The journey of Parag Agrawal, an IIT Bombay graduate who soared to international headlines for his staggering salary package and subsequent dismissal within a year, serves as a notable episode in the tech world. His hiring by a multinational corporation as CEO, accompanied by a colossal salary package comprising Rs 8 crore and restricted stock units valued at a whopping Rs 94 crore, surpassed the Rs 100 crore mark. However, this meteoric rise was short-lived as Agrawal faced termination following a company takeover.
A proud testament to IIT alumni's global prominence in leading some of the largest tech entities, Agrawal's trajectory captured attention. Yet, his tenure at Twitter as CEO abruptly concluded after the micro-blogging platform was acquired in a monumental $44 billion deal by Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest individual. Musk wasted no time in displacing Agrawal from his CEO position, taking over the reins himself for the initial months post-acquisition.
Agrawal's professional journey began with internships at Microsoft Research and Yahoo before joining Twitter in 2011. Over six years, he ascended to the role of chief technology officer, stepping in after Adam Messinger's departure.
Hailing from Ajmer, Agrawal hailed from a family deeply entrenched in education and academia, with a father serving in a senior capacity in the Indian Department of Atomic Energy and a mother who retired as an Economics professor.
His academic prowess led him to secure the 77th All India Rank (AIR) in his IIT Bombay graduation. Furthering his education, Agrawal pursued a PhD in computer science at Stanford University in the United States.
The narrative of Parag Agrawal exemplifies the dynamic journeys and unexpected turns witnessed in the tech industry. From humble beginnings to a meteoric rise and a sudden departure, his story underscores the volatility and rapid shifts that characterize leadership roles in the ever-evolving landscape of global corporations.
