Nikesh Arora, an Indian-born executive, has risen to become the second-highest paid CEO in the United States, drawing attention and admiration from around the world. Here’s an inspiring look at his journey from a small town in India to the heights of corporate America.
Early Life and Education
Born on February 9, 1968, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Nikesh Arora’s father served in the Indian Air Force. He attended The Air Force School (Subroto Park) before graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi in 1989. Following a brief stint at Wipro, he moved to the US to pursue an MBA at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.
Career Beginnings
Arora’s professional journey began in 1992 at Fidelity Investments, where he took on roles in finance and technology management. Rising through the ranks, he became Vice President of Fidelity Technologies. In 2000, he founded T-Motion, a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, which later became a core part of T-Mobile’s services. He also served as Chief Marketing Officer for the T-Mobile International Division of Deutsche Telekom AG.
Google and Beyond
In 2004, Arora joined Google, where he held several major positions including Vice President of Europe operations, President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and ultimately Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer. His nearly ten-year tenure at Google solidified his reputation as a top-tier executive.
SoftBank and Palo Alto Networks
In 2014, Arora joined Japan’s SoftBank Corp, becoming Vice Chairman of the group and CEO of SoftBank Internet and Media Inc. He was widely expected to succeed SoftBank’s CEO Masayoshi Son, receiving $208 million in compensation over two years. However, in a surprising move, Arora resigned from SoftBank in June 2016.
He then joined Palo Alto Networks in 2018 as CEO and Chairman, where he continues to lead the cybersecurity company to new heights.
Recognition and Legacy
In 2015, Arora was honored with the Global Indian Award at the ET Corporate Excellence Awards, highlighting his significant contributions and influence in the global business arena.
Conclusion
Nikesh Arora’s story is a testament to hard work, strategic thinking, and resilience. From his early days in India to becoming one of the highest-paid CEOs in the US, his journey is nothing short of inspirational.
