Feb 2021 – Aug 2021 · 6 mos · India

• The second big phase of my career has ended and I have eased into a new phase. Chaitanya has been the centre of my Work Universe since Early 2011. As a founder first, then Managing Director and CEO of Chaitanya from 2014 this has been an incredible Journey. From a financial sector novice in 2011, I traversed the path to be considered an Industry Insider. In these years, peak joy was to see some of those incredible youngsters who joined us from college turn into responsible managers and citizens. The most energising moments were the 15 minute chats with our women borrowers.
• With the acquisition of Chaitanya by Sachin Bansals' Navi Technologies, we have found the company and its employees, a home with a very bright future. I end my Journey as a promoter, Founder and transition into a Key member of Sachin's and Navi Technologies' Banking Vision.
• There are rare windows of opportunity in the financial sector where the door is ajar for low capital and no background companies to establish in this sector. Anand and I were lucky to have seized on this opportunity to build a lasting institution. No words will ever capture the criticality and importance of the many many team members, who put their years into this. They know who they are.
• Topped up my Chaitanya Stint with an enriching 18 months stint at Navi Technologies and Navi Finserve. Great Set of colleagues and friends to work with and learn from. Working in the fast paced tech startups is a fascinating experience, helps me look back at my 10 year journey as an entrepreneur in new light.
• Had a heart warming farewell with the Chaitanya and Navi Teams, call me mushy but cannot help but be reminded that it is the friends we make and the love we share that matters when its all over.
• Its time to contemplate the next phase, hopefully more impactful and more fulfilling.

Mar 2020 – Feb 2021 · 11 mos · Bangalore Urban, Karnataka, India

• Led the Company in its period of Transition to Navi FinServ from its previous Avatar as CRIDS. We started the Digital personal Loans in April and then housing loans in December. Divested the Rural two wheeler loans and Micro housing loans business. A priceless experience of a lifetime in a highly ambitious, well capitalized, hyper growth, tech first startup.

Jun 2015 – Mar 2020 · 4 yrs 9 mos

Jan 2010 – Jun 2015 · 5 yrs 5 mos

• Started as an investor and board member. Always liked the rural focus and double bottom line approach, and slowly started getting involved in various aspects of the company management realized that my skills are useful for a young start up company.
• Got into a full time role towards the end of 2010. Significant challenges remain in building the systems/processes for control and audit, but the most important challenge is to create credibility and the improve the supply of debt to the company.

Oct 2008 – Mar 2010 · 1 yr 5 mos

• Tried to get a start up off the block, partner because I had a stake, financial and emotional in its success.
• Did not go too much to my liking, and micro finance caught my imagination

May 2004 – Apr 2008 · 3 yrs 11 mos

• Moved out of Brasil on the 18th of April. Its seems like Yesterday I went into Brasil, 6000 Euros of TC, laptop, and contacts that Thomas Gregersen had given me. As I leave the companY I started has arnd 150 employees, turnover of close to 200Mn USD and considered amongst the best Units within the company. Brasil is an incredible place and I had the good fortune of having some really wonderful people in my team. Two of the most challenging parts was building an operational System to suit specific Brasil needs and company's control needs and moulding the commercial team away from the tried and tested strategy of the competition to a a distinctive Olam Approach to things. Biggest reward, love and affection of the people who worked in my team. In between all this Organisational building, Trading coffee and learning as I do the pure trading seemed simple.

Apr 2002 – May 2004 · 2 yrs 1 mo

• Ivory Coast is a small country but an important commodity Country. I Gave Olam's coffee business a nice thrust, helped push the company to number 1 amongst the competitors and sustain the position very profitably

Jun 1999 – Apr 2002 · 2 yrs 10 mos

• Learnt the tricks, didnt like it when I started, found it too boring and travelling too painful, but slowly got a hang, guys who worked for me became good friends and I had learnt how to get people to work around you