Bob Hoekstra to exit Philips

Bob Hoekstra, the outspoken CEO of Philips' software operations in India, is leaving Philips after a 38-year stint. Hoekstra, took charge of the Indian operations in 1999 and he will be returning to his home town in Holland after retirement. He will continue to consult firms on how they can leverage the Indian talent.

"I will be going back to Holland. The Indian experience was great. I wrote two books on my experiences here in Bangalore and this is a stint I will cherish," Hoekstra said.

He will be succeeded by Alexius Collette, a plant manager from Philips' office in Drachten, Holland in February 2006.

Hoekstra graduated with a masters in physics in 1968. He joined Philips the same year, starting at the research lab in Holland. He obtained his doctorate in physics in 1978.

He was in the USA and Taiwan before coming to India. Philips Software Centre has been in existence for over eight years and it is a SEI-CMM Level 5 Company.

It presently employs over 1,500 people at its Innovation Campus on the banks of Ulsoor lake.

The company had recently announced a major Euro 50 million expansion in Bangalore.

A vocal person, Hoekstra constantly urged the Karnataka government to improve the infrastructure in the city. However, even as he leaves Bangalore, the infrastructure still needs a lot of attention from the state.

"I really like Bangalore. My books 'An Exemplary Family in Bangalore and Other Short Stories" - a collection of 27 short stories about the vast impressions India and especially Bangalore has made, and is still making, on me," said Hoekstra who passionately mentors young managers.

A hardcore cycling and environment enthusiast, Hoekstra usually used to lead cycling expeditions to Nandi Hills, fondly referring to it as his 'Tour de Nandi'.