An Indian-origin software industry veteran, Ajei Gopal, has been named CEO of a leading US company, Pennsylvania-based ANSYS. It produces engineering simulation software used for testing product designs across a wide spectrum of industries including rockets and wearable technology.

A 25-year technology industry veteran, Ajei Gopal, 54 will take his position from January 1 next year.

Gopal, an IIT Bombay alumnus has served as a member of the ANSYS Board since 2011, has been appointed president and chief operating officer of the company effective immediately and will continue to serve on the Board.

James Cashman will become Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective from January 2017. He has served as ANSYS' Chief Executive Officer since 2000.

Gopal began his career as a member of the technical staff at Bell Communications Research. He has served as interim president and COO at California-based technology company Symantec, leading the company through the recruitment of a permanent CEO. He was also a senior vice president and general manager at Hewlett-Packard from 2011 and has worked at IBM from 1991 to 2000.

The company said having Gopal on board is "a huge win for ANSYS".

"I have no doubt that his outstanding leadership, unique perspective and appreciation for ANSYS' culture, people and organization make him the right choice to serve as our next leader during this exciting time," Cashman said.

Gopal said he was "honoured" to lead ANSYS. "I am committed to building on our standard of excellence and pushing the boundaries of innovation to help customers solve their most complex design challenges," he said.

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Nandini