Infy looks to Europe, Australia after US in search of talent

After the US, Infosys is planning to take its digital hub models to Europe and Australia as the Bengaluru-based firm looks at expanding its onshore capabilities in order to serve these markets effectively. The company plans to begin by setting up one digital hub in the UK for which it has shortlisted four locations while it is also evaluating setting up such centres in two more European countries. In Australia, Infosys is looking at setting up two hubs before expanding further.

“We are building our onshore capabilities, and to that effect, the digital centers that we have built in the US and those we are starting in Europe and Australia, are actually allowing us to recruit college graduates in those markets,” said Salil Parekh, chief executive officer and managing director of Infosys.

“In Europe and Australia, we are evaluating a few cities, though none of those have been announced. The intent is to launch digital hubs outside the US within the next six months,” he said.

In March, Infosys launched its first technology and innovation hub at Indianapolis, in the US, which was followed by another centre in Raleigh last month. The Indianapolis hub will help the firm work with clients in machine learning, artificial intelligence, userexperience, and advanced digital technologies, including big data and cloud. Infosys is also using it as its global training centre to train, upskill and reskill its own employees as well as those from clients in digital technologies. The firm is planning to open twomore hubs in the US, including one in Hartford, Connecticut where it aims to hire 1,000 US workers by 2022.

Parekh said the concerns by certain quarters that increased hiring in onshore locations, including the US, would affect the profitability negatively. He added that this would, however, led the company towards a higher margin trajectory as it would help in expanding the digital business, which currently stands at 28 per cent of its overall revenues.

Infosys plans to significantly enhance onshore base in key markets; launches campus programme