Kannan S

Global CFO with 30+ Years of Pioneering Financial Leadership Across India, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, and Uganda in Manufacturing, Retail, Trading & Distribution and Logistics.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Nov 2023 – Till Date                                      Anseba Group, Angola                                                         Group Chief Finance Officer

• Spearheaded the budget finalization for 2024 across multiple sectors including Retail, Manufacturing - carbonated drinks, juices, detergents, chips & snacks, liquid soaps, toilet roll, tissues, diapers, Distribution, Commodity trading, and Shipchandling, enhancing financial planning and resource allocation.
• Managed the closure of financial books for 2023 for a diverse portfolio of companies, overseeing the audit process to ensure compliance and financial integrity.
• Conducted foreign exchange transactions, optimizing currency management and financial strategies to mitigate risks and capitalize on market opportunities.
• Led the enhancement of process systems and internal controls across various businesses, driving efficiency, reducing errors, and strengthening operational resilience.

May 2021 – Oct 2023                                    International Controls Limited                                               Group Chief Finance Officer

• Spearheaded comprehensive financial strategies across subsidiaries including Kenya Nut Company, Thika Coffee Mills, Kenyan Alliance, and Urasia, enhancing overall fiscal stability and growth.
• Optimized financial operations by implementing cutting-edge processes, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced costs.
• Directed the FP&A activities, providing critical insights and forecasts that informed strategic decision-making.
• Cultivated strong relationships with investors, stakeholders, and institutions, securing favorable investments for the company.
• Oversaw all regulatory and financial reporting requirements, ensuring compliance with international standards and local laws.
• Led and mentored a diverse team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Mar 2017 – Mar 2021                                     Roofing’s Group, Uganda                                                       Group Chief Finance Officer

• Piloted Group's operations, transforming banking facilities and reducing rates, while leading FP&A and P&L Ownership.
• Spearheaded the finance team, managing forecasting, budget, and Treasury Management, ensuring robust financial health.
• Innovated a pricing policy to mitigate exchange fluctuation risks, converting Ugandan Shillings to USD for supplier payments.
• Secured a $25 million facility for plant construction in Rwanda with COGE Bank, Kigali, demonstrating negotiation skills.
• Successfully implemented SAP S4 Hana in a record 6 months, negotiating 200 licenses and overseeing the rollout.

Jun 2013 – Oct 2016                                     Mohinani Group of Companies, Ghana            Group VP-Finance /Business Head 

• Finalized and rationalized group budgets for Mohinani Group in 2014, 2015, and 2016, driving cost savings and successfully negotiating bank funding in USD and local currency.
• Converted funding from USD to local currency, eliminating exchange losses, renegotiated freight rates to achieve a 20% cost reduction, and implemented Orion ERP in KFC and manufacturing modules in two units.
• Assessed financial performance, providing insights for both short-term and long-term organizational growth strategies.
• Transformed the retail division into a profitable entity within two months of assuming the role of business head.

Dec 2001 – Apr 2013                                     Landmark Group, Jeddah/Al-Khobar                                        CFO/Finance Manager

• Orchestrated Finance and Operations in Jeddah/Al-Khobar, overseeing 13 Center Point Stores, 23 City Max Stores, and other outlets, driving the bottom line from 14% to 17%, and doubling annual turnover from USD 350 million to USD 700 million.
• Initiated a new import gateway in Jeddah, enhancing operational efficiencies, and led the establishment of stores in strategic Saudi locations like Bisha, Taif, Rabigh, Al Baha, and Makkah, boosting market presence.
• Pioneered new business lines in South & North International airport terminals in Jeddah, managing Duty-free shops, and successfully renegotiated rents during the 2008 recession, reducing costs by 10-20%.
• Managed expansive retail projects from feasibility to implementation, including negotiating with landlords and determining concept mixes for the retail area, alongside developing a 100,000 square feet central warehouse in the Western Region.
• Actively engaged in IPO processes, effective Working Capital Management, and implemented Oracle E-Business Suite Version 11i, ensuring robust financial operations.
• Achieved significant stock loss reduction from 0.6% to 0.25% of sales, facilitated the renovation of over 350,000 sq. ft. of retail space, and expanded the retail area to over 554,000 sq. ft. during tenure.

BACHELOR IN COMMERECE, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANAT & COSTS & WORKS ACCOUNTANT