#ClashOfAmbitions: Nikesh Arora reveals it all in stormy tweets

FP Staff • June 22, 2016, 09:04:12 IST

The resignation from the post seems to be the result of a clash of ambitions of Son and Arora

#ClashOfAmbitions: Nikesh Arora reveals it all in stormy tweets

The resignation of Nikesh Arora as the president of SoftBank Group has come as an unexpected development for the the Indian startup ecosystem.

Arora, who was to take over as CEO of the group once Masayoshi Son retires, has lead many investments into Indian startups, including Snapdeal, OlaCabs, Housing.com and Oyorooms. At $73 million a year, he was also one of the highest paid executives in the world.

Arora had recently come under scanner after a group of investors accused him of wrong investment decisions and conflict of interest.

A special committee set up by SoftBank, however, had given him a clean chit on Monday, saying “the special committee has concluded that the claims concerning the conduct of Arora during his tenure at SBG are without merit”.

However, the resignation from the post seems to be the result of a clash of ambitions of Son and Arora.

“Son’s intention was to keep leading the Group in various aspects for the time being, while Arora wished to start taking over the lead in a few years’ time. The difference of expected timelines between the two leads to Arora’s resignation from the position of Representative Director,” SoftBank said in a statement.

“I was thinking of handing over my job as CEO when I turn 60, but thought maybe I’m still a bit too young, and still have energy to continue,” Son was quoted as saying in a report in the Wall Street Journal .

In a series of tweets, Arora also expressed his displeasure at the development.

Here are his choicest tweets that give a glimpse into his thinking:

Masa 2 continue 2 be CEO for 5-10 years, respect that. Learnt a lot. Clean chit from board after through review. Time for me to move on.
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

All good. Masa wanted to be CEO for longer, I did as promised, time to move on. https://t.co/cQsgTe1Ig6
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

Masa and I are still in love with each other. I will support everyone I invested in, and they know that. https://t.co/g3QAAC1jbo
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

No...didn't want to be CEO in waiting past my sell by date :) https://t.co/PRDaQprmyl
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

Surprises happen if you get wedded to outcomes and get set in your expectations. https://t.co/Tsb1Vh7oP6
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

He and I love each other. Leading is a drug, a positive influence, a raison d'etre. U need to be ready to leave... https://t.co/xcdUWCbTgF
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

The nature of investing is wins and losses, as long as wins overweight losses you win. Can't regret the loss.. https://t.co/5O7KPUfHZP
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

Lol. https://t.co/xlP3fZPtqd
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

I love YJ! Miyasaka San is great, and I am always there whenever he needs me. https://t.co/jbjCVXWPdo
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

I have lots of integrity...and lots of time. No rush. https://t.co/Ho5D4S8htx
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

You should have been at dinner w masa or the press meeting and you could have decided. No, no lack. Live in CA. https://t.co/yfDTpqcCe2
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

:). Life doesn't need to be orderly my friend. It's about having fun everyday. https://t.co/sskfQyYJCf
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

I am not sad. I learnt a lot, sitting with Masa at dinner and chatting about life in the future. https://t.co/6TW1k6d6Nh
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

No! Arora departs after doing what he promised and Masa wanting to be CEO for longer. :). Arora for clean chit. https://t.co/nthM0l65c3
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

Never had a doubt. My father was a man with the highest integrity, if there was one thing he tought me, that was it https://t.co/9Ke3j6sFUP
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

Thanks Amit. Going to chill for a bit. https://t.co/gtZ1mVpYen
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

Lol. Funny guy. https://t.co/LsbgUHmUq8
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

Done. https://t.co/3mUjfZHtzv
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

Lol. Not true. It's a small loss.... https://t.co/nD1EkhXSVl
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

Plan to support them for an year, hence continuing as advisor. https://t.co/JBtSiFdSvJ
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016

Going to continue to support the Indian startup ecosystem....can't change faith if you change jobs :)! https://t.co/ILIlS6qdcp
— Nikesh Arora (@nikesharora) June 21, 2016