand and enhance our reputation as leaders, in India. And Basu, with a strong knowledge of our business and his experience, insights and vision for our business in India, is a well-equipped resource to make a difference in this important market.”