KKR poaches Sen from Citi

Private equity major Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR) has poached Abhijit Sen from Citi as chief financial officer and chief administrative officer for its India office.

Sen's responsibilities will encompass oversight of finance, compliance and administration of the US-headquartered alternative asset manager in India. Sen, who will join KKR on April 1, will also have responsibilities with KKR's finance function in Asia.

KKR India is headed by Sanjay Nayar. Nayar quit Citi to join KKR in November 2008 after a 23-year career with the US bank, most recently as South Asia head. So, sources are not surprised he turned to his earlier employer to poach a CFO. Sen was most recently CFO for for South Asia at Citi, looking after the bank's finance function, including acquisitions, strategic planning and divestitures, in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

KKR has ambitious plans to become a leading alternative asset manager in India with a presence not only in private equity, but also in distressed debt and other areas, said sources. 

"Abhijit is considered as one of India's most renowned and highly respected finance professionals," said Nayar, who is CEO and country head for India, in a written statement announcing the hire. "Abhijit's vast experience supported by his expertise in finance, strategic planning and mergers and acquisitions will enable us to strengthen KKR's operations in India and throughout the region."