President of Hoffman Estates dies from injuries in accident that also killed CEO

The president of Hoffman Estates-based international software company Vistex died Friday from injuries sustained in a Jan. 18 fall in India that also killed the company’s founder and CEO.

A records review conducted Saturday by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office found that the death of 54-year-old Raju Datla of Barrington was due to secondary causes: carotid stenosis, a narrowing of the carotid artery, and a previous stroke.

Vistex CEO Sanjay Shah (56) died and Datla was seriously injured when they fell five metres from an elevated stage during an event celebrating Vistex’s 25th anniversary. The fall occurred after a support beneath the stage broke, Indian news sources including the Times of India reported.

According to the forensic officer, the incident occurred at Ramoji Film City near the city of Hyderabad.

Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod said he and his wife knew Shah well through his fundraising efforts for Ascension St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates. He also expressed his condolences on Monday for the loss of Datla.

“It was a very sad situation overall,” McLeod said.

Tricia O’Brien, president of the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce, said Vistex has been a member of the organization since 2016 and supports it financially and by providing office space.

“It is absolutely devastating to hear this,” she said of Datla’s death.

Vistex’s website features a memorial to Shah and a biography of Datla as an active leader of the company, which he joined 24 years ago.

“As Vistex expands the breadth and depth of its portfolio, Raju continues to provide leadership and vision to help companies realize the full potential of their go-to-market programs,” the website states.

After Shah’s death, the company appointed Amos Biegun as its new CEO.

Vistex representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

The company, which develops revenue management software, has grown to 20 locations worldwide and employs more than 2,000 people, according to its website, and its headquarters building in Hoffman Estates features flags from around the world.

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