During the 2024 Indiaspora AI Summit at Stanford University, US envoy to India, Eric Garcetti, delivered a lighthearted comment that highlighted the significant presence of Indian-origin individuals in top corporate positions in the United States.
Garcetti humorously remarked that the tables had turned, suggesting that it has become nearly impossible to ascend to the position of CEO in America without Indian heritage.
Garcetti highlighted the remarkable success stories of Indian immigrants, noting that more than one in ten CEOs of Fortune 500 companies are of Indian origin and have studied in the US. He quipped, "The old joke was you could not become a CEO in the US if you were Indian, now the joke is you cannot become a CEO in America if you are not Indian."
Tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Starbucks serve as prime examples, with leaders like Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Laxman Narasimhan at the helm, respectively.
The sentiment expressed by Garcetti resonated with several Indian-origin business leaders present at the event, who credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for positioning India as a global center of innovation and progress.
Informatica CEO Amit Walia praised India's perception in the global arena, emphasizing its role as a hub of innovation and human capital.
He commended Modi for elevating India's status as a credible innovator and leader for international investment and growth.
Ash Kulkarni, CEO of Elastic, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Modi's government's openness to innovation and industry as catalysts for India's vast potential for progress.
Navin Chaddha of Mayfield Fund hailed Modi's leadership for ushering in an "amazing" era for India, emphasizing the transformative impact on the country's development.
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