Truecaller AB, the Swedish caller ID and spam detection firm, is set to welcome Aruna Sundararajan, a seasoned technology and policy expert, to its board. The nomination, proposed by the company's Nomination Committee, will be voted on at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for May 23, 2025. Sundararajan's extensive experience in the tech sector and her pivotal roles in shaping India's digital and telecom policies mark her as a significant addition to Truecaller's governance team.
Sundararajan's career highlights include serving as the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Telecommunications in India, where she was instrumental in policy-making for the telecom sector. Her leadership as Kerala's first IT Secretary, driving digital infrastructure and e-learning projects, further underscores her capability to contribute to Truecaller's strategic direction. Currently, she chairs the Broadband India Forum and holds advisory and directorial positions in several prominent organizations, including Delhivery Limited and L&T Technology Services Limited.
The Nomination Committee's proposal also includes the re-election of all current board members, ensuring continuity in Truecaller's leadership. Kamjar Hajabdolahi, Chairman of the Nomination Committee, expressed enthusiasm about Sundararajan's nomination, highlighting her potential to enhance the board's expertise in policy and regulatory matters, especially in technology. This move is seen as a step to bolster Truecaller's strategic depth amid its focus on digital trust and global expansion.
Aruna Sundararajan's appointment is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Truecaller's board, particularly in navigating the complex regulatory landscapes of the tech and telecom sectors. Her independent status from the company and its major shareholders adds an unbiased perspective to the board's deliberations, aligning with best governance practices. As Truecaller continues to expand its footprint, Sundararajan's insights into digital transformation and policy frameworks will be invaluable in steering the company's future growth.
Italian aerospace and defense conglomerate Leonardo has taken a significant step into the cybersecurity sector by acquiring a 24.55% stake in Finland's SSH Communications Security Corporation. This strategic investment, valued at approximately €20 million, positions Leonardo as the largest shareholder in SSH, surpassing Accendo Capital, which will retain a 20.87% stake post-transaction. The move underscores Leonardo's commitment to expanding its cybersecurity capabilities in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
The partnership between Leonardo and SSH is set to leverage SSH's expertise in Secure Shell (SSH) protocol and Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions, areas critical for securing digital communications and access to sensitive systems. SSH's global reputation and technological advancements, including quantum-safe encryption technologies, align with Leonardo's strategic objectives to enhance its cybersecurity offerings. This collaboration is expected to drive innovation in protecting critical infrastructure and digital assets against evolving cyber threats.
Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, highlighted the acquisition as a pivotal element of the company's industrial plan, aiming to establish Leonardo as a leader in the Zero Trust revolution in Europe. The deal not only expands Leonardo's international portfolio but also strengthens its position in the cybersecurity market, which is anticipated to experience double-digit growth in the coming years.
The transaction, subject to certain conditions, marks a significant milestone for both companies. For SSH, the investment by Leonardo opens new avenues for growth and collaboration in the defense sector, a market with compelling opportunities. For Leonardo, the stake in SSH represents a strategic move to bolster its cybersecurity business, reflecting the growing importance of cyber defense in modern warfare and security strategies. Together, Leonardo and SSH are poised to address the complex challenges of cybersecurity in an era of digital transformation and geopolitical tensions.