Bengaluru, India – 18 March, 2020: Salesforce Inc has hired the former SBI chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya as its India chief executive officer. The US tech giant in customer relationship management software announced that Bhattacharya, who retired from SBI in October 2017, will swear in as chairperson and CEO for India on April 20.

“Since its operation started in the country, Salesforce has always seen India as a crucial market, emerging as a world class innovation and talent hub. Under the leadership of Arundhati, we will explore the next phase of growth, customer success and investment opportunities in the region,” said Gavin Patterson, President &CEO, Salesforce International.

Bhattacharya led India’s largest public sector bank during its crucial years when other similar banks were struggling with loan issues. She played a vital role in accelerating the investments in technology by hiring a CTO from the global rival Barclays. Her move buckled up SBI to operate and compete with smaller but agile tech oriented banks as well as fintech firms.

As India has gained attention from global companies for its growing market scenario, Bhattacharya’s career shift to a stewardship role in a technology firm attracts spotlight. She also joins a considerable number of women leaders in India who heads multinational companies. Bhattacharya also bears the role of an independent director on the board of Wipro.

“Salesforce has a commendable track record in availing digital transformation possible to its customers using cutting edge technology. This will create an incredible opportunity for future growth in the country,” said Arundhati Bhattacharya.

The US cloud-based service provider has invested significantly over the past many years in India. Salesforce has established a Centre for Excellence in Hyderabad in 2016, and is expected to add 3000 more jobs across the region in the next three years period to make India a hub of global talent and innovation for the company.

Salesforce with its partner collaborations and customers is expected to create over USD 67 billion in business revenues. A research by IDC reveals that the company is trying to rope in 5,48,400 new direct jobs by 2024.