Ashish Khemka

Ashish Khemka is a distinguished finance leader and Chartered Accountant with over 16 years of global experience across India and Africa, operating at the intersection of infrastructure development, capital markets, and institutional governance.
As Chief Financial Officer / Director – Finance & Operations at Lagos Free Zone, Ashish has been instrumental in mobilising millions in long-term capital, enabling the development of one of West Africa’s most transformative industrial ecosystems. He led the structuring of Nigeria’s first-ever private corporate 20-year infrastructure bond, setting a benchmark for deepening domestic capital markets and establishing long-tenor financing frameworks for infrastructure.
A strong advocate for governance, financial discipline, and institutional credibility, Ashish has built robust frameworks across treasury, risk management, and corporate structuring, ensuring alignment with global best practices while navigating complex emerging-market dynamics. His work reflects a consistent focus on sustainable value creation, stakeholder trust, and long-term capital stewardship.
Prior to Lagos Free Zone, he was part of the Tolaram Group’s corporate finance leadership, where he played a key role in executing the landmark Kellogg’s joint venture, one of the most significant cross-border consumer sector transactions in Africa. His earlier career includes foundational roles at Ernst & Young (Assurance) and ICICI Bank (Treasury Mid Office), equipping him with deep expertise in audit, financial markets, and risk.
Ashish brings a strong academic foundation complemented by continuous executive education at leading global institutions, including London Business School, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Oxford—reinforcing his commitment to thought leadership, governance excellence, and lifelong learning.
He is widely recognised for his ability to blend financial sophistication with strategic foresight, influence diverse stakeholders, and build institutions that are resilient, credible, and future-ready.