Kannan S

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.

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