Rajiv Chandra

Rajiv Chandra has forged a career defined by bold decisions, diverse experiences, and a relentless pursuit of impact. From his beginnings as an engineering student to his current role as a finance leader, Rajiv has continuously redefined what it means to drive value in business. Now at Virgin Media O2, he’s harnessing the power of data and technology to elevate finance to new heights.

Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Everything in Between

Rajiv’s journey began with an unlikely foundation for a finance leader: engineering. With a degree in electronic and electrical engineering and a master’s in control systems, he initially set his sights on technical problem-solving.

But early in his career, Rajiv discovered his knack for understanding the bigger picture of how businesses work.

“I started at Grant Thornton in audit and assurance, working closely with SME owners. That’s where I first saw the critical role finance plays in creating value,”.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Rajiv took a leap into entrepreneurship. He launched a student recruitment startup in India, connecting students with global educational opportunities. “It was exhilarating to build something from scratch,” he shares. “But my wife made it clear that international business wasn’t a long-term option unless I wanted to be single again!”

Back in the UK, Rajiv joined Procter & Gamble, where he gained invaluable experience working on iconic brands like Hugo Boss and Gucci Fragrances as well as household brands like Head and Shoulders & Pantene.

“P&G was where I really learned about financial modeling and profitability,” he explains. “It was about understanding every driver of value for multiple billion-dollar brands in the FMCG world.”

Rajiv then spent nearly a decade at Sky, taking on a wide range of leadership roles across broadband, mobile, content, and analytics.

“Sky gave me the chance to drive change on multiple fronts, from finance analytics to cost transformation,” he says. “It was a masterclass in leveraging data to influence strategy and impact change.”

Whilst at Sky, Rajiv also embarked on an EMBA at Cambridge University where he wrote an award-winning thesis: “'Efficient growth in saturated markets using a new Big Data led circular economy framework”.

Today, at Virgin Media O2, Rajiv leads initiatives that use customer-level analytics to enhance both top-line growth and EBITDA. “My focus is always on how we can efficiently improve customer experiences which invariably result in financial success,” he explains.

For Rajiv, digital transformation is not optional—it’s essential

“We’re at a pivotal moment where tools available to finance—like AI, machine learning and predictive analytics—are re-shaping what we can achieve. We can utilise billions of data points in real-time without the need for complex development or programming” he explains. “As a function, finance must continue to evolve, to keep our seat at the table driving strategy and change.”

Rajiv’s passion lies in making finance faster, smarter, and more impactful. “The role of Finance is much more than stewardship, controls and balancing the books. It’s about solving real business problems and driving strategy. Automating routine tasks so we can increase efficiency and invest in improved services for customers is critical.”

Data is both a game-changer and a double-edged sword

Rajiv views data as both a game-changer and a double-edged sword for today’s finance professionals.

“The ability to harness data is transformative, but it comes with risks,” he warns. “Confirmation bias is a huge challenge. Just because you have more data doesn’t mean you’re making better decisions—it’s about using it thoughtfully and utilising the appropriate analytical frameworks.”

Geopolitical issues and the related impact(s) on household finances are evident and on Rajiv’s radar. “The finance function must do more than just react to change; we now have the ability to shape it taking into account changing dynamics in real-time,” he says.

Why Finance Needs a Glow-Up

At Virgin Media O2, Rajiv and his team are pioneering data-driven solutions that enhance both customer satisfaction and financial performance.

“We’re using AI to analyse customer interactions, network performance as well as supplier performance in real time, identifying issues before they escalate,” he explains. “On the customer side, analytics help us proactively address problems like connectivity, billing and ensure positive interactions with our customers. It’s all about creating value where it matters most.”

These innovations reflect Rajiv’s belief that the best financial strategies are rooted in understanding and addressing customer needs. “If it improves the customer experience and drives favourable, measurable business outcomes, that’s the sweet spot,” he says.

Connect with people like Rajiv

Check out our Pro vs Exec Membership and discover how you can build connections, boost your career, and connect with other future-minded leaders.

Join GENCFO