Santosh Viswanathan
Global COO with 27+ years’ experience leading large-scale operations and transformation across UK, Europe, India & South Africa. Delivers margin growth, integrates acquisitions, and builds high-performing global teams
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About
Global COO with 27+ years of leadership experience driving large-scale operations, enterprise transformation, and P&L performance across the UK, Europe, India, and South Africa. Proven ability to scale multi-country delivery organisations, lead complex transformations, and build high-impact operating models. Track record of transitioning 15,000+ roles, integrating acquisitions, and delivering 10–15% margin improvement through cost optimisation, automation, and operational excellence.
Trusted partner to CEOs and boards in aligning operations with strategy, accelerating growth, and building high-performance global teams.
Experience
Business Transformation Consultant at Self-Employed (2025-04 – Present)
Leading transformation of early-stage businesses into scalable, process-driven enterprises
- Leading transformation of early-stage businesses into scalable, process-driven enterprises
- Driving service delivery excellence, contract governance, and client relationship frameworks
- Developing domestic and international expansion strategies
- Advising CEO on fundraising, investor relations, and M&A opportunities
- Strengthening governance, financial planning, and executive reporting
- Delivered measurable operational improvements for BPO/KPO and retail trade industry
Director – Global Operational Excellence / COO at Capita India (2005-04 – 2025-04)
Owned £20M P&L across transformation, delivery excellence, reporting, training, and continuous improvement. Led global transition and transformation programmes across UK, Europe, India, and South Africa.
- Owned £20M P&L across transformation, delivery excellence, reporting, training, and continuous improvement
- Led global transition and transformation programmes across UK, Europe, India, and South Africa
- Built and scaled shared services, transitioning 15,000+ roles across HR, Finance, Procurement, Operations, and Technology
- Designed and implemented target operating models driving margin improvements, revenue growth, and cost efficiency
- Championed automation and digital transformation, embedding continuous improvement frameworks
- Managed operations across highly regulated industries
- Partnered with commercial teams to secure high-value global contracts
Project Manager (Earlier Roles) at Tata Interactive Systems, Intelenet Global Services, Plexus Technologies (1999 – 2005)
Delivered LMS platforms, enterprise applications, and offshore transitions
- Delivered LMS platforms, enterprise applications, and offshore transitions
- Managed cross-functional teams (40+ members) in complex delivery environments
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Finance and Accounting Business management with strategy, leadership, and organizational development. Independent director from IICA
