Venkatesh Gadiyar has been associated with Tejas Networks since July 2013. Tejas is an R&D-driven technology company that designs, manufactures and sells high performance and world-class optical and data networking products to clients across the world. As the chief financial officer of the company, Gadiyar is responsible for maintaining a fine balance between R&D and sales investments, while ensuring a healthy and sustainable financial performance. He also oversees the financial management of the company, which includes managing the cash flow and working capital, putting in place strong financial controls and undertaking financial planning. “A key challenge I face is in selecting the right projects for the company’s R&D investments and deciding the correct timing to ensure the best return on investment,” he says.
According to him, the telecom sector is expected to witness robust growth in the coming years. While India is the world’s largest consumer of mobile data today, it has very few fixed broadband subscribers. “I expect significant capex investments in the fixed broadband space, as the two leading telcos have announced aggressive plans to launch gigabit fibre broadband services,” he says. He feels telcos will continue expanding their 4G networks into sub-urban and rural areas while preparing their networks for 5G by accelerating the fiberisation and densification of cell sites.
Gadiyar has several years of experience in the field of finance. In the past, he has worked as assistant financial controller, Infosys Limited.
His most memorable assignment was leading the IPO team at Tejas Networks for its public listing on the Indian stock exchanges, in June 2017. “The task was challenging since it involved coordinating with multiple stakeholders such as lawyers, investment bankers, regulatory authorities and investors, and securing all the necessary approvals in a timely fashion,” he recalls.
Gadiyar’s passion, focus and dedication towards work are his key strengths. He has an open and assertive management style, and always encourages his team to question the status quo. “I believe in the delegation of responsibilities and encourage my team to think like future leaders,” he says.
He has a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Mangalore University and is a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. A big yoga enthusiast, he likes to spend time with his family, which comprises his wife and their two children, a daughter and a son.
