Lakshmanan Venkatesan
About Lakshmanan Venkatesan
Lakshmanan Venkatesan serves as the Chief Financial Officer at SPAN, bringing extensive experience in finance and governance from previous roles at notable companies such as Google and KPMG. He holds multiple qualifications in accounting and finance, including a Grad CWA and ACA, and has a proven track record in project finance and strategic initiatives.
Work at SPAN
Lakshmanan Venkatesan serves as the Chief Financial Officer at SPAN, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he leads the finance maturation process by building teams and developing processes, controls, and systems. His efforts focus on transitioning the finance functions from early-stage to stage-appropriate competency. He is recognized for his ability to drive strategic initiatives and enhance stakeholder value within the organization.
Education and Expertise
Lakshmanan Venkatesan has a solid educational background in finance and accounting. He studied at The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India, where he achieved Grad CWA in Cost Accounting from 1992 to 1995. He also holds an ACA from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, earned between 1995 and 1998. Additionally, he completed a BCom in Commerce at the University of Madras from 1991 to 1994. His credentials include Series 63 and Series 79, indicating expertise in securities regulation and investment banking.
Professional Background
Lakshmanan Venkatesan has extensive experience in finance across various sectors. He has worked at notable companies such as Google, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. His roles have included M&A Finance at Google, Director of Transaction Services at KPMG, and Vice President of Fund Operations at Spruce Finance. He has also served as a board member and audit committee chair for commercial companies, showcasing his leadership in governance and financial oversight.
Achievements in Finance
Throughout his career, Lakshmanan Venkatesan has developed a diverse financial skill set, particularly in project finance, consumer financing, solar lending, and leasing. He has been recognized as a change agent and trusted business partner, emphasizing his reputation for driving strategic initiatives. His leadership roles have contributed to significant advancements in financial processes and governance within the organizations he has served.
Previous Work Experience
Before joining SPAN, Lakshmanan Venkatesan held various positions that contributed to his expertise in finance. He worked at Mosaic as Vice President of Finance from 2016 to 2021, and prior to that, he was a Director at KPMG focusing on Renewable Energy from 2008 to 2013. His earlier roles included Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis at Citibank and Audit Senior at PricewaterhouseCoopers, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of financial operations.