A man of vision can see the future as clearly as the sun and can plan his moves strategically so as to touch the very pinnacle of fame and fortune. Yes, Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman and CEO, HCL Infosystems Ltd is one such individual who has given shape to his destiny based on a visionary judgment. His strategic management and direction have enabled HCL Infosystems to achieve and maintain its number one position in the Indian PC market for the last five years consistently.

A great leader and visionary, Chowdhry, has always been a key force in driving the growth at HCL Infosystems Ltd. He is one of the six founder members of HCL, India's premier IT enterprise, a start-up in 1976, touched Rs.17,374 crores for the last 12 months. Under his strategic insight, HCL has been pioneering many breakthroughs including the launch of country's first Desk Top PC - Busy Bee in 1985, the country's first branded home PC-Beanstalk in 1995 and the country's first Media Center PC.

Heading the 'think tank' for HCL, Chaowdhry's passion and commitment has had a large role to play in shaping up the company's fortunes in the country. It was he who sensed the convergence of all existing electronics gadgets into IT well ahead of time, identified an emerging opportunity early in the telecom and imaging category and was largely responsible for bringing in the laurels for his company HCL.

Chowdhry took over the reins of HCL Infosystems, as President and CEO in 1994 and soon after in November 1999, was appointed the Chairman of HCL Infosystems Ltd. Going forward and setting-up HCL's overseas operations, starting with Singapore in 1980, he is credited with the expansion of business operations all over South Asian markets, traveling extensively through Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and China.

Over the years, he has constantly added newer and cutting edge technology skills to the company's portfolio. The Skoch Consultancy accorded Chowdhry with the 'IT Man of the Year' award and The Foundation of Indian Industry and Economists acclaimed him as the 'Best IT Man of the Year'. Recently, he received the 'Corporate Ratna -IT Industry of the Millennium' award by Wisitek Foundation and the 'Electronics Man of the Year - 2006' award by EFY for his pivotal role in HCL's breakthrough innovations.

Re-defining and encouraging the future growth of IT, Chowdhry was part of the IT Hardware Task Force, set up by the Prime Minister of India to give shape to the country's IT strategy. He has time and again emphasized the cause of improving PC penetration in the country and was the champion for designing the roadmap for Domestic IT for the government of India. He has worked closely with many Government bodies to take IT for masses agenda forward. Presently he is a part of several government committees to take forward the course of IT and Hardware in India.

His love for music is well known be it Classic, Jazz, Rock or old Hindi Songs. Mountains and good food are his all time favorites. An avid student in his younger days, Chowdhry has obtained his bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering and later has attended the Executive Program at the School of Business Administration at the University of Michigan, US.

Ajai Chowdhry comes across as a very articulate, brisk and emphatic personality - a man to watch out for in the future. For undoubtedly, here is the man who stands to excel and lead the future in his own inimitable style.