From the file  Company: Netsol Technologies Inc. Position: Founder, chairman and chief executive officer Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics. from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Ill.; master’s degree in business administration in marketing from Claremont University in Claremont, Calif. Age: 53

BURLINGAME, Calif. — Ten years ago, Najeeb Ghauri did something unthinkable to many career professionals: He left behind a thriving career in the oil industry and, without any familiarity with the world of high technology, transformed a clothing-manufacturing company into a full-services IT firm.

Looking back, Ghauri, 53, takes a whimsical view about his decision to leave behind a career at oil industry giant Arco and begin Netsol Technologies Inc., a provider of IT outsourcing and services which has grown a remarkable 70 percent annually for the past four years. "I was just looking for something more exciting and dynamic to do with my life," says Netsol's founder, chairman and chief executive officer. "There is no better feeling for me than being in the trenches."

A native of Lahore, Pakistan, Ghauri earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Eastern Illinois University in 1979 and master's degree in business administration in marketing from Claremont University in Claremont, Calif. in 1982.

Ghauri's positive attitude, coupled with the IT expertise of his brothers, Salim and Naeem, has worked to develop Netsol Technologies into an industry leader with a total workforce of 730 employees and offices in the United States, China, Great Britain, Australia and Pakistan.

Netsol specializes in providing IT services for corporations in various industries. Among its clients is DaimlerChrysler's Asia Pacific division. Netsol developed an IT system that begins with tracking consumer loan applications for cars produced by this global auto manufacturer. Its system then maintains the entire portfolio of approved loans from first to final payments by consumers. Netsol also performs similar functions for Hyundai's U.S. division.

Within the financial services industry, Netsol technology applications are utilized by the credit card divisions of Capitol One Bank and JP Morgan Chase & Co., following consumer accounts from initial inquiries to final payoff of balances.

The efficiency and effectiveness of Netsol's services and software, especially its LeaseSoft IT package specially designed for corporate leasing operations, has won over numerous clients.  This is best evidenced by its customer list, which includes such premium companies as Toyota Leasing, Ford Motor Credit Co., Volkswagen Credit Inc., the Bank of Ireland, the Bank of Scotland, Bull Information Systems and Cisco Systems Capital Corp.

Ghauri propels Netsol's success through continued emphasis on quality, cost effectiveness and customer satisfaction. For an example, he points to the Netsol technology campus in Lahore, Pakistan. "It features the best, fully qualified programmers and developers," says Ghauri. Furthermore, given this facility's low-expense location, Netsol can offer IT packages at a fraction of the cost charged within the United States and elsewhere. This cost competitiveness is further enhanced, he says, by Pakistan's tax free policy regarding software developed within its borders.

Netsol quality is also evident through its premier Capability Material Model rating. This rating system was developed by Carnegie Mellon University to determine the consistency and quality of software products. Netsol has earned a very high CMM level five rating, which, says Ghauri, "has put our company on the map in terms of technological standards — virtually on the same level as such industry leaders as Microsoft and Oracle."

Such technological and cost advantages would mean little, however, were it not for Ghauri's focus on meeting client expectations. "Over the years, we have developed a proven track record of delivery and capability," he says. "More than anything else, we believe that satisfying customers' needs comes first."

Ghauri stresses that all members of his management team are on board to fulfill corporate goals and objectives. "Everyone must share the same commitment and belief in what we are doing," he says. "If everyone follows the long term vision with clear focus, it is possible to achieve success."

To help ensure that everybody is on the same page when it comes to company performance, Ghauri is especially careful about who he brings into Netsol. "I believe it is important to choose the right people for the right jobs," he says. "If someone is put in the wrong position, doing something he or she is not qualified to do or is unhappy with their role, then everybody suffers."

Fortunately, however, Ghauri has ensured that both his staff and his company have taken few, if any, missteps. The result of this positive growth can be found in the numbers. Revenue estimates for fiscal year 2007, which the company will conclude in September, are $30 million. This is a far cry from 2003 revenue when, following its victory over a brutal takeover attempt, Netsol totaled just $3 million.

The would-be takeover, which was launched in 2001, proved to be an enlightening life lesson for Ghauri. "While we won the war, the company emerged bankrupt from the struggle," he recalls. "We had to start from scratch in many ways but, with the right resolve and determination, we were able to not only survive but also thrive." 

The resulting upward surge in profits lead many who know Ghauri to consider him the right man at the right time for Netsol.

"As a corporate leader, Mr. Ghauri demonstrates his special ability to nurture a winning team while delivering industry-leading quality and value to customers," says Mark Caton, president of Centela Systems and a member of the Netsol Technologies board of directors. "He combines the best of both worlds, maintaining his sense of appreciation for the individual while simultaneously driving his team to greater excellence and achievement."

Adds Caton: "Mr. Ghauri can best be described as a charismatic leader. He inspires loyalty in his team members by constantly striving to merge the personal goals of his staff with the larger objectives of the team."

One very visible indication of Ghauri's support — both within and outside of Netsol — can be found in a visit he made not long ago to the New York Stock Exchange. "Last year, on September 13, I had the distinction of ringing the opening bell at the exchange," he says. "To this day, I am the only Pakistani private businessperson to be afforded this honor."

But what of the future? Can Ghauri be equally effective — and optimistic — when it comes to moving Netsol forward?  Board member Caton, for one, thinks so. "Mr. Ghauri has a global view of the industries served by NetSol Technologies," he says. "This broad vision — combined with a strong dedication to the interests of his shareholders — forms his strategic thinking and promises continued success for NetSol Technologies."

As for Ghauri himself, he has high hopes for Netsol — which he is confident can be fulfilled. "High on my list is to have this company earning $100 million in revenues within the next two to three years," he says. "I know this can be done. With enough belief and willpower, anything is possible."