After 10 years of reporting on Infosys, it was strange not to see any of the familiar faces of the company’s co-founders at its second quarter results announcement.

Vishal Sikka, the new external CEO, seems to have ushered in a whole new change in the company that is both internal (new strategy) and external (new look of the corporate office). The grass looked greener, the flowers seemed to bloom fully, employees had an extra spring in their steps and smiles on their faces.

The reception of the corporate headquarters, where the results are announced every quarter, sported brand new flooring with gleaming new tiles, and swank leather sofas had replaced the old upholstered sofas. The reception counter has been relocated from the centre to the extreme right by the wall, and the bulky ATM that stood there had gone, making the reception area and lounge look expansive and minimalist with an uninterrupted view of the verdant lawns beyond.

The dining area has been re-done and redecorated with artefacts dominated by a tall ceramic Water Horse, a gift to Infosys from former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji in January 2002, which was the year of the Horse according to the Chinese calendar. More importantly, the Water Horse symbolises speed, inspiration and success…. probably a message Sikka wants to send out to all who visit the corporate headquarters about what to expect from the brand new Infosys.

New chafing dishes and brand new cold salad, soup, dessert and hot food counters shone with their white Korean finish. The counters with concealed LED lighting made an appearance for the first time. On being asked why she looked so upbeat, an Infosys employee said: “These are interesting times, everything is new, we are optimistic about the new leadership and expect great new times.”

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