Eshwar Karra

Eshwar Karra is a seasoned financial services professional currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Kotak Strategic Situations fund at Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited.1 He assumed this position in April 2023.1

Career Highlights

Karra has over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, with a particular focus on distressed assets for the past decade.1 His career journey includes:

• CEO, Kotak Special Situations Fund (January 2019 - Present)
• CEO, Phoenix ARC Private Limited (February 2014 - December 2018)
• Executive Vice President, Kotak Mahindra Bank (November 2000 - March 2014)
• Regional Manager, Ceat Financial Services Ltd (July 1995 - October 2000)

Expertise and Achievements

Karra was part of the founding team that initiated the distressed asset business at Kotak in 2000.1 Under his leadership, the proprietary desk successfully invested over Rs 2,500 crores (approximately USD $400 million) in this business, consistently generating returns.1 He has developed expertise in:

• Identifying distressed opportunities
• Structuring complex financial transactions
• Executing deals meticulously
• Securing profitable exits

Educational Background

Eshwar Karra's educational qualifications include:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Institute of Management Development and Research (IMDR), Pune (1990-1992)
• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) in Business Administration and Management from Deccan Education Society's Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce, Pune (1987-1990)

His early education was completed at various schools in Jamshedpur, including Loyola School, Little Flower School, and Chinmaya Vidyalaya.1