Sheran Siriwardene: Spearheading Sustainable Solutions in Energy

Sheran Siriwardene, Chief Financial Officer, OVO Energy

Remember the time when global business operations and finance seemed trapped in a cycle of stagnation and rigidity? Traditional norms held sway, stifling innovation and diversity. Yet in this backdrop, a different kind of transformation quietly developed, a transformation fueled not by bold moves but by a deep, unyielding love for numbers. Among the daunting barriers, visionaries emerged, driven by a profound passion for financial intricacies. In the world of global business operations and finance, they found purpose, defying norms with a resolute fascination for digits’ power. Their mission? Crafting a symphony of finance, each digit is a note of vision. With hearts pulsating in financial rhythms, they ventured forth, guided by their love for numbers. Through determination, they shattered convention, ushering in dynamism and inclusivity.

Meet Sheran, a seasoned financial leader whose journey from obtaining a CA qualification to assuming key roles as CFO & Company Secretary at OVO Energy Australia embodies resilience and determination. Beginning his career as an auditor at Grant Thornton, Sheran’s passion for numbers was ignited, propelling him into the vast domain of the energy sector. His tenure at AGL Energy, a prominent player in Australia’s energy landscape, equipped him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of the industry. Transitioning into the startup sphere, Sheran honed his strategic acumen while spearheading the growth of a Tier 3 retailer from its infancy. In 2019, a defining moment emerged as Sheran seized the opportunity to establish OVO Energy’s Australian operations, marking a significant milestone in his career trajectory. Stepping into uncharted territory, he collaborated closely with CEO Mark Yemm, navigating challenges to lay the groundwork for success.

Driven by an ardent passion for global business operations and finance, Sheran was drawn to the energy sector’s green transition, aligning personal conviction with professional opportunity. His unwavering commitment to reshaping the energy landscape reflects a deep-seated desire to drive positive change. However, Sheran’s journey from CA qualification to CFO & Company Secretary was fraught with challenges. From navigating the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic to surmounting wholesale energy obstacles, each hurdle served as an opportunity for growth and advancement. Through perseverance and resilience, Sheran emerged stronger, embodying the transformative power of unwavering determination. As a leader, Sheran infuses his endeavours with the human element, driving change with empathy and vision. His leadership is instrumental in shaping a brighter future for OVO Energy and the global energy industry, underscoring his enduring commitment to driving positive change.

Forging Success Amidst Adversity

In the world of energy companies, a profound transformation is underway. Traditionally, energy generators and consumers operated as distinct entities within the energy system. With the rise of distributed, renewable energy sources like solar, battery storage, and electric vehicles (EVs), the paradigm is shifting towards a more interconnected model. Legacy utility technologies are grappling with increasing complexity, prompting the need for advanced solutions to navigate this evolving terrain. The decision to transition to Kaluza’s Energy Retail Platform, an entity within the OVO Group, stemmed from Sheran’s imperative for a sophisticated and adaptable solution capable of meeting diverse customer needs while facilitating the energy transition. Kaluza’s platform boasts a suite of innovative features and capabilities that align closely with his strategic objectives and vision for the future of energy.

Implementing a new billing platform presented multifaceted challenges, demanding meticulous planning, coordination, and effective change management to ensure a seamless migration without disruption to operations or the customer experience. Concerns surrounding data migration, system integration, and potential downtime during the transition phase were paramount. To overcome these obstacles, a comprehensive approach was adopted, prioritising communication, collaboration, and risk mitigation. Close collaboration with Kaluza’s team facilitated the development of a detailed implementation plan and timeline, proactively addressing potential issues and contingencies. Extensive testing and validation were conducted to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the new platform before full deployment.

Comprehensive training and support were provided to staff to familiarise them with the new system, ensuring a smooth transition. Transparent communication with customers played a pivotal role, keeping them informed about the changes and addressing any concerns or queries they may have had. Ultimately, these concerted efforts bore fruit, with the transition to Kaluza’s Energy Retail Platform significantly enhancing the go-to-market capability and improving the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of billing processes. This success underscores the commitment to better serving customers and adapting to the evolving energy landscape. Leveraging Kaluza’s innovative technology and expertise, the team is poised to drive positive change and innovation during this pivotal phase of the energy transition.

