Berkadia announced today the appointment of Damodaram (“Damu”) Bashyam as Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer. He will oversee Berkadia’s Innovation team as Berkadia continues to invest significantly in people and technology. Mr. Bashyam will also be a member of Berkadia’s Management Committee, reporting directly to Justin Wheeler, Berkadia’s Chief Executive Officer.
“We’re thrilled Damu is joining Berkadia and confident that he will further strengthen our digital transformation efforts,” said Wheeler. “With constant innovation and improvement, we are laser-focused on the client experience. Damu shares this vision, and his proven record of strategic thinking combined with tactical execution will help us drive forward and increase our success. This is a great day for Berkadia.”
In his new role at Berkadia, Mr. Bashyam will be responsible for technology strategy, digital, data and the Innovation team’s delivery of products that drive transformation and growth within the company and within the commercial real estate industry.
With more than 25 years of experience in technology and the financial services sector, Mr. Bashyam most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chief Information and Digital Officer of Columbia Bank, where he led transformation initiatives including technology strategy, digital banking, data analytics and cyber solutions. Prior to that role, Mr. Bashyam served as Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer for JP Morgan Chase’s Consumer Banking business and previously held CIO-level leadership positions with Verizon. In these roles, Mr. Bashyam was responsible for several initiatives, including technology and digital transformation, and data-driven, innovative customer-focused solutions.
“I am excited and honored to be part of Berkadia’s journey at a time when the company is experiencing remarkable growth,” said Mr. Bashyam. “The Berkadia leadership team and I share the same core philosophy that our greatest assets are our people, and I look forward to leading this talented group to deliver innovative products and services to advance Berkadia’s focus on delivering best-in-class client experiences.”
Mr. Bashyam has an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Bangalore University, India; a Master of Science degree from Stevens Institute of Technology; and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Mr. Bashyam also serves on the Board of Directors at Goodwill Industries of New York and Northern New Jersey.
