Girish Bhat joined Samara Advisors in 2017 and is an operating partner of the firm. As operating partner, he works closely with the leadership of portfolio companies to transform, accelerate value creation and drive compliance. Girish helps in selecting, developing and mentoring Finance and IT leadership teams, help them to build business controls, systems and processes, establish effective ERP system and technology for business efficiency, enhanced risk management processes and strengthen Governance process for effectively operating portfolio companies like listed businesses. Girish also helps the deal teams on due diligence of target companies. Previously, Girish worked with Cadbury Schweppes plc UK (FMCG Business) for over 28 years in various positions as CFO and Commercial Director for Cadbury India, Finance Director for Cadbury Beverages Europe, Finance Director Cadbury SEA (Bangkok), Director Assurance Cadbury Plc in UK. He worked as Group CFO for Gammon India (Infrastructure business) for 4 years and PE Advisory for international business for two years. In 2010 and 2011 he was recognized as “Top 100 CFO” in India and in 2015 as “CFO lead of Excellence” by CFO Magazine. Girish is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA) from CIMA UK, Cost Accountant from Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ACMA) and a commerce graduate from Mumbai University. He has an Independent Director Certification from Evaluation Board UK/ Hunt Partners India.