upGrad, a prominent player in Asia’s integrated learning, skilling, and workforce development landscape, has appointed Venkatesh Tarakkad as its inaugural Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With over three decades of experience in finance and strategic leadership, Venkatesh brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, effective March 1, 2024.
In his capacity as CFO, Venkatesh will spearhead upGrad’s domestic and global financial strategies, overseeing a diverse array of functions including investor relations, business finance, corporate finance, accounting controllership, financial planning and analysis, risk management, tax, and treasury operations.
Prior to joining upGrad, Venkatesh played a pivotal role in driving finance, inventory management, and strategic initiatives at DealShare. His illustrious career spans across renowned organizations such as Ecom Express, TCNS Clothing, Siam Makro Thailand, Metro Cash & Carry, and Coca-Cola India, where he held various leadership positions. His journey began in the early 90s at Ernst & Young, where he honed his skills in financial management and governance.
Mayank Kumar, Co-founder & MD of upGrad, expressed confidence in Venkatesh’s appointment, emphasizing its strategic significance in the company’s growth trajectory. “Venkatesh is a seasoned enterprise leader, and his appointment marks a strategic leap forward in our growth journey, both in India and globally,” remarked Mayank. “His operational excellence will ensure a robust credit profile, end-to-end compliance, and transparent corporate and financial governance within the upGrad ecosystem.”
Venkatesh Tarakkad will be headquartered at upGrad’s headquarters in Mumbai, where he will leverage his extensive experience to drive the company’s financial agenda forward. Meanwhile, Rohit Agarwal, currently leading finance operations, will expand his role within upGrad’s ecosystem. Rohit will assume responsibility for leading operations in all regions outside of India, underscoring upGrad’s commitment to global expansion and operational excellence.
With Venkatesh Tarakkad’s appointment as CFO, upGrad reinforces its commitment to fostering financial integrity, operational efficiency, and strategic growth in the dynamic landscape of online education and workforce development.