Puneet Pant

A results-oriented and highly accomplished executive (veteran, ex-submarine Captain) with over 25 years of distinguished experience across business management, administration, acquisition, operational leadership, training and quality management. Known for delivering exceptional outcomes in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, with a proven ability to drive organizational transformation, optimize performance, and manage multi-million-dollar budgets. Demonstrates a strong track record in conceptual thinking, strategic problem-solving, and leading diverse, high-performing teams.

Adept at leveraging data-driven insights for decision-making, mentoring senior leaders, and building collaborative relationships with key stakeholders.

AVP, CCB Technology - JP Morgan & Chase

(2022-11)

• Directed business management for critical CCB Technology LOBs (Credit Cards, Connected Commerce, Home & Auto Lending), overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and spend governance. Ensured alignment of financial strategies with organizational goals.
• Vendor and contractor requirement planning and administrative onboarding & governance
• Led headcount governance and budget management, implementing strategic initiatives to ensure accurate forecasting and adherence to spend budgets, driving operational efficiency and cost control.
• Partnered with senior stakeholders, including US Finance & Business Management, India Finance, recruitment teams, and operational leads, to resolve issues and mitigate risks related to workforce and budget management.
• Governed controllable spends for CCB Tech India, improving tracking, reporting accuracy, and cost controls for travel, training, wellness, and tech-related expenses.
• Led Agile project management for 10 major initiatives, driving automation, reporting system improvements, and successful process optimization. Completed key projects like HC Outlook reporting and the ICM Integration Pilot for streamlined invoicing.
• Delivered high-impact presentations and strategic insights to global teams, recognized by senior leadership for clarity, strategic alignment, and effective storytelling.
• Conducted audits and process reviews, identifying gaps in reporting systems and implementing solutions to enhance accuracy, compliance, and resource optimization.

Deputy Director (Global Acquisition) - Naval Headquarters

(2019-04 - 2022-10)

• Led high-value procurement projects worth 20,000 Cr+, collaborating with international stakeholders (USA, France, Germany, Russia, South Korea etc.) and government agencies to ensure project success and alignment with strategic goals.
• Achieved a 40% reduction in procurement timelines through strategic process improvements, driving significant operational efficiencies. Managed post-contract execution, ensuring compliance and timely delivery despite challenges like Covid-19.
• Delivered a 15% reduction in procurement costs by negotiating better deals and securing advantageous contract terms, driving financial value across projects.
• Used data to identify trends, optimise processes, and develop actionable insights for senior leadership, contributing to strategic decision-making and continuous performance improvement.
• Proactively identified and mitigated risks, ensuring smooth project execution. Implemented corrective actions that enhanced acquisition controls and efficiency.
• Led and mentored cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement in procurement processes.

Director (Administration, Audit and Quality Assurance) - Naval Headquarters

(2017-04 - 2019-04)

Facility Manager and Administrative Head of Headquarter establishment. Total Human Resource handled ~ 100.

• Led the transformation of 14 organizations over 2 years, leveraging data and performance metrics to implement staffing, scheduling, and process changes using Lean and Kaizen methodologies. Delivered measurable improvements in efficiency and quality.
• Established, structured and led the maiden cross-functional team focused on training, inspection, and quality assessment, laying the foundation for a comprehensive, high-performing unit dedicated to continuous improvement.
• Developed and implemented systems to evaluate organizational efficiency and assess key performance indicators (KPIs), driving performance improvements and process simplifications.
• Spearheaded the design and execution of robust systems for process evaluation, procedural simplification, and enhanced feedback mechanisms to foster operational excellence.
• Led audits to ensure adherence to operational, procedural, and safety standards, mitigating risks and safeguarding personnel and assets.

Commanding Officer (CEO) - Naval Headquarters

(2015-03 - 2017-03)

• Commanded two submarines, each valued at over USD 500 million, achieving 100% mission fulfilment in challenging, high-pressure environments. Led two major record-breaking missions in VUCA conditions, demonstrating strategic leadership and mission execution.
• Managed a diverse crew of 200+ members, driving a transformational cultural change that significantly enhanced the Employee Happiness Index. Fostered strong employee relationships while adhering to established work ethics and operational procedures.
• Surpassed Key Result Areas (KRAs) within seven months, exceeding performance indicators by over 100%. Improved operational metrics by an average of 200%, and enhanced platform availability by 300% despite resource and maintenance challenges.
• Oversaw performance assessments and forecasts, initiating corrective actions to align with KPIs. Ensured the professional development of high-performing subordinates, maintaining a focus on long-term operational success.
• Mentored and trained aspiring Commanding Officers (CEOs) and Executive Officers (COOs), evaluating their leadership readiness