Aug 2017 – Sep 2019 · 2 yrs 1 mo · Singapore

• Incubated a digital content startup focused on creating multi-platform content in niche genres of Kids & Lifestyle. Built branding and network of partners, generating interest and seed funding.
• Produced 2 series of content, with a total of 110 pieces of short-form content.
• Launched MagicaKidsTV on YouTube
• Executed JV with WebTVAsia, the largest digital content company in South East Asia for scaling up and distribution across Asia.

Oct 2006 – Feb 2017 · 10 yrs 4 mos · Singapore, Kuala Lumpur

• Strong tenure heading Corporate Finance, Strategic Planning, and Corporate Dev at Astro, Co-owned by UT group & Khazanah. Astro is large media & commerce company in South East Asia
• LEADERSHIP
• Built and managed a team of 15 managers across corporate HQ and regional offices
• Leveraged communication skills to motivate and influence leaders of 20 subsidiaries and investee cos
• Partnered with leadership teams of operating cos to create and implement business plans and finance strategy
• CORPORATE FINANCE
• Participated in the privatization of the listed Co in 2010, a takeover by the promoters in a US$2.5bn deal
• Monitored Group KPI’s, including cash flow, recommended quarterly and annual dividends to the Board
• Project-managed debt funding in coordination with the Treasury for both the Group and investee cos
• CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
• Executed and managed 30+ strategic investments worth US$1bn across India, SE Asia, China, Australia, the US, and the UK: Pay TV, Digital Media, OTT, E-commerce, Edutainment and Content
• Led entire deal process: deal sourcing, business plan, financial modelling and valuation, due diligence, structuring, negotiation of agmts and presentation of papers to Board
• Represented Astro on Boards and Audit Committees of investee cos
• Engaged with investors raising capital of investee cos and timely exit of investments
• Stakeholder mgmt - Regular communication and assess win–win solutions
• STRATEGIC PLANNING
• Managed the Group strategic planning, including defining strategic direction, allocation of resources and presenting the 5 year plans to the Board
• Worked with mgmt of operating cos, prepared long-range plans
• Implemented best practices of corporate governance
• BUSINESS SEGMENT FINANCE
• Conducted corporate restructuring to increase efficiency in operations and taxation
• Collaborated across lines of business to address issues raised by auditors and report compliance

Sep 2005 – Sep 2006 · 1 yr · Mumbai Area, India

• Developed business growth initiatives in Media & Entertainment. Oversaw a cross-functional business with strategy and budget oversight of all projects. Sourced new development opportunities through research and relationship development.
• Played a key role in JV formation with Thomson Group (Grass Valley & Technicolor) for creating a media hub.
• Created the business plan for launching ‘Head End in the Sky’ (HITS) platform.
• Collaborated cross-functionally on the “video over fiber” product to send broadcast signals to cable platforms in US and UK.

May 2003 – Sep 2005 · 2 yrs 4 mos · Mumbai Area, India

• Set up the Content Syndication business for licensing Sony-owned content to third-party channels, selling content to networks across Asia and represented SET at MIPTV & MIPCOM in Cannes, MIFED in Milan and ATF in Singapore.
• Created and launched business plans and strategic initiatives, including MTV and Nickelodeon into One Alliance distribution bouquet, the launch of Animax channel in India, and launch of SET-MAX channel worldwide
• Increased Sony’s distribution revenues in Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Maldives by 100% in one year

Feb 1999 – Mar 2002 · 3 yrs 1 mo · New Delhi Area, India

• Managing Finance and Accounting department
• Set up accounting and internal control systems in five countries in South Asia while reducing working capital by 20%.

Feb 1998 – Feb 1999 · 1 yr · Coimbatore Area, India

• Reported to CFO, headed the Commercial department of 7 Estates, 6 factories and 3 Hospitals
• Book keeping of the Tea Plantation division, preparation of financial statements for statutory and Management reporting, consolidated accounts and generation of MIS