Mumbai: Bitcoin and crypto asset exchange platform ZebPay has elevated Raj Karkara to the role of chief operating officer (COO). He will work closely with ZebPay’s co-CEO Avinash Shekhar, in setting and driving organisational vision, operational strategy, performance management and hiring needs.

Karkara’s primary responsibility will be to develop actionable business strategies and plans that align with the company’s short-term and long-term objectives. Additionally, he will work towards translating the strategy into executable goals for performance and further growth of ZebPay,  said the company in a statement on Wednesday.

“Raj has strengthened ZebPay’s presence and business in the crypto ecosystem since he joined us over a year ago. With his extensive expertise, ZebPay will see rapid growth and global expansion to achieve our vision of becoming become the #1 cryptocurrency exchange in India and the world," stated Shekhar. "We are building ZebPay as an all-encompassing crypto company that offers innovative solutions and products to a diverse set of investors, from retail to institutional."  

He joined ZebPay as chief business officer in September 2020 and more recently, had been promoted to the role of chief marketing officer. With this role change, in addition to marketing, Karkara will now directly oversee product management, trade, OTC, global growth and operations (customer service and excellence).

Karkara comes with over 15 years of experience in the financial services, fintech and e-commerce industries. Previously, he was associated with KansoStrategy as co-founder, a boutique strategy and consulting firm that works with crypto, e-commerce, payments and fintech clients globally. Prior to Kanso, he held various positions such as senior vice president of product, CRO and COO at tZERO, the global leader in digital securities. He also held the role of vice president of product management for financial services, loyalty and new business development at Overstock. Prior to Overstock, he held the role of director, global product and solutions at MasterCard, where his responsibilities included prepaid strategy and mobile money.

“ZebPay has been innovating and launching new and industry-first products to address the needs of a diverse set of customers ever since its inception in 2014 and I am excited to lead ZebPay as it gears up for further expansion," said Karkara, on his new role. "Crypto is booming in India with vast untapped potential for solutions that will make us a global leader. ZebPay is well-positioned to play an integral part and I am looking forward to driving strategies and building on our foundation of product and customer excellence to be the leading crypto exchange in India and globally.”