Vishakha Bhatnagar
Rotterdam
Summary
Accomplished finance and strategy professional with over 15 years of diverse experience across energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. Have demonstrated expertise in leading complex valuations, structuring M&A transactions, and developing financial models that enhance strategic decision-making. Proven track record in renewable energy, trading, downstream oil & gas, and corporate finance, with prior leadership roles in global organizations such as Siemens, supported by an MBA in Finance from Indian School of Business (ISB).
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Product Finance Advisor
Shell Trading
Rotterdam
09.2023 - Current
- Finance lead for Shell Trading on the in-house HEFA manufacturing unit at Pernis, assessing trading value, debt-like commitments, and working capital requirements.
- Led financial evaluation of a long-term offtake agreement for FAME from a blending facility in the Netherlands, including valuation modelling and risk assessment of IXA/IXB shorts and UCO/UCOME spread volatility.
- Finance lead on multiple potential acquisitions of feedstock trading companies. Structured transactions and advised on Shell’s acquiring entity.
- Designed delayed equity participation structures to manage downside risk. Built comprehensive valuation models and led financial due diligence.
- Assessing Shell’s increased equity stake in a joint venture refinery (from 50% to 100%), evaluating financial liabilities and counterparty distress, and identifying incremental trading value.
- Developed Shell Trading Rotterdam’s first-ever cash forecast model tailored for a trading entity: Working Capital Investment/Release: Modeled inventory-driven working capital using regression analysis based on Brent crude prices, HVO/UCO spreads, seasonality, and historical inventory by desk. Net Income After Tax (NIAT): Estimated using margin by desk derived from market volatility, adjusted with Shell Trading’s diversified Value at Risk (VaR). Impact: Model supports strategic planning and liquidity management for Shell Trading Rotterdam, with potential to scale globally across Shell’s product trading businesses.
- Performed detailed financial valuation for the transfer of bitumen, sulphur, and middle distillates businesses to Shell Trading Rotterdam and successfully defended the valuation approach with Shell’s tax advisors.
Valuation Lead in Acquisition & Divestment Team
Shell
Delhi
08.2020 - 08.2022
- Valuation lead for several successful transactions in Shell’s Acquisition & Divestment team, including Shell’s largest global renewable energy platform acquisition, Sprng Energy.
- Developed a robust financial model with ~1,000 scenarios to evaluate ~30 operational assets and potential future bids by the platform.
- Enabled Shell to compete effectively against debt-equity structured offers with a pure equity bid that met return thresholds through optimized funding and detailed scenario analysis.
- Successfully concluded two lubricant sector deals as valuation lead: 100% equity acquisition of Panolin, a global leader in environmentally acceptable lubricants. 50% equity participation in Blue Tide Environmental, a U.S.-based JV focused on sustainable re-refined base oils, acquired from a private equity firm.
- Built and defended valuation models, aligned with advisors on financial and commercial due diligence, and advised on transaction structuring and strategic fit.
Economist – Retail
Shell
Chennai
05.2019 - 07.2020
- Conducted financial feasibility assessments for retail fuel outlets and quick service restaurants (QSRs), supporting investment decisions across Shell’s retail network.
- Developed the business case for the rollout of Shell’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the UK, evaluating commercial viability, capital investment, and long-term strategic impact.
Project Manager
Systra MVA Consulting
Delhi
01.2018 - 04.2019
- Financial and economic expert for metro rail projects.
- Structured funding models aligned with development bank requirements.
Manager – Corporate Finance
Amtek Auto
India
08.2016 - 09.2017
- Led €70M in sell-side transactions.
- Managed IMs, valuations, due diligence, and investor negotiations.
Head – Strategy, Metal Technologies BU
Siemens Limited
India
10.2013 - 10.2014
- Led M&A activities including stake sale to MHI and acquisition assessments.
- Managed post-merger integration and strategic planning.
Strategy Team Member, Metal Technologies BU
Siemens Limited
India
01.2011 - 09.2013
- Supported cross-border M&A, financial modelling, and strategic initiatives.
Manager – Strategic Planning
Value and Budget Housing Corporation
India
05.2010 - 01.2011
- Supported investor engagement and strategic planning for affordable housing.
Executive / Assistant Manager – Projects
Tata BlueScope Steel
Kolkata
11.2006 - 02.2009
- Managed steel building projects from concept to commissioning.
- Built key client relationships (e.g., Haldia Petrochemicals).
Project Coordinator
Synergy Property Development Services
Pune
12.2005 - 11.2006
Construction Management Trainee
Simplex Infrastructures Ltd.
New Delhi
02.2005 - 12.2005
Education
Post Graduate Programme in Management - Analytical Finance
Indian School of Business (ISB)
Hyderabad, India01.2010
Post Graduate Diploma - Advanced Construction Management
NICMAR
Pune, India01.2005
Bachelor of Engineering - Civil
Visvesvaraya Technological University
Belgaum, India01.2003
Skills
- Financial modeling
- Valuation analysis
- M&A transaction structuring
- Working capital management
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Attention to detail
Personal Details
- Date of birth: October 22, 1979
- Current address: Laan op Zuid 432, Rotterdam, 3071 AA, the Netherlands
- Permanent address: Tower 6, 11-C, Central Park 2, Sector 48, Gurgaon, 122018, India
- Alternate India number: +91 9748405489
Timeline
Senior Product Finance Advisor
Shell Trading
09.2023 - Current
Valuation Lead in Acquisition & Divestment Team
Shell
08.2020 - 08.2022
Economist – Retail
Shell
05.2019 - 07.2020
Project Manager
Systra MVA Consulting
01.2018 - 04.2019
Manager – Corporate Finance
Amtek Auto
08.2016 - 09.2017
Head – Strategy, Metal Technologies BU
Siemens Limited
10.2013 - 10.2014
Strategy Team Member, Metal Technologies BU
Siemens Limited
01.2011 - 09.2013
Manager – Strategic Planning
Value and Budget Housing Corporation
05.2010 - 01.2011
Executive / Assistant Manager – Projects
Tata BlueScope Steel
11.2006 - 02.2009
Project Coordinator
Synergy Property Development Services
12.2005 - 11.2006
Construction Management Trainee
Simplex Infrastructures Ltd.
02.2005 - 12.2005
Post Graduate Programme in Management - Analytical Finance
Indian School of Business (ISB)
Post Graduate Diploma - Advanced Construction Management
NICMAR
Bachelor of Engineering - Civil
Visvesvaraya Technological University
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