Coforge board raised concerns over OP Bhatt before tenure extension rejected

Coforge board members expressed reservations about OP Bhatt's performance in a formal evaluation, with the executive receiving the lowest ratings among those assessed, according to company sources. The internal evaluation preceded a shareholder resolution that sought to extend Bhatt's tenure at the IT services firm, which was subsequently rejected at the general meeting.

The board's concerns, reflected in the comparative ratings exercise, appear to have signalled investor apprehension regarding the proposed extension. Shareholders ultimately declined to approve the resolution to retain Bhatt in his role until 2032, reflecting broader questions about leadership and governance at the mid-sized information technology company.

The development underscores the growing scrutiny that Indian IT firms face from investors regarding executive continuity and performance metrics. Coforge, which provides digital transformation and IT services, has been navigating a competitive landscape alongside larger peers in the technology sector.

The rejection represents a significant corporate governance moment for the company, demonstrating the influence of shareholder sentiment in executive tenure decisions. Details regarding the specific performance concerns identified in the board evaluation remain limited, though the outcome suggests investor confidence in the proposed extension was not sufficiently strong to secure approval.