Justin Otani - FRM, PMP, JD, MBA

Justin Otani has a diverse and extensive work experience. Justin currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of True Essence Foods, where they are actively involved in company operations and has co-led the strategic development of the company since 2014. Justin joined True Essence Foods as an employee in 2019 and focuses on finance and accounting functions, including financial planning, expense management, accounting, taxes, and financial reporting.

Prior to joining True Essence Foods, Justin worked at BDO Qazaqstan as the Director of Consulting Services. During their tenure, they led and managed international consulting services across various industries and grew the department to contribute more than 5% of total firm revenues and over 10% of total net profits. Justin specialized in assessing financial, commercial, and operational risks for mergers and acquisitions in industries such as banking, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, healthcare, agriculture, commercial real estate, mining and metal production, materials handling equipment, food services, food and beverage, and luxury goods.

Before their role at BDO Qazaqstan, Justin served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Indiana University Bloomington from 2014 to 2017. Justin also co-founded and served as the CEO of Ornicept / Specteo from 2012 to 2014. Additionally, they held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Hydraulic Wind Power, LLC from 2010 to 2012.

Justin gained valuable experience working as a Consultant at various organizations such as Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, IU Research and Technology Corporation, Abbott, and Global Business and Social Enterprise (GLOBASE) in 2010.

Throughout their career, Justin Otani has demonstrated expertise in finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, and business and technology commercialization. Justin holds multiple professional certifications, including FRM (Financial Risk Manager), PMP (Project Management Professional), JD (Juris Doctor), and MBA (Master of Business Administration).

Justin Otani has an extensive education history. Justin obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Political Theory and Philosophy from Willamette University, where they studied from 2000 to 2004. Justin then pursued further studies and completed a Juris Doctor (JD) degree at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, specializing in Intellectual Property Law and Business Law. Justin's time at law school lasted from 2008 to 2012.

In addition to their legal education, Justin also pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at Indiana University - Kelley School of Business. Justin focused on Finance and Corporate Innovation during their MBA studies, which took place from 2009 to 2012.

Justin has also obtained several certifications to enhance their professional qualifications. Justin earned the Financial Risk Manager (FRM®) certification from the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) in January 2017. Furthermore, they obtained the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification from the Project Management Institute in August 2019.

Overall, Justin Otani holds a diverse educational background encompassing law, business administration, and risk management.