Wipro, a prominent Indian IT company, has found itself entangled in a legal dispute with its former Senior Vice President (SVP) and Head of Healthcare and Medical Devices for the Americas, Mohd Haque. The complaint alleges a breach of the non-compete clause in Haque’s employment contract, as he transitioned to rival firm Cognizant, assuming the role of SVP and Business Unit Head for life sciences ahead of the scheduled expiration of his non-compete clause.
Allegations Against Mohd Haque:
According to Wipro’s complaint, Haque departed from the company while in possession of seven files containing confidential information. These files, reportedly transmitted via Haque’s personal Gmail account, were discovered by Wipro’s IT team. The complaint further asserts that additional files were uploaded and sent from Wipro to Haque’s personal email account. Wipro contends that Haque misled the company about his intentions and falsely denied plans to join Cognizant. Despite these allegations, Haque has not updated his LinkedIn profile to reflect his new employment status.
Haque’s Decade-Long Association with Wipro:
Mohd Haque, with a decade-long association with Wipro, joined the company in 2010 as the Vice President for Enterprise Application Services in Bengaluru. He ascended through the ranks, reaching the position of Senior Vice President and Unit Head in 2023. In this role, Haque oversaw various responsibilities, including managing a team of 21,000 employees, P&L, sales, strategy, delivery, consulting, and account management.
Notable Executive Exits:
The complaint against Haque adds to a series of notable exits from the upper echelons of Wipro. In 2023 alone, the company witnessed the departure of ten senior executives, including Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jatin Dalal. These departures coincide with a challenging period for incumbent CEO Thierry Delaporte, who is grappling with concerns related to modest growth and declining margins within the company.
Wipro’s Mandatory Hybrid Work Policy:
In addition to the legal dispute and executive departures, Wipro recently announced a mandatory hybrid work policy. The policy, set to take effect from November 15, 2023, mandates employees to be physically present in the office for a minimum of three days per week. Wipro’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Saurabh Govil, explained that the move towards a hybrid work model aims to encourage face-to-face collaboration, fortify the company’s corporate culture, and enhance communication. An official email circulated within the company emphasized the need for employees to adhere to the new policy, signaling a shift in the company’s approach to remote work.
As Wipro navigates legal challenges, executive departures, and a shift in its work culture, the company faces a pivotal moment in its trajectory. The outcome of the legal dispute with Mohd Haque and the success of Wipro’s strategic initiatives, including the hybrid work policy, will likely shape the company’s future in the competitive landscape of the IT industry.
