upGrad, the renowned edtech unicorn, has announced the appointment of Venkatesh Tarakkad as its first Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective March 1, 2024. Tarakkad, previously associated with DealShare, brings his expertise to upGrad’s headquarters in Mumbai, aligning with the company’s ambitions for a future public listing.

In his new role, Tarakkad will oversee a wide range of financial strategies both domestically and internationally. His responsibilities include managing investor relations, corporate finance, financial planning, risk management, and more. This comprehensive role is designed to enhance upGrad’s financial health and governance on a global scale, supporting its growth trajectory and future plans.

With over three decades of experience, Venkatesh Tarakkad has held leadership positions in esteemed organizations such as Ecom Express, TCNS Clothing, and Coca-Cola India. His expertise spans financial transactions, compliance, governance, and acquisition management, making him a seasoned leader for upGrad’s financial journey.

Despite Tarakkad’s appointment, Rohit Agarwal will continue to play a significant role within upGrad, expanding his responsibilities globally to lead operations outside of India. This strategic move comes at a pivotal time for upGrad, as the company experiences significant growth and reports a substantial increase in revenue.

Mayank Kumar, Co-founder & MD of upGrad, expressed confidence in Tarakkad’s leadership, emphasizing his operational excellence and strategic vision. Tarakkad’s appointment marks a strategic leap forward in upGrad’s growth journey, supporting its aspirations for global leadership and future public listing.

Appointment of Venkatesh Tarakkad as CFO comes as upGrad reports impressive revenue growth in FY23, further solidifying its position as a key player in the edtech industry. With Tarakkad on board, upGrad aims to strengthen its financial strategies and governance, paving the way for continued expansion and future milestones.