Flutterwave, one of Africa’s most valuable startups, has announced the appointment of Mitesh Popat as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The company expects Popat, a former executive at Citigroup, to bring a wealth of experience from the traditional banking sector to the rapidly evolving world of African fintech.
With more than two decades of experience in the global financial services industry, Popat’s expertise is expected to help guide Flutterwave’s growth and ensure long-term financial stability as it continues its expansion across Africa and beyond.
Before joining Flutterwave, Popat was the CFO for the Middle East and Africa at Citi, and was responsible for overseeing financial operations in 29 countries. He also served as CFO for Global Equities Sales and Trading, managing a business with $5 billion in revenue.
In his new role, Popat will oversee Flutterwave’s corporate finance functions, helping drive the company’s expansion efforts and optimize resource allocation. His deep understanding of global financial operations will be critical in maintaining operational efficiency and securing the company’s financial sustainability in both African and international markets.
“I am thrilled to join Flutterwave at such a pivotal time in its journey. Africa presents both unique challenges and tremendous opportunities, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to help the company grow while maintaining sustainable profitability,” Popat said. “Together with the team, we will focus on enhancing Flutterwave’s financial performance and operational excellence through strategic innovation.”
As Flutterwave continues to solidify its presence in Africa and expand its operations globally, the addition of Popat to the leadership team is expected to further strengthen the company’s financial management and risk mitigation strategies.
Welcoming Popat to the team, Flutterwave’s CEO and Founder, Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, expressed confidence in the new CFO’s ability to contribute significantly to the company’s mission. “Mitesh’s extensive experience, particularly in Africa and global markets, aligns perfectly with Flutterwave’s vision to connect Africa to the global economy. His proven track record in financial leadership and operational excellence will be a key asset as we continue our ambitious growth plans,” he said.
Over the past few years, Flutterwave has actively built a robust leadership team, bringing in talent from top global firms such as PayPal, Stripe, and Western Union. Mitesh’s appointment is a continuation of this trend, as Flutterwave looks to strengthen its financial capabilities and deepen its market presence. The company’s focus on hiring top talent from across the globe underscores its commitment to maintaining financial sustainability and scaling its business model.
The company’s rapid growth has established it as a key player in Africa’s fintech ecosystem, enabling businesses and individuals to make seamless payments across borders. Its innovative payment solutions have attracted partnerships with major global companies, and its recent expansion efforts signal its intent to become a dominant player in the global fintech market.