Charting a Greener Future

Sheran has played a pivotal role in propelling digital transformation and sustainability initiatives at OVO Energy. The transition to Kaluza’s Energy Retail Platform signifies a critical milestone in the company’s pursuit of these strategic objectives. Unlike conventional billing platforms, Kaluza’s solution is custom-tailored to meet the specific needs of modern energy retailers, offering a comprehensive suite of features aimed at reducing cost-to-serve and enhancing customer lifetime value. At OVO Energy, the approach to executing transformative projects like this is rooted in a thorough understanding of the company’s goals, values, and strategic priorities. With Kaluza’s platform, the primary objective was to bolster the company’s capability to deliver sustainable energy solutions to customers while simultaneously improving operational efficiency. This alignment ensured that every facet of the transition was geared towards driving positive outcomes in line with the overarching mission, all while maintaining a cost-conscious culture.

Executing the transition to Kaluza’s platform necessitated meticulous planning, stakeholder engagement, and agile execution. Leveraging advanced functionalities such as real-time data analytics, DER integrations, and demand response capabilities required close collaboration with Kaluza’s team to tailor the platform to OVO Energy’s specific needs and ensure seamless integration with existing systems and processes. The approach prioritised continuous improvement and innovation. As Kaluza’s platform evolves and new features emerge, OVO Energy remains committed to harnessing these advancements to further enhance offerings and deliver greater value to customers. By fostering a culture of innovation and embracing emerging technologies, OVO Energy seeks to position itself as a leader in the energy sector’s transition toward a more sustainable future.

Throughout this journey, Sheran’s alignment with the project, particularly from a data and reporting capability perspective, has been instrumental. His leadership and strategic vision have guided the team through challenges, ensuring that each step of the transition is executed efficiently and effectively. Moreover, the collective efforts of the team have been crucial in driving the success of this transformative project, underscoring the collaborative spirit and dedication within OVO Energy.

Nurturing Growth

As a hands-on leader and mentor, Sheran’s leadership philosophy revolves around empowering individuals to realise their full potential while fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. He firmly believes in leading by example, actively listening to the insights and concerns of his team, and providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. Sheran reflects on the influence of his mentor, Mark Yemm, emphasising the importance of setting high standards and offering guidance to create an environment where creativity is encouraged and innovation flourishes.

Central to Sheran’s leadership approach is the cultivation of open communication, trust, and accountability within the team. He believes that every team member has a valuable perspective to contribute and that fostering an inclusive environment where ideas are freely exchanged unlocks the full potential of collective intelligence. Sheran also recognizes the importance of celebrating both successes and failures, viewing each as an opportunity for learning and growth. He advocates embracing failures as “test and learn” opportunities, emphasising the value of continuous improvement.

Prioritising personal growth and development is fundamental to Sheran’s leadership journey. Committed to lifelong learning, he actively seeks various opportunities for growth, including enrolling in programs and attending workshops. Sheran also finds fulfilment in giving back to the community, volunteering his professional expertise on the Finance, Audit, and Risk committee at Sacred Heart Mission. This engagement grounds him while expanding his governance knowledge and skill set and exposing him to new ideas and perspectives. Sheran acknowledges the transformative impact of mentorship, highlighting a 24-month mentorship opportunity with AGL Energy CEO Damien Nicks. From these sessions, he internalised the message to continually broaden his capabilities, a principle that guides his approach to leadership.

Staying informed about industry trends and best practices is crucial for Sheran’s effective leadership. Actively engaging with thought leaders, networking with peers, and staying abreast of relevant publications and research ensure that he remains well-informed about the latest developments in the energy sector. “Every obstacle presents a chance for advancement,” shares Sheran. Through his resolute commitment to personal growth, he exemplifies a steadfast devotion to evolving as a leader and driving positive change within the industry.

Paving Paths to Breakthrough

Looking ahead, Sheran envisions OVO Energy Australia as a leader in providing accessible, renewable energy solutions that empower environmentally conscious choices. Central to this vision is leveraging cutting-edge technology like the Kaluza Platform to personalise the customer experience and seamlessly integrate solar, battery, and EV assets. His excitement for the future is palpable, anticipating the opportunity to drive positive change in the energy sector. Sheran’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation is reflected in his vision for OVO Energy Australia. Through innovative solutions and sustainable practices, he aims to shape a future where renewable energy is accessible to all.

Reflecting on his journey and experiences, Sheran offers invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and finance professionals: “Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.” He emphasises the importance of agility, resilience, and the value of surrounding oneself with a diverse team united by a shared vision. Sheran advocates for fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where creativity thrives and core values remain unfaltering. “Stay true to yourself and remain steadfast in your pursuit of excellence,” he adds, highlighting the significance of operational efficiency and a cost-conscious culture within the business.

Sheran’s vision for OVO Energy Australia embodies a resolute commitment to fostering positive change and innovation in the energy sector. By embracing challenges, nurturing a culture of ongoing learning, and harnessing advanced technology, Sheran is positioned to shape a future where renewable energy is accessible to all.