ITV

Tag: Christian Sobottka

  • Wipro strikes the right chord with Harman DTS acquisition for AI-led growth

    Wipro strikes the right chord with Harman DTS acquisition for AI-led growth

    MUMBAI: When a tech giant meets a sound maestro, sparks fly louder than music. Wipro Limited has signed an agreement to acquire the Digital Transformation Solutions (DTS) business unit of Harman, a Samsung company, in a move that turbocharges its AI-powered engineering and consulting ambitions. The deal, expected to close by 31 December 2025 subject to regulatory nods, will see more than 5,600 DTS employees including senior leaders across the Americas, Europe and Asia, join Wipro’s ranks. The acquisition adds not just people, but precision: DTS specialises in domain-led design, connected products, software platforms, and AI-native accelerators, making it a prized catch for Wipro’s engineering global business line.

    “This marks a pivotal step in Wipro’s transformation journey,” said Wipro CEO and MD Srini Pallia highlighting how the deal blends DTS’ high-touch digital engineering with Wipro’s global consulting-led, AI-powered muscle. The aim? To accelerate digital innovation, cut time-to-market, and sharpen competitive edge for clients.

    For Wipro managing partner & global head of engineering Srikumar Rao,  the move strengthens the company’s software-defined, platform-centric approach, allowing it to deliver large-scale transformation across high-growth sectors like hi-tech, consumer, industrial, healthcare, and aerospace.

    From Harman’s side, the transition was framed as a springboard. “As part of Wipro, DTS will have the complementary capabilities and scale to expand its impact,” said Harman CEO Christian Sobottka while Harman chief strategy officer Carolin Reichert, noted the move frees Harman to double down on its automotive electronics and audio innovation.

    Crucially, the acquisition comes with a multi-year strategic agreement with Harman and Samsung, opening doors for joint growth and tighter collaboration in AI-first technologies.

    Advised by Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., the transaction tunes perfectly into Wipro’s larger symphony: uniting virtual and physical worlds, embedding AI across engineering, and orchestrating innovation that resonates across industries.

    With DTS set to integrate into Wipro’s engineering arm post-acquisition, the tech giant may well have composed its boldest note yet in the race for digital transformation.
     

  • Harman welcomes Christian Sobottka as new CEO; Michael Mauser hung his boots after 27 years

    Harman welcomes Christian Sobottka as new CEO; Michael Mauser hung his boots after 27 years

    MUMBAI: A changing of the guard is underway at Harman International, the tech powerhouse behind cutting-edge automotive, consumer, and enterprise innovations. Michael Mauser, the company’s longtime leader, is stepping down as president & CEO on 31 March 2025, making way for Christian Sobottka, who will officially assume the role on 1 April 2025.

    After 27 years at Harman, Mauser has decided to pass the baton, having led the company through industry-defining moments, including Samsung’s acquisition in 2017, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global semiconductor shortages. Under his leadership, Harman hit $11 billion in revenue, achieved record profitability, and amassed a jaw-dropping $45 billion in automotive business backlog.

    “After nearly three decades with Harman and aligned with our diligent succession planning process, I have decided to step away to spend more time with my family and explore new opportunities,” Mauser said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and confident in Christian’s ability to lead Harman into its next chapter.”

    Stepping up is Sobottka, a seasoned automotive industry veteran with over 25 years of experience. Since taking over as president of Harman’s automotive division in 2021, Sobottka has been at the forefront of major transformations, steering Harman towards a product- and software-focused model. His expertise in advanced in-cabin experiences and strategic automotive partnerships makes him the ideal choice to drive Harman’s next wave of innovation.

    “I am honored to assume the role of president & CEO of Harman,” Sobottka said. “Building on our legacy of innovation and excellence, I look forward to working with our talented teams to drive the next phase of growth and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners.”

    Harman’s board of directors chairman Young Sohn praised Mauser’s unwavering leadership and vision, stating, “We extend our deepest gratitude to Michael for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to Harman’s success. His strategic vision has positioned the company for continued growth. We are confident that Christian’s extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal leader to guide Harman into the future.”

    Alongside Sobottka’s appointment, Harman’s lifestyle division president Dave Rogers will join the board of directors, marking another shift in the company’s leadership team.

    With its legacy of cutting-edge innovation, Harman remains committed to revolutionising connected technology across automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets. The transition from Mauser to Sobottka signals a new era of growth, software-driven advancements, and global expansion.