Ashwin Santhanam

Background

About Ashwin Santhanam

It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela With 18+ years of expertise in commercial strategy, forecasting, and financial analysis, I’ve built a career as a trusted advisor to senior leadership in the IT & T industry. Starting with a foundation in financial and management accounting, I transitioned to leadership in telecom, refining skills in planning, performance analysis, pricing, and commercial management. Today, I bring this depth to Singtel Optus, where I drive multi-million-dollar initiatives to secure revenue, optimize margins, and strengthen our competitive advantage. Key Focus Areas: Strategy & Planning: As Associate Director for Sales Operations, Planning & Performance, I oversee end-to-end sales commissions planning and execution across Optus Wholesale & Satellite. Responsible for the Wholesale fixed business P&L, I convert complex data into sustainable growth strategies. My focus is on optimizing every facet of our product suite, from pricing models to cost allocations and market-focused marketing plans. Working closely with corporate finance, sales, and product teams, I integrate innovative, data-driven approaches to business challenges. Product & Business Partnering: Recognized for distilling complex issues into actionable insights, I am regularly tasked with leading high-stakes negotiations and strategic initiatives. This includes transforming Optus Wholesale’s position in the NBN market, where my work contributed to tripling our market share through sophisticated pricing models and a strengthened competitive stance. Leading cross-functional teams in these efforts has cultivated my collaborative, results-focused approach to all initiatives. Leadership & Mentoring: My impact extends beyond numbers and strategies. I’m dedicated to developing high-performing teams, imparting expertise in financial modeling, pricing strategies, and commercial analysis to groom the next generation of leaders. Whether mentoring graduates or guiding teams through intricate business challenges, I focus on empowering others to elevate our shared success. Pursuit of Excellence: Each project is an opportunity to enhance myself, my team and our organization. With a “can-do” attitude and strategic focus, I deliver results that make a measurable impact. Agile and proactive, I’m constantly exploring new ways to create value at both tactical and strategic levels in a rapidly evolving industry.