Krishnan Rajagopalan

Krishnan Rajagopalan is a distinguished professional with over twenty-three years of a proven track record in enhancing shareholder value across the power, energy infrastructure, and renewable energy industries. With a robust background in both domestic and international markets, he has played pivotal roles in technology development, project development, engineering procurement construction (EPC), techno-commercial contracts, financial analysis and the overall delivery of profit and loss (P&L) operations. His expertise spans across six regional markets, focusing on business development, tendering for utility and funded projects and private project negotiations and closures. Krishnan is recognised for his strong directional decision making skills and his ability to develop highly motivated, multicultural teams across various geographies. His commercial acumen is evident in his handling of tendered jobs with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and utilities worldwide.

Krishnan’s educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Technology in Chemical Engineering, complemented by a Management Development Programme at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad. He has furthered his expertise through various certifications, including a Business Operations Management programme by Panasonic Eco Solutions, a Floating Solar Workshop and Training by Kerala State Electricity Board and Central Board of Irrigation and Power and a POWER MARKET LEADERSHIP certificate jointly conducted by the Power Exchange of India Limited (PXIL) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai (IITB). Additionally, he is an LRQA Certified Internal Auditor and has completed Data Protection Training at Statkraft.

Currently, Krishnan serves as the Head of Power Business Development (Africa) at Vivo Energy, where he leads the development of renewable hybrid projects for large off-grid mining and industrial clients. His role involves project identification, earlystage development, financial and customer analysis, technical discussions, negotiations, term sheets, and power purchase agreements, ensuring viable financial returns and successful project execution. He is also part of the Africa Mining Decarbonization Project by Vitol, focusing on solar, biogas, and thermal hybrid options, particularly for a large iron ore mining project in Guinea.

Before his tenure at Vivo Energy, Krishnan headed development at Greenleaf Energy, where he was responsible for developing energy assets in Africa, ensuring profitable projects, and maintaining high standards of construction quality and operational excellence. As the Global Head of Business Development and Proposals for Hybrid Energy and Storage Solutions at Sterling and Wilson Private Limited, he managed business development, sales and proposals for hybrid energy and battery storage solutions across multiple geographies, with a major focus on Africa, the Middle East and the UK. His previous roles include Director of Business Development at Statkraft India, where he established solar, wind and hybrid project investments and Business Unit Head of Solar at Panasonic Life Solutions, where he developed and managed the solar business across India, Africa, the Middle East and Sri Lanka.

Krishnan’s earlier career includes significant roles at Tata Power Company Limited, where he developed renewable power projects and M/s IOT Mabagas Limited, where he led the project development team and handled business development activities for renewable energy projects. His journey began at Thermax Limited, where he spent 7.5 years in sales of EPC power projects, handling coal, biomass, and combined cycle power plants, as well as water and waste treatment technologies. Krishnan’s unique skills include high perseverance, a global executive perspective with multicultural experience, and a strong team-oriented yet decisive leadership style. Numerous accomplishments throughout his career include managing and leading high-stakes projects and making a significant contribution to the expansion and success of each organization he has worked for.

Krishnan Rajagopalan’s extensive experience, coupled with his strong educational background and various certifications, positions him as a formidable leader in the power and renewable energy sectors. His ability to navigate complex projects, motivate diverse teams and achieve significant business milestones makes him an invaluable asset to any organisation he serves.