Kishen Pandya
Principal, Investment
“Cool as a cucumber, you’ll find Kishen calm and poised in the face of any challenges. He is great to work with as he loves being challenged and challenging others, which has led to some cracking ideas and solutions. Also as a natural team player, you can always count on him!” — Sophia Sung
overview
Kishen was born and raised in Leicester, before joining KPMG in 2011 to work across Audit, Consulting and Transactions. He then moved to a startup, where he was Director of Financial Planning and Analysis before coming to True.
meet Kishen
Why did you choose True?
I chose True as it is an entrepreneurial organisation, currently in its infancy but growing quickly with a strong portfolio of assets that many of us know from being a customer. I love the fact that the business doesn’t really have a AUM goal — rather it is focused on doing good and everything else will fall in place behind this. I love the fact the brand isn’t just another PE retail investor, but always one step ahead of changes in consumer behaviours — and a brand that is gaining traction in the marketplace.
How would you describe your job to a five-year-old?
My job is like riding a roller coaster: you have ups and downs, you get pulled side to side but by the end — hopefully — you’ve enjoyed yourself and the experience so much that you always want to go again!
What do you love most — and least — about your job?
I love the fact that each week is different (cliché I know). I love learning about our businesses and helping them succeed. The exposure to C-suite executives as well as building deep relationships is fantastic. I love that I can have some influence on the success of each business I work in. What I most hate about my job is that there is always so much to do, and never enough time in the day!
Name an idea or company that reimagined a business or industry — one you wish you’d thought of.
Google. Amazing brand and fantastic financials.
Which person or people helped shape and inspire who you are today?
My mum. She has worked in the NHS all her life and always put other people first. She provided opportunities to me and my brother that we could not have imagined, and she continues to inspire me from her work throughout COVID-19 and everything that she has been through in her life.
True stories featuring Kishen
News
The Cotswold Company announces Ralph Tucker as CEO
An exciting new chapter for The Cotswold Company begins, as True appoints Ralph Tucker as CEO of the business, charged with driving the next stage of growth. The Cotswold Company, a leading online furniture retailer and a True portfolio company, specialises in oak, pine and painted furniture and also sells through its showrooms in Stow-on-the-Wold, Chelmsford, Norwich, Godalming and Harrogate.
Podcast
True Talks: Rich Anson meets…Andy Smallwood
Ribble Cycles is a bike brand to be passionate about, and the company has rewarded our own faith with superb performance since we acquired it in November 2015. True brought in CEO Andy Smallwood, formerly of Boardman Bikes, to help support the growth and transformation of the brand. The results of the rebrand have been phenomenal, with sales growing 50% year-on-year and a significant increase in the average selling price of each bike, reflecting the increasingly aspirational nature of the brand.
relevant people
Vikesh Mistry
Director, Finance
“Often spinning many plates, Vikesh is a great multitasker who always makes time to help everyone across the True team.”
Serena McCutcheon
Head of People and Operations
“Serena is a fantastic team member to work with, and as a leader at True enables our people to perform at their best.”
