“Wake up every day and earn it.”

Surya Krishnan is a distinguished finance and strategy executive with over 20 years of expertise in corporate development, valuation, strategic planning, and financial analysis. He has played a pivotal role in driving over $25 billion in transactions and advisory engagements while managing more than $150 million in revenue across multiple industries. With a track record of delivering sustainable growth through data-driven decision-making, Surya has consistently provided strategic guidance to C-level executives, business unit leaders, and corporate leadership teams.

Currently, Surya serves as the Associate Director of Career Advising & Education at UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, where he mentors and advises over 300 mid-career professionals and executives. His role includes guiding MBA students through financial and strategic projects, leveraging his deep experience in M&A, financial modeling, and corporate strategy. While supporting future business leaders, he continues to offer financial and strategy consulting services, advising startups, mid-market firms, and executives on capital raising, valuation, and M&A transactions.

Surya’s career spans leadership roles in corporate development, financial planning, and investment strategy. As Director of Corporate Development and Ventures at Advocate Aurora Enterprises, he executed over $500 million in M&A and VC transactions, including investments in Xealth, Foodsmart, and Truveta. He also managed a $60 million corporate venture portfolio, aligning strategic investments with business objectives. Prior to that, he served as FP&A and Strategy Director at Zee Entertainment Enterprises, where he led financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for the Americas’ digital and innovation business units.

His extensive experience includes key leadership positions at Ingram Micro, MGA Entertainment, and PwC, where he developed valuation models, structured transactions, and advised on high-profile deals such as Google’s $12.4 billion acquisition of Motorola and Schering-Plough’s $16.2 billion merger with Organon BioSciences. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and execute large-scale transactions has made him a sought-after expert in corporate finance and strategic planning.

In addition to his corporate experience, Surya has actively contributed to entrepreneurial ventures, serving as a CFO and corporate strategy consultant for startups such as ComicBlitz and CinemaLoop. His insights into early-stage finance, fundraising, and business planning have helped startups secure funding and achieve successful exits. He also led financial strategy initiatives at Glocal Studios, an early-stage media and entertainment startup.

Surya holds an MBA in Finance from UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, where he was an Allergan Fellowship recipient and Dean’s Scholar. He also earned a Master’s in Economics from New York University and a Bachelor’s in Economics from Cornell University. His professional expertise is complemented by his deep technical skills in financial modeling, valuation tools, and corporate performance analytics.

An accomplished mentor and advisor, his experience also leading MBA workshops, advising working professional students, while providing strategic advisory services to numerous businesses in various capacities demonstrates his commitment to professional development, corporate growth, and impactful leadership. He serves as a coach and judge in the Stella Zhang New Venture Competition and has received numerous accolades, including the PwC All Star Coaching Award and Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award at UC Irvine. With a strategic mindset, a history of executing transformative financial initiatives, and a passion for mentorship, Surya continues to shape the future of corporate finance and strategic advisory.

Character
Surya Krishnan is a principled and results-driven finance and strategy leader who approaches complex business challenges with integrity and a commitment to excellence. His ability to navigate high-stakes transactions and corporate decision-making reflects his dedication to ethical leadership and long-term value creation.

Knowledge
With over 20 years of expertise in corporate finance, M&A, valuation, and strategic planning, Surya possesses a deep understanding of financial structures and business growth strategies. His experience advising C-level executives and managing multimillion-dollar transactions has positioned him as a trusted expert in the field.

Strategic
Surya’s ability to analyze market trends, assess investment opportunities, and drive corporate growth has led to the successful execution of high-impact financial initiatives. His strategic foresight enables him to align financial planning with business objectives, ensuring long-term profitability and competitive advantage.

Communication
A skilled communicator and mentor, Surya effectively collaborates with executives, investors, and emerging business leaders to convey complex financial concepts with clarity. His experience leading workshops, advising MBA students, and presenting investment strategies demonstrates his ability to translate financial insights into actionable business decisions.