Biography of Sanjay Jayawardena: Founder of Spirit Kitchens & Antler SG -Entrepreneur
Journey of Sanjay Jayawardena:
Early Foundations in Finance
Sanjay Jayawardena’s professional journey began with a solid
foundation in finance and accounting. After earning his Bachelor of Science in
Accounting and Finance from the University of Warwick in 2010, he pursued a
qualification as an Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) from the Institute of
Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. These academic milestones provided
him with the technical expertise to navigate the world of finance and business.
Learning the Ropes at PwC UK
Sanjay started his career at PwC UK, working in the
Assurance division, specializing in insurance and investment markets. Over five
years, he led audits and advisory services for major clients like Aviva,
Fidelity Investments, and Royal London. His role as the principal lead on
high-profile engagements, such as the Ariel Re Syndicate in the Lloyd's
Insurance market, honed his ability to address complex financial challenges.
This experience laid the groundwork for his expertise in regulatory compliance
and strategic problem-solving.
Bridging Global Markets at Chaucer Syndicates
Transitioning to Chaucer Syndicates Ltd in 2016, Sanjay
played a pivotal role as a Senior Syndicate Accountant. He acted as a bridge
between operations in London and the United States following Chaucer’s
acquisition by The Hanover Group. His contributions included implementing
robust accounting processes, supporting international expansion strategies, and
managing global teams. These responsibilities showcased his ability to lead in
dynamic, cross-border environments.
Embracing the Startup World at oDoc
In 2017, Sanjay moved into the startup ecosystem, joining
oDoc, a health-tech platform, as Vice President of Operations and Finance. He
quickly rose to become Chief Financial Officer, where he played a key role in
shaping the company’s financial and growth strategies across Sri Lanka, India,
and the Maldives. His efforts contributed significantly to oDoc’s recognition
as one of India’s top 50 disruptive startups, highlighting his knack for
driving innovation and scaling businesses.
A New Venture in Food Innovation
Sanjay’s entrepreneurial spirit took center stage in 2020
when he founded Spirit Kitchens, a digital-first food and beverage company
based in Sri Lanka. Focused on authentic Sri Lankan flavors, the company
operates multiple cloud kitchen brands across Sri Lanka and Mumbai. His vision
is to take Sri Lankan cuisine to a global audience, setting the stage for the
next generation of quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands.
Building a Digital-First F&B Empire
At Spirit Kitchens, Sanjay combines his passion for food
with his expertise in innovation and team leadership. The company has become a
leader in the F&B sector, leveraging digital platforms to streamline
operations and connect with customers. His work reflects a commitment to
blending traditional flavors with modern business practices, positioning Spirit
Kitchens as a trailblazer in the food-tech space.
Biography of Sanjay Jayawardena: Founder of Spirit Kitchens & Antler SG -Entrepreneur#startup#digital-first F&B company#age#net worth#investor#
A Visionary Leader in Dynamic Environments
Throughout his career, Sanjay has demonstrated an ability to
adapt and excel in diverse industries. Whether managing finance teams at PwC,
leading international operations at Chaucer, or driving growth at oDoc, he
consistently brings a strategic mindset and a focus on creating sustainable,
impactful businesses. His leadership is marked by a balance of technical
expertise and entrepreneurial creativity.
Mastering Financial Strategy and Operations
Sanjay’s journey is rooted in his deep understanding of
financial strategy and operational efficiency. His ability to conceptualize and
execute innovative solutions has been a recurring theme in his career. From
optimizing processes at startups to navigating the complexities of the Lloyd’s
Insurance market, he has consistently delivered results that drive growth and
transformation.
The Spirit of Entrepreneurship
Sanjay’s entrepreneurial ventures reflect his desire to
challenge conventional practices and explore new frontiers. By founding Spirit
Kitchens, he not only entered the competitive food industry but also created a
platform to celebrate Sri Lankan culture on a global scale. His journey is a
testament to the power of combining passion with purpose.
A Legacy of Impact and Innovation
Through his work, Sanjay has left a lasting impact on the
organizations and industries he has been part of. His career is a story of
evolution—from a finance professional at global firms to a visionary
entrepreneur shaping the future of food and technology. His journey inspires
others to pursue their passions and redefine possibilities, one bold step at a
time.
Timeline for story
2010 - Earned BSc in Accounting and Finance from the
University of Warwick.
2010 - Became an Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA).
2010-2015 - Worked at PwC UK in Assurance, specializing in
insurance and investment markets.
2016 - Joined Chaucer Syndicates Ltd as a Senior Syndicate
Accountant.
2017 - Joined oDoc as VP of Operations and Finance; later
became CFO.
2020 - Founded Spirit Kitchens, a digital-first F&B
company in Sri Lanka.
2024 - Spirit Kitchens operates multiple cloud kitchen
brands in Sri Lanka and Mumbai.
