SMB Finance PLC has appointed Prof. Ajith Prasanna Mendis as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Prof. Mendis has extensive experience in academia, financial services, business strategy and management.
He joined academia in 2002 after a decade with LOLC, People’s Merchant Bank and Mitsui and Company. He previously held senior positions in the financial services sector, including Chief Executive Officer of PMF Finance PLC, Director of Alliance Finance PLC and Overseas Consultant to the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad, among others.
He has also provided consultancy services to more than 30 finance companies, local and overseas, in various capacities. His expertise includes implementing turnaround strategies for ailing entities, improving top- and bottom-line performance for growth and restoring corporate fundamentals.
Prof. Mendis holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Special Honours) degree from the University of Kelaniya, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a PhD in Strategy from Management and Science University, Malaysia.
He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK, and a Certified Management Accountant qualification from Australia.
His combined academic expertise, financial sector experience and strategic management background will contribute to the leadership and future development of SMB Finance PLC.