SRINVAS KANNAN
Chennai
Summary
Dynamic and visionary transformation leader with 19+ years of cross-industry success in building, scaling, and optimizing Global Business Services (GBS) and Global Capability Centers (GCC). Proven expertise in end-to-end transitions, operating model design, governance frameworks, and enterprise-wide transformation. Trusted advisor to C-Suite leaders for driving operational excellence, future-proofing service delivery, and creating sustainable business value.
Skilled in aligning global business strategies with digital transformation, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and high-impact change management. Adept at influencing diverse, cross-functional stakeholders and nurturing talent to build resilient, empowered organizations.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Transition Director, APAC Region
ADIDAS GLOBAL BUSINESS SERVICES
Chennai
03.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded the end-to-end buildout of the APAC GBS hub, leading transitions of 500+ roles across Finance, P2P, Supply Chain and HR, delivering ~€14M in cost savings within 15 months.
- Architected the Transition Playbook, operating and governance models and established vendor collaboration frameworks, ensuring scalable, future-proof service delivery.
- Drove 20%+ KPI improvement through targeted adoption of Lean methodologies, global playbooks, and structured buddy systems for rapid onboarding and team alignment.
- Orchestrated the flawless execution of high-stakes programs, including VAT rate transitions across 5 countries, ensuring zero disruption during critical year-end cutovers.
- Launched a high-impact Lean training program achieving 90% completion within four months, embedding SME capabilities and end-to-end ownership mindset across the hub.
Transition Lead, GBS – APAC Region
PHILIPS GLOBAL BUSINESS SERVICES
Chennai
06.2016 - 02.2023
- Played an instrumental role in the strategic setup and expansion of GBS hubs in Chennai and Suzhou, driving transitions of over 1,000 roles across Finance, IT, Analytics, Master Data, Supply Chain, and Service Delivery domains.
- Designed and executed transition lifecycle strategies including due diligence, knowledge transfer, stabilization, and steady-state handover, enabling seamless global transitions.
- Implemented Work Optimization tools and cross-training models, improving operational efficiency by 22% and increasing capacity utilization by 18%.
- Partnered with global senior leaders to shape strategic workforce plans, resource governance, and delivery excellence frameworks aligned to Philips’ transformation roadmap.
Manager – Planning & Projects
SHELL INDIA MARKETS PVT. LTD.
Chennai
06.2010 - 05.2016
- Led the transition of FP&A roles from the US, LATAM, and EMEA to India, driving process standardization, cost optimization, and metric-based operational efficiency.
- Spearheaded the implementation of SAP HANA-based automated Budget Holder Reports, reducing manual efforts equivalent to 12 FTEs and improving reporting accuracy by 30%.
- Delivered $2.5M in cost savings by applying Six Sigma Green Belt methodologies to address systemic gaps in financial reporting and embedding lasting process improvements.
- Partnered directly with senior global leadership to manage $4B in annual budgets, driving strategic forecasting, cost modeling, and financial insights for decision support.
Senior/Lead Financial Analyst
ERNST & YOUNG GBS
Bangalore
11.2006 - 06.2010
- Directed the transition of Transaction Advisory Service roles from the US to India, managing risk, stakeholder expectations, and seamless integration into offshore delivery models.
- Delivered actionable financial insights through variance, utilization, and performance analysis, improving strategic decision-making and reporting clarity for leadership.
Market Analyst
REUTERS INDIA
Bangalore
05.2005 - 10.2006
- Delivered in-depth financial and market performance analysis to support global stakeholders with timely, data-driven business recommendations.
- Assessed corporate financial statements against macroeconomic conditions, informing strategic investment decisions.
Education
Senior Management Program -
Indian Institute of Management
Ahmedabad, India08-2019
Lean Leadership -
Philips
India06-2018
Leadership Excellence through Self Discovery -
XLRI Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur, India10-2017
Six Sigma Green Belt -
Shell
India04-2013
MBA (Marketing & Finance) - Marketing & Finance
IIPM
New Delhi, India04-2005
Bachelor of Commerce -
University of Madras
Chennai, India07-2002
Project Management -
PMP Trained
Skills
- GBS & GCC Set-Up
- Business Transformation & Change Leadership
- Stakeholder Influence & Governance
- Enterprise Operating Model Design
- Program & Project Management
- Strategic Cost Optimization
- Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt)
- High-Performance Culture Building
- Global Transition & Integration
Personal Information
Nationality: Indian
Passport Validity
2026
Signature Achievements
- Delivered cumulative savings exceeding €25M+ through global transitions, automation, and Lean Six Sigma interventions across Adidas, Philips, and Shell.
- Successfully transitioned over 2,000 roles across multiple industries, functions, and geographies — building resilient, scalable global business service ecosystems.
- Designed and institutionalized governance models and vendor frameworks that supported business continuity and operational excellence across APAC and EMEA.
- Partnered directly with global CXOs and senior leadership to translate business strategy into executable transformation roadmaps.
Recommendations
Srinvas has established himself very quickly as the 'go-to' leader in our Chennai GBS Hub for transition management, hub office set-up/fit-out, team recruitment and onboarding, transformation and continuous improvement, initially for Financial Planning & Analysis, and now also for wider Finance and other Functions. Srinvas doesn't hesitate to go beyond his strict role to make the wider team and company successful. Great to have you on the team!
Timeline
Transition Director, APAC Region
ADIDAS GLOBAL BUSINESS SERVICES
03.2023 - Current
Transition Lead, GBS – APAC Region
PHILIPS GLOBAL BUSINESS SERVICES
06.2016 - 02.2023
Manager – Planning & Projects
SHELL INDIA MARKETS PVT. LTD.
06.2010 - 05.2016
Senior/Lead Financial Analyst
ERNST & YOUNG GBS
11.2006 - 06.2010
Market Analyst
REUTERS INDIA
05.2005 - 10.2006
Senior Management Program -
Indian Institute of Management
Lean Leadership -
Philips
Leadership Excellence through Self Discovery -
XLRI Jamshedpur
Six Sigma Green Belt -
Shell
MBA (Marketing & Finance) - Marketing & Finance
IIPM
Bachelor of Commerce -
University of Madras
Project Management -
PMP Trained
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