Balakrishnan calls it a day at Avnet

Balakrishnan, GM and Country Head of Avnet Technology Solutions India has put
in his papers and has decided to forge a separate path for himself away from
Avnet. When The DQ Week contacted Balakrishnan to confirm the development, he
said, "Yes, my last date with Avnet will be the 2nd of April."

Avnet Technology Solutions set up its Indian subsidiary in May 2008, by
acquiring Ontrack Solutions, one of the leading system integrators at that time,
for an undisclosed amount.

G Balakrishnan who was the co-founder of Ontrack with Naresh Desai, was
appointed as the head of Avnet's technology distribution business, while Desai
was put in charge of Ontrack Solutions. It is said that one of the reasons why
Ontrack was zeroed in by Avnet to acquire was because of Balakrishnan's close
linkages with the SI community across India.

Asked why he was leaving Balakrishnan replied, "I want to take a break of
three months during which time I can think about what I want to do next. I do
not want to just chase quarterly sales targets, I am looking for something new
to do." When asked what it is that he wants to do next, he was quite reluctant
and did not disclose much, "I have some plans in mind but there is nothing that
is definite ," he added.

When asked if he would remain in IT, he said, "I have not ruled out that
option, I may do something else but there is nothing specific to share now." So
was it stress that was getting to him? "Not at all, I have been in the industry
for around 25-26 years, I am 53 now and I am looking for a more balanced
lifestyle and not just one that is skewed towards work," shared Balakrishnan.

At Avnet Technology Solutions, Balakrishnan was responsible for various
functions including Customer Account Management, Finance and Accounts, HR,
Partner Account Management, Legal and Sales operations. An HR personnel from
Avnet named Rinku said that there were no issues between Avnet and Balakrishnan,
and refused to comment about who would take over. "Wait for a few days for
further details on this however there are no issues that Avnet is facing with
regards to Mr Balakrishnan," Rinku explained.

Bala began his career with CMC in 1979. He quit CMC in 1986 to join Tata
Infotech. In 1991 he joined Hinditron as Deputy GM-Commercial and Administration
at an all India level. It was here that he met Naresh Desai and the two got
together in 1993 to form Ontrack.

John Jacob

johnj@cybermedia.co.in