Kiran Karnik co-opted as additional director on Sasken’s board

Sasken Communication Technologies, a player in embedded communications solutions space, today announced the co-option of Kiran Karnik, ex-president, Nasscom, on its board of directors as additional director with effect from 12 October 2009.

Kiran Karnik was the president of Nasscom, the trade body and the 'chamber of commerce' for the IT software and services industry in India, till January 2008.

''The expansion of Sasken's board ensures the company will continue to benefit from a diversity of experience and opinions. We are delighted to have Karnik on the board. His remarkable career with extensive and diverse experience is a valuable addition to Sasken's board'' said Rajiv Mody, chairman and chief executive officer, Sasken Communication Technologies.

Prior to joining Nasscom in 200, Karnik was the managing director at Discovery Networks in India where he spearheaded the launch of Discovery Channel in South Asia in August 1995, and Animal Planet in 1999. From 1991 to 1995, he was founder-director of the Consortium for Educational Communication, which was responsible for the Countrywide Classroom broadcasts and other ICT initiatives of India's University Grants Commission.

Earlier, Karnik worked for over 20 years at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), where he held various positions including that of founder-director of ISRO's Development and Educational Communication unit.

He is presently a member of the Scientific Advisory Council to prime minister, and vice-chairman of the National Foundation for Corporate Governance.

A post-graduate from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Karnik holds an honours degree in Physics from Bombay University.