Solomon Tedla

Founder and President

About

Impact investor and entrepreneur working to help end energy poverty in Africa. Solomon leads an energy products manufacturing startup in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, initially making solar and efficient lighting products primarily for the off grid market. A dynamic leader with broad and deep experience in diverse industries and roles, strategically minded with operational savvy, passionate about performance excellence with focused attention on financial management founded on solid “big four” experience. Result driven, collaborative with strong business acumen and ability to interface at all levels including the boardroom. Team player and valued business partner to executive management with direct P&L responsibilities; led S&OP, quarterly business review and annual operating planning processes and ascertain plan attainment. Extensive work dealing with private equity partners, global customer and supplier-facing processes, market value assessment, turnaround strategy implementation, M&A opportunity evaluation. Focused in growing the business, margin expansion and efficient working capital management. Led various large cross-functional projects aimed at enterprise business performance optimization, process improvement, including CRM module enhancements for global service and warranty tracking. CFO experience include managing legal, human resources, information technology and facilities organizations.

Country

United States

City

Newport Beach

Industry

Computer & Network Security

Skill

Cross-functional Team Leadership, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Process Improvement, Mergers & Acquisitions, Start-ups, SEC filings, Financial Analysis, Strategic Planning, Financial Reporting, Acquisition Integration, Strategic Partnerships, Accounting, Business Process Improvement, Due Diligence, Financial Modeling, Business Development, Contract Negotiation, Corporate Finance, Auditing, US GAAP

Experience

Founder and President

Abramba Technologies, PLC. and Newport Spectrum Technologies, Inc

2014-4 - Present · 12 yrs 6 mos

Newport Beach, CA

Founder of a venture firm with a focus on the study and assessment of renewable energy (solar) investment opportunities in Africa; Project focused on green growth initiatives providing sustainable lighting solutions to markets in Africa. Performed a comprehensive business study and analysis for off-grid solar and LED products manufacturing in Africa. Engaged in several Africa-wide development-focused projects and initiatives. Successfully concluded a comprehensive intellectual property agreement with technology partners, to help the development of modern lighting technologies and manufacturing capabilities across Africa. Engaged with global NGOs to identify impactful opportunities and implement practical programs to address lightings needs in Africa. Established Abramba Technologies, PLC. in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. The company designs and manufactures solar and LED lighting products to serve the off grid and grid connected communities in Ethiopia and the various African countries. www.abramba.com

Vice President, Controller, Renewable Energy Solutions

ABB Product Group Solar

2011-1 - 2014-2 · 3 yrs 2 mos

Camarillo, CA

Responsible for the financial leadership of the $750M revenue, renewable energy products SBU of Power One, before its acquisition by ABB. Provided leadership to the finance and global controllership organizations in Asia, Europe, North America and Australia. Key contributor to the company's annual strategy update, led MORs /QBRs as well as AOP exercise. Strategic partner to the President and CFO, participated in quarterly Board of Director meetings presenting and addressing the SBU quarterly performance report card. Served as a key member of the pre and post acquisition and integration teams in connection with the merger of Power-One with ABB.

Vice President, Finance

Conexant

2000-1 - 2011-1 · 11 yrs 1 mo

Newport Beach, California

With revenues over $1.5B, Conexant was one of the top semiconductor companies in the U.S with technology leadership in wireless, broadband, optical and narrow band communications semiconductors space. The company followed a strategy of divestiture towards a "pure play" semiconductor companies, thereby spinning off several companies such as Skyworks Solution "SWKS" and JAZZ Semiconductors. I led various sales operations functions serving as business partner to the SVPs of WW Sales and Operations. Led finance controllership, treasury operations, and global working capital management across the company's locations in North America, Europe and Asia. Developed extensive global and regional network in the sales and operations areas while interfacing with all key customers and supply partners.

Controller - Qualcomm Personal Electronics

Qualcomm

1996 - 2000 · 4 yrs

Greater San Diego Area

Controller for $2B high volume handset manufacturing partnership of Qualcomm and SONY. Responsible for all partnership factory finance and accounting (controllership) functions pursuant with the partnership agreements. Led the finance organization as the business experienced significant and rapid growth.

CFO, Vice President, Finance

AT&T

1989 - 1996 · 7 yrs

Greater Atlanta Area

Responsible for all accounting, finance, human resources, legal and IT functions for this $250M technology (startup) in VSAT hardware manufacturing. Led the G&A organizations through a period of rapid growth and changes leading to the subsequent divestiture of the business by AT&T.