Biography of Amit Walia: Founder and CEO of Informatica -Entrepreneur
Biography of Amit Walia:
A Dynamic Leader at the Helm
Amit Walia became the CEO of Informatica in January 2020, bringing with him a
rich background in technology and business leadership. Since taking over, he
has led the company through major shifts, turning it into a leading force in
cloud-based data management powered by artificial intelligence. His leadership
has earned him recognition across the tech world, including the prestigious
title of Cloud Executive of the Year in 2022.
A Journey Within Informatica
Amit first joined Informatica in 2013 and quickly rose
through the ranks. Before becoming CEO, he served in various executive roles
including Chief Product Officer and President of Products and Marketing. These
roles gave him deep insight into the company’s offerings and customer needs,
allowing him to shape a strong vision for Informatica’s future.
Transforming Data Management with AI
Under Amit’s leadership, Informatica launched its flagship platform, the
Informatica Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC), powered by CLAIRE, the
company’s AI engine. The platform has been a game-changer, helping enterprises
manage and integrate their data more efficiently. It has earned multiple
industry awards, including Best New Product of the Year in 2022, and
consistently ranks as a leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for iPaaS.
A Culture Built on Values
Amit believes that the foundation of any great company lies in its values. At
Informatica, he has embedded customer focus, innovation, and a strong culture
into the company’s DNA. This people-first approach has earned him a 95%
approval rating on Glassdoor, making Informatica one of the most admired
workplaces in the IT sector.
Career Path Before Informatica
Before joining Informatica, Amit held leadership roles at major tech companies
like Symantec and Intuit. He also worked as a consultant at McKinsey &
Company, gaining experience in business strategy and transformation. Earlier in
his career, he worked with India-based firms like the Tata Group and Infosys,
where he built a strong foundation in technology and project management.
Educational Roots in India and the U.S.
Amit holds a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT), Varanasi, one of India’s top engineering schools. He later
completed his MBA in Strategy and Economics at Northwestern University’s
Kellogg School of Management. This blend of technical and business education
has been instrumental in shaping his leadership approach.
Serving on Boards and Influencing the Industry
Apart from leading Informatica, Amit also serves on the Board of Directors at
Box Inc., a leading cloud content management company. His experience and
strategic thinking contribute to guiding Box’s business decisions, reflecting
his growing influence in the tech industry beyond just Informatica.
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Informatica’s Humble Beginnings
Informatica was founded in 1993 by Gaurav Dhillon and Diaz Nesamoney. It made
its first public offering on the Nasdaq in 1999 under the symbol INFA. In 2015,
the company was acquired by Permira and the Canada Pension Plan Investment
Board for around $5.3 billion, with Microsoft and Salesforce Ventures also
investing. This acquisition took the company private.
Return to Public Markets
In October 2021, Informatica returned to the public markets, this time on the
New York Stock Exchange, once again under the symbol INFA. The company’s stock
opened at $27.55 per share. This marked a new phase of growth and innovation
under Amit Walia’s leadership, now focused on cloud and AI transformation.
Strategic Acquisitions and Shifts
In June 2023, Informatica acquired Privitar, a tool focused on data privacy.
Later, in November 2023, the company announced a restructuring plan aimed at
doubling down on cloud solutions. As part of this transition, it laid off 10%
of its workforce and downsized office space, streamlining operations for a
cloud-first approach.
Salesforce Eyes Acquisition
In April 2024, the Wall Street Journal reported that Salesforce was in advanced
talks to acquire Informatica, though the deal was initially dropped. However,
in May 2025, Salesforce returned with a confirmed offer to purchase Informatica
for about $8 billion, or $25 per share, pending regulatory approval.
A Future Powered by Data and Cloud
Today, Informatica stands tall with a portfolio of over 9,500 customers and a
robust suite of cloud-native data integration tools. Under Amit Walia’s steady
leadership, the company has evolved into a trusted partner for digital
transformation across governments, enterprises, and industries worldwide. His
belief that “Data is the soul of digital transformation” continues to shape the
future of Informatica.
Timeline Summary
- 1993:
Informatica founded
- 1999:
IPO on Nasdaq (Symbol: INFA)
- 2013:
Amit Walia joins Informatica
- 2015:
Informatica acquired by Permira and CPPIB
- 2018–2019:
Amit serves as President of Products & Marketing
- Jan
2020: Amit becomes CEO
- Oct
2021: Informatica re-lists on NYSE
- 2022:
Amit awarded Cloud Executive of the Year
- 2023:
Acquisition of Privitar; restructuring begins
- 2024–2025:
Salesforce acquisition news and confirmation
- May
2025: Salesforce announces $8B deal to acquire Informatica
