Sivaram with 25 years+ of experience, is a prominent figure in the UAE and GCC banking sector. His illustrious career includes senior leadership roles at Emirates NBD, Dubai First, Dubai Bank, and Citibank. He also worked with FMCG giants Procter & Gamble and Godrej in India. Sivaram holds prestigious academic credentials as an alumnus of IIT – Madras & IIM – Ahmedabad.
Sivaram’s profound expertise and achievements in retail banking and payments make him an invaluable asset to Hotfoot. Most recently, as EVP & Head of Retail Banking Products at Emirates NBD, he played a key role in integrating two major institutions, creating a leading, profitable banking franchise. His work spanned various sectors, including liabilities, loans, payment cards, and foreign exchange.
Before his tenure at Emirates NBD, Sivaram was instrumental in the founding teams of two banking startups, Dubai First and Dubai Bank, where he successfully launched their retail banking divisions. His initial foray into financial services was as Cards Marketing Director with Citibank, UAE, where he significantly contributed to building a leading cards franchise.
Sivaram’s extensive experience and market insight will be pivotal in steering our strategic direction and execution. His guidance will be particularly beneficial in business strategy, product development, market access, and regulatory frameworks.
With over 25 years in global banking and financial services, Ramas Venkat has an exceptional track record in growing businesses within the Banking and Payments sectors. Currently, Ramas is the co-founder of Karplexus, a boutique financial technology firm that is revolutionizing products and solutions for real-time payments and open banking.
As the former Regional Managing Director of FIS South Asia, Ramas brings invaluable experience from a Fortune 500 company, excelling in corporate strategy, sales, and business development, as well as delivery and operations. Under his leadership, the South Asia region became the fastest-growing international market for FIS.
Ramas has extensive experience working across multiple geographies, from Western Europe to all parts of Asia Pacific, making him a highly sought-after market and solution expert. His wealth of domain expertise and knowledge of market practices add significant value to any conversation.
An engineering graduate from the University of Mysore and an MBA from IIM – Lucknow, Ramas has, for the past three years, shaped strategy and direction at Hotfoot, contributing significantly to its success with his vast experience.
Kapil Jawa is a seasoned professional with over 22 years of experience in Banking and Financial Services. Most of his career, over 17 years, was spent at Genpact where he led a large analytics team focused on Banking, Financial Services,and Capital Markets. There, he oversaw a significant portion of the business and had leadership roles in Risk Management, Data Analytics, and Investment Research. Kapil is known for his strategic thinking and ability to build strong client relationships. He has a proven track record of success in scaling operations, developing innovative solutions,and motivating teams.
Nagesh is a highly skilled statistician with a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of data analysis. He holds an Engineering degree and a Ph.D. in Statistics, with a research focus on experimental design. With over 10 years of experience in statistical analysis, including academic research, Nagesh possesses a deep understanding of data analytics and statistical modeling.
As the Head of Data Science, Nagesh plays a pivotal role in empowering lenders with advanced analytics and data-driven insights. His expertise has been instrumental in developing personalized experiences for consumers, identifying responsible gameplay, and prioritizing product innovation. With an affinity for hyper-personalization, Nagesh advocates the use of ML techniques to enhance user experiences. Nagesh’s journey also includes significant work at renowned organizations such as Games24x7, Razorthink Technologies, and PayPal, where he contributed to the development of fraud detection models, credit risk assessments, and deep learning models for product innovation.
Nagesh’s Ph.D. work involved experimental design and statistical consulting, leading to published papers in both statistical and engineering (nano technology) journals. His specialties encompass a wide range of areas, including credit risk,  fraud detection, consumer behaviour modeling and product innovation. He holds an impressive academic background, having studied at prestigious institutes like Georgia Institute of Technology, ISI Kolkata, and NITK Surathkal. In his professional journey, Nagesh has demonstrated excellence in delivering machine learning models that impact the financial sector positively. His contributions include credit risk and fraud detection models that significantly influenced company bottom lines. With a profound understanding of consumer behavior, Nagesh leverages exogenous consumer information to optimize product experiences and maximize business outcomes.
In addition to his statistical and analytical prowess, Nagesh enjoys exploring other interests like fast math, Vedic mathematics, badminton, and learning spoken languages. His diverse skill set and commitment to delivering data-driven solutions make him an invaluable asset to our organization.
