Job title: Deputy chief executive and head of business strategy and support, Asia-Pacific.
Previous job title: Chief operating officer, Asia-Pacific and emerging markets, BNP Paribas Asset Management.
Time in the region: I have had Asia-Pacific responsibilities for over ten years, seven of them in Hong Kong, three in London.
What do you consider to be your home town? Thalassery, India. Several other cities have become second homes to me.
Educational background: BSc from the University of Calicut, India; MBA from the University of North Carolina, US.
First job in funds: Head of asset management operations in ABN AMRO Asset Management (now BNP Paribas) in India.
What is the toughest challenge you’ve faced in your professional life? My first overseas career move in early 2007 was just before the global financial crisis and ABN AMRO being sold to a consortium of banks. It was challenging. Yet looking back, it was one of my most fulfilling professional experiences.
What achievement in your job are you most proud of? Since starting in India with a strong local focus, I have been responsible for businesses in 17 countries across Asia and Latin America. I am proud of the way my cultural skills have evolved.
What advice would you give to someone who is beginning their career in the funds industry? Those with the right attitude can always learn the required skills.
If you could change one thing about the funds industry, what would it be? Asset managers should take a firmer stance on sustainability through educating clients on ESG.
What is your greatest ambition in life? To provide for my family. My son is passionate about cricket and I want to give him every opportunity to achieve his goals.
What’s the best investment you’ve made? Friendships.
Tell us something about you that most people don’t know: I love political debates. This drives my wife crazy, so I am only allowed to listen to them at home with my headphones on.
Favourite country to visit for a holiday: New Zealand.
Favourite type of food: Coastal Indian food for its flavours.
Favourite film: I’ve watched Forrest Gump about 100 times.
Your house is burning. Your family is safe. You have time to rescue one object. What would it be? With an Indian passport, you need a visa for every country on the planet. If I lost all those hard-earned visas, it would be a nightmare.
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