IMG: via Rolling out Photo Credit: Lonnie C. Major
A respected leader globally for transforming Xerox, CEO Ursula Burns is an expert on business strategy and technology. She recently spent three days in India at the behest of a group promoting women entrepreneurs. Her trip included several town hall sessions and a visit to Xerox’s research facility in Bengaluru.
Burns sees India as a valuable market to increase Xerox’s business processing outsourcing (BPO) services. Ursula Burns also told the Economic Times that the current economic situation in India makes acquisition opportunities more attractive. While many companies worry about the slowdown of growth in India, Burns says that growth and opportunity still exists. With growth comes some uncertainty, but Ursula Burns says that the people of India have been encouraging and responsive.
When asked about decisions of other CEOs like Marissa Mayer or Steve Ballmer, Burns answers diplomatically.
On Marissa Mayer’s decision to end working from home: “She had a reason for doing what she did and that reason was not for making any overarching statement for all companies who employ people.”
On Steve Ballmer’s decision to retire: “I don’t think it is as simple as it seems. He and the board had to make certain decisions on when it is time to leave. When it’s time for me to leave, I think the same set of combinations have to happen.”
Xerox has increased their stock value 40% in the last year under Burns’ leadership. She says that the company continues to focus on IT and BPO, and that those two divisions will make up over 60% of revenue in the next five years.