Hitesh is a seasoned banker with over 20 years of experience in retail branch banking, currency chest management, and ATM operations. He has worked with top private sector banks including HDFC, ICICI, and Axis. Hitesh holds an honors degree and a Master’s degree in finance. With his extensive expertise in the banking industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role.
Arpit is a Banking Technology expert with over 16 years of rich experience. In his career, he focused on technological advancement and implementing IT as a key enabler in the banking sector. His valuable contribution to the IT Sector was duly acknowledged and he was awarded with the Best IT Head award in 2016 by Banking frontiers . He began his career with Nelito System Limited ( TCS Subsidiary) and held various leadership positions throughout his career, including his last stint as Vice President (IT) – AU Small Finance Bank , Deputy Vice President (IT) Bandhan Bank, Head IT Shivalik Small Finance Bank formerly known as Shivalik Mercantile Cooperative Bank Ltd. He holds a Bachelor degree in Computer engineering.
Raja Reddy comes with 17+ years of hard-core experience in Implementation and System Support, his core area of interest includes Implementation of LOS, LMS, TCS BaNCS (For Capital Markets), and Customer Mobile App. He has experience in the Capital Markets, Asset Management, and Financial Services Domain.


Raja has been a part of organizations such as Adani Capital, Axis Securities, Thomson Reuters, AllianceBernstein and BSE IT to name a few. His Techno-Functional experience not only equips him in understanding client’s needs and requirements but also fulfilling them with the best available solution and support. He is good at implementing integrations with any third-party systems seamlessly.
Sandeep Vellarikkat, our Head of Alliances & Innovation, is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the field. As a digital evangelist and a PMP certified executive management professional, Sandeep has demonstrated his expertise in setting up product policies, processes, and operational frameworks for businesses.
Throughout his career, Sandeep has had the opportunity to travel extensively across the country, allowing him to interact with key stakeholders in the retail consumer finance market. This exposure has provided him with a deep understanding of the business drivers, market forces, competition, and regulatory framework impacting the retail and consumer finance sector. His insights and knowledge have been instrumental in developing successful go-to-market strategies, driving business line growth, and implementing effective risk management strategies.
Sandeep has worked with reputable institutions where he has made significant contributions to the establishment of retail loan products, including two-wheeler loans, used car loans, loyalty programs, and consumer durables financing. His ability to design and execute innovative strategies has played a crucial role in the success of these product offerings.
Outside of work, Sandeep enjoys spending time with his family and friends, engaging in short travels, interesting conversations, and indulging in his love for music and movies. His diverse interests and experiences contribute to his well-rounded perspective and creative thinking in driving alliances and fostering innovation within our organization.
Vivek Naidu, a first-generation entrepreneur, is the driving force behind Hotfoot’s mission to revolutionize the way people access loans. With a profound vision and determination, Vivek embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, drawing on his 15 years of invaluable experience in the realms of Banking and Information Technology.
Throughout his career, Vivek has held pivotal roles with esteemed institutions such as Citibank and Barclays, gaining extensive expertise in Banking Sales, Credit Evaluation, Score Based Decisioning, Digitization, and Automation. His deep understanding of these domains enables him to shape Hotfoot’s platform, enhancing the borrowing experience and addressing crucial aspects like financial inclusion, catering to new-to-credit individuals, and leveraging surrogates and additional data for lending decisions.
At the core of Vivek’s leadership philosophy is an unwavering passion for customer service. He firmly believes that personalized attention and exceptional customer experiences are key differentiators and powerful competitive advantages for any company. With his dedicated team and employees, Vivek strives to create an environment where customers receive the utmost care and attention, setting Hotfoot apart in the industry.
Vivek’s vast experience and extensive network have paved the way for Hotfoot’s success, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the lending landscape. His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his relentless pursuit of customer-centric solutions, positions Hotfoot as a trusted partner in the lending industry.
Under Vivek’s guidance, Hotfoot is poised to revolutionize the lending landscape, empower individuals with convenient access to loans, and redefine the standards of personalized customer service. With a strong focus on innovation, financial inclusion, and unparalleled customer experiences, Vivek and his team are reshaping the future of lending.
