Meet Chris in Finance...
| Name: | Chris |
| Company: | SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT |
| Title: | Vice President, Finance |
| Location: | New York, NY |
My life in a nutshell:
I was born in India and moved to New York at the age of 10. As a result, I still have a strong connection to my homeland and my relatives. Over the last few years, I have tried to visit them at least once a year.Maintaining that connection has afforded me some of the most meaningful life experiences and memories to date. From my grandparents, especially, I have learned a great deal about life and even though we live in different worlds, the lessons I have learned from their experiences help me almost every day.
When I am not working, I enjoying playing tennis, eating (I love food), hanging out with friends, listening to music (everything from 80s new wave to German rap) and traveling – especially to Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.
Having finished school, I am back to reading for pleasure, not that textbooks were not fun, but I have had enough of those for a while. I am currently reading four books – Clan of the Cave Bear, the 4th Harry Potter book (I’m behind), the new Robert Ludlum novel and an amazing collection of short stories by Jhumpa Lahiri called Interpreter of Maladies.
“Always strive to be a better person today than you were yesterday. If you do that, everything else will take care of itself.”
Describe your educational background. Where did you study, what degrees did you receive?
I received my Bachelor of Science degree in 1994 from the Wharton School of Business with a major in Finance and Multinational Management. Two years ago, I decided to go back to Wharton for my MBA while continuing to work at SONY BMG. I received my MBA in May 2003 with a major in Strategic Management.
Describe your career history. What have been your professional experiences prior to your current position?
Most recently, I served as Vice President of Finance, North America. Prior to that I held a number of finance positions in various SONY BMG divisions including Worldwide Financial Reporting, BMG Music Service, RCA Records, BMG Video and Arista Records. I first joined SONY BMG in 1994 as part of the Finance Management Training Program after completing my undergraduate studies.
What are your current roles and responsibilities?
In my current role, I am responsible for the financial analysis and review of SONY BMG’s international operations, coordination of investment proposals, and special projects.
Describe a typical day at your job.
Not to sound like a cliché, but there is rarely a “typical” day for me, which is one of the things I love about working at SONY BMG. In all my years with SONY BMG, I have never been bored.
What attracted you to your company and position? What is your favorite thing about your job?
I was interested in corporate finance, but not particularly attracted to the rigid investment-banking environment. SONY BMG offered the best of both worlds – an opportunity to work with some of the brightest finance professionals in a dynamic and exciting industry. My favorite part about my time at SONY BMG is the opportunity I have had to work at several divisions. I have had exceptionally great mentors along the way and have enjoyed the experience of working in several unique businesses and divisions.
What has been your most memorable moment (so far) in your job?
A few years ago, faced with a sudden deadline change, a colleague and I worked 43 hours in a row to finish a business plan on time. I bought a change of clothes at The Gap, raided a 24-hour Duane Reade for toiletries, ordered in amazing, spicy Thai food, booked a hotel room to take a shower, and yet, found time for a couple of beers at midnight in the Hell’s Kitchen area (when it truly was Hell’s Kitchen). It was crazy, but we got the job done and had the best time doing it.
What qualities do you feel are necessary to be a successful employee at your company?
Intelligence, confidence, team-oriented, flexibility, sense of humor
Do you feel you have a good understanding of Bertelsmann and it’s corporate culture?
After nine years, I hope so. The culture at the company is not imposed down to the employees from corporate. It has been allowed to develop naturally with everyone’s input. As a result, the culture is very accessible and I can easily relate to it.
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