Autodesk names top IBM exec as MD for India, SAARC ops

AutoCAD software provider Autodesk has appointed a former top IBM executive as managing director for its India and SAARC operations. The announcement comes close on the heels of Autodesk's acquisition of Qontext, the enterprise social collaboration software business of Hyderabad-based Pramati Technologies.

Pradeep Nair, who till last month worked at IBM Software Group (SWG) where he headed its software business for India and South Asia, will be responsible for the overall strategy and growth of Autodesk's business across India and SAARC region. Nair will also cover its industries and product segments, apart from building strategic partnerships across the region.

An alumnus of IIM Calcutta, Nair has vast experience in leading and managing sales, channels, marketing and technical teams, driving double-digit growth and ensuring consistent client satisfaction.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Nair joined IBM in 2003 as regional manager for Lotus Software (when it was merged with the company). Nair, who also holds an engineering degree from the University of Bombay, joined Autodesk in September.

"Autodesk has been providing leading design technology to companies of all sizes for the past 30 years, helping our customers imagine, design and create a better world.  India is one of our key markets and we look forward to continued growth and success under Pradeep's leadership," said Patrick Williams, Senior VP - Asia Pacific and Emerging Markets, Autodesk.

"As Indian companies step up to the world stage, design is increasingly critical to their success. Autodesk, with its strong legacy and continued advancements in design technology, is uniquely positioned to help our clients leverage the transformational power of design," said Nair.

Set up in 1982 by John Walker and Dan Drake, Autodesk develops a broad range of software for design, engineering, and entertainment as well as a line of software for consumers, including Sketchbook, Homestyler, and Pixlr. The company makes educational versions of its software available free to qualified students and faculty through the Autodesk Education Community.

Autodesk's digital prototyping software, including Autodesk Inventor and the Autodesk Product Design Suite, are used in the manufacturing industry to visualise, simulate, and analyse real-world performance using a digital model during the design process. The company has a strategic partnership with technology behemoths like Apple Inc, Dell, HP, Microsoft and Oracle etc.

(Edited by Prem Udayabhanu)