Harshal Vora, our Head of Domain & Commercials, brings with him over 18 years of extensive experience in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) industry. Having worked with prominent organizations like L&T Financial Services and Adani Capital, Harshal has played a pivotal role in shaping the retail finance business and driving growth.
Throughout his career, Harshal has made significant contributions across various domains, including product development, operations, business strategy, collections, PMO (Project Management Office), HR, and finance. This diverse background has equipped him with a holistic understanding of the industry and positioned him as a go-to person for solutioning and addressing complex challenges.
Harshal’s expertise and knowledge have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and a valuable resource within the organization. His ability to navigate different facets of the business and provide strategic insights makes him an invaluable asset to our team.
G V Krishnan, brings a wealth of experience in software design and development spanning over 20 years. With a strong background in product development, talent management, and strategy, Krishnan has a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in delivering successful software solutions.
Krishnan is widely recognized as an expert in architecture assessments and re-architecting paths for digital modernization. He has a keen interest and expertise in emerging technologies such as mobility, IoT, and public clouds, enabling him to guide our teams towards innovative and cutting-edge solutions.
Passionate about delivering solutions that are not only innovative but also process-oriented and fit for purpose, Krishnan continuously seeks to collaborate with the best-in-class software teams. His commitment to excellence and his ability to drive successful project outcomes have earned him lead roles in technology and project management for global clients in industries such as Communication, Energy, and Base Metal Commodities.
Krishnan joined Hotfoot in 2019, bringing his extensive experience and expertise to our organization. With his strategic mindset and hands-on approach, he plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful delivery of projects and driving the growth and success of our company.
Vishnupriya Ranganathan is a seasoned Product Leader in the Fintech industry with a remarkable career spanning over 13 years. She has been at the forefront of developing innovative financial solutions tailored to the needs of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). As a customer champion, Vishnupriya has played a vital role in launching next-generation lending products that specifically cater to the underserved MSME market.
With a deep understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies, Vishnupriya has been instrumental in creating cutting-edge products that revolutionize lending for MSMEs. Her expertise in leveraging Fintech solutions has empowered businesses to navigate challenging economic conditions and achieve sustainable growth. As a skilled Product Manager, she has effectively utilized data insights to drive customer-centric product development, ensuring that the unique financial needs of MSMEs are met.
Before joining the team, Vishnupriya held key positions at prominent companies such as PayPal and FICO, where she honed her expertise in the Fintech industry. Her diverse experience has equipped her with the knowledge and insights needed to drive innovation and streamline lending processes, ultimately making them more efficient and cost-effective. Vishnupriya’s contribution to the field has been invaluable, and her passion for creating impactful solutions continues to propel the industry forward.
With over 20 years of experience, Rajesh is a passionate advocate for technology and its applications. He began his journey in the technology industry by building products and platforms and played a key role in driving technology adoption across teams.
Rajesh’s expertise lies in developing intellectual properties that generate non-linear revenue in the IT services industry. He has successfully architected platforms that integrate various components, including cloud flexibility, global compliance requirements (such as PCI, HIPAA, and DPA), open-source technologies, and existing enterprise technology investments. His contributions have led to transformative initiatives for multiple Fortune 500 customers across different domains. Despite his leadership role, Rajesh remains actively involved in design and coding, ensuring that the products his team builds make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
As a first-generation entrepreneur, Rajesh holds four patents in product, platform, and cloud technologies, demonstrating his innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities. He is TOGAF certified and has a keen interest in enterprise architecture and transformational programs. Additionally, Rajesh is a certified AWS Architect with extensive experience in cloud architecture, having spent nearly a decade exploring and implementing cloud solutions. He has also shared his expertise on cloud architecture in public forums.
Rajesh firmly believes that the financial services industry is on the cusp of experiencing the best of digital and analytics capabilities. He recognizes the need for customer-focused solutions in the lending industry, which is still largely reliant on paper-based processes and inward-focused systems. With this vision in mind, Rajesh aims to build Hotfoot Technology Solutions as a customer-oriented company.
Outside of work, Rajesh enjoys spending time with his daughter and has a passion for travel. He finds great value in understanding different cultures and lifestyles. Rajesh holds a Master’s degree in Computer Applications, further solidifying his technical expertise and knowledge.