Shyamala Rajan’s visionary leadership and innovative strategies position her as an influential woman in the equipment finance space. As the head of the BMO Digital Products team for BMO Vendor Finance, Rajan has taken significant steps to revolutionize the sector by leading digital transformation efforts that span the entire lifecycle of loan and lease products.
A key driver of Rajan’s success is her ability to cultivate strong relationships across different business units, including information technology, line of businesses and marketing. Her colleagues praise her for her collaborative leadership style, which fosters cooperation and ensures that product management best practices are aligned with customer needs.
Rajan’s journey in the equipment finance industry is shaped by her diverse background in telecommunications and energy, where she developed a robust understanding of digital products and transformation. Before joining BMO, she held several pivotal roles at Bank of the West, including operations manager and product leader, where she led digital transformation initiatives for the equipment finance business. In 2016, she spearheaded the introduction of Manufacturer Distribution Finance (equipment floorplan) as a core product offering, which was a significant milestone for the organization.
“Shyamala is an extraordinary business leader and the owner and driver of a multi-year business transformation that has included the introduction of new digital products and end-to-end technology solutions and processes,” Ken Turner, head of BMO Vendor Finance, says. “Her commitment to teammate[s], business objectives and client[s] [is] unsurpassed, causing so many peers and aspiring business professionals to look to Shyamala as a role model and mentor. As a self-described ‘change agent,’ she is a powerful force on the BMO Vendor Finance leadership team, helping set strategic direction and then forging the execution path forward. She leads with confidence and an unwavering positive attitude that inspires others to follow.”
Her bold and fearless approach is one of the defining traits that sets Rajan apart in the industry. When the opportunity arose to manage operations for wholesale finance at Bank of the West, Rajan took on the challenge without hesitation, displaying the same tenacity that has characterized her entire career. Her passion for equipment finance grew during this period, as she realized the potential to drive innovation and introduce new products to the market. This passion translated into her leading key initiatives during BMO’s acquisition of Bank of the West, in which she played a central role in integrating digital transformation efforts across the organization.
Her work in digital transformation at BMO Vendor Finance has been recognized as a major achievement by senior leaders within the company. Most notably, Rajan led the implementation of a fully updated lease accounting system and a new front-end lease and loan origination platform. These groundbreaking accomplishments have not only enhanced the company’s operational efficiency but also solidified Rajan’s reputation as a forward-thinking leader who delivers results.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rajan is committed to mentoring the next generation of women in business. She actively participates in informal mentorship roles, encouraging younger women to embrace change, build strong networks and pursue leadership opportunities. Rajan’s advocacy for women in leadership is a testament to her belief in the power of mentorship and the impact it can have on shaping future leaders.
Outside of work, Rajan remains connected to her heritage through performing arts and values work ethic as a tribute to her father. She currently resides in California with her husband and two children. •
No categories available
No tags available