Harness the power of AI
to automate compliance and elevate human potential.
Why Zato?
The name Zato is inspired by Zatoichi, the legendary blind swordsman from Japanese folklore, who moved with unmatched skill, intuition, and grace.
Like Zatoichi, our platform operates with unseen intelligence, cutting through complexity to deliver clean, accurate outcomes with remarkable efficiency.
A native AI product
This isn’t a bolt-on AI tool. It’s AI from the ground up. A complete production platform transforming compliance.
We mean business
Zato is founded by outsourcing experts with 20 years and more than 1 million ledgers under their belts.
Expert founders
20
Years of experience
1M+
Ledgers processed
Precision
Engineered to perfection.
Velocity
Build faster.
Trust
Owning the outcome.
Elevation
The pursuit of better.
Unity
Humans and AI aligned.
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With a deep understanding of the accounting industry and a proven record in business leadership, Viv brings strategic focus and energy to Zato’s mission. As CEO, Viv is leading the rollout of Zato across New Zealand, spearheading revenue growth and shaping the platform’s evolution based on the real-world needs of modern accounting firms. Viv’s leadership is grounded in a passion for innovation and her vision is to position Zato as an essential partner to firms, helping them conquer compliance and reclaim capacity for higher-value client work.
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Srikanth is a technology leader with over a decade of experience across AI, cybersecurity, digital forensics, and enterprise software development. As CTO of Zato, he leads the design and engineering of the platform’s intelligent automation architecture for the accounting industry. A former cybersecurity consultant and digital forensics trainer for law enforcement, Srikanth has led high-profile investigations into cybercrime, fraud, and network breaches. He has developed advanced systems for metadata extraction, OSINT, and penetration testing, and has trained over 3,000 professionals. His work blends deep technical rigour with a passion for transforming complex digital ecosystems.
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Dr. Kishan is a senior technology executive, mathematician, and AI leader with over 30 years of experience across enterprise IT, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. He oversees AI and innovation across Zato, driving the development of next-generation automation platforms for compliance and financial intelligence. He has held senior executive roles at Mahindra Satyam and Wipro, managing multi-million-dollar delivery portfolios and leading governance reform initiatives. Holding dual PhDs in Mathematics and Computer Science, and with published research in applied AI, Dr. Kishan brings a unique combination of scientific depth and strategic vision to Zato’s intelligence architecture.
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Derek is a seasoned financial leader with 30 plus years in global banking, including nearly three decades driving institutional growth at Citibank. As CEO and Managing Director, he was instrumental in cementing Citibank’s role as a key international partner to the New Zealand Government. Now an angel investor and strategic advisor to early-stage ventures, Derek brings sharp insight into business strategy. Derek's other Director appointments include Aqua Stack Limited and American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Finance from Lincoln University and brings unparalleled financial expertise to Zato.
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Russell is a seasoned executive and board director with over 25 years’ leadership experience in the technology and telecommunications sectors across Australia and New Zealand. CEO of Vodafone New Zealand for 14 years, he transformed the company from a mobile operator into a digital services leader, expanding into broadband, TV, and converged offerings for over two million customers. Russell’s other Director appointments include Vocus Group Limited and 2 Degrees Mobile Limited. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland and brings extensive technology insight to the Zato board.
Viv is a household name to NZ accounting Firms. A Chartered Accountant with 25 years’ public practice experience, Viv was awarded a fellowship in 2011 by the NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants for her contribution to the accounting industry. Founder of Business Fitness NZ Ltd, a content company specialising in compliance workpapers, Viv subsequently sold the business to CCH New Zealand Ltd, a subsidiary of software giant Wolters Kluwer. In 2014, Viv Co-founded The Gap, an end-to-end advisory platform for accountants, and was a Director and Head of Marketing and Partnerships for more than 10 years. Viv brings a unique blend of ‘in the seat’ accounting, product and marketing experience to Zato.
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Greg is a highly respected accounting industry leader with over 40 years of experience in public practice, technology enablement, and strategic outsourcing. He is a founding director of Connect Outsourcing, New Zealand’s largest provider of outsourced accounting services, where he has led innovation in operational delivery and offshore integration. Prior to that, he was a director and equity partner in a mid-sized Auckland firm for three decades, advising SMEs across a wide array of sectors. As an Executive Director of Zato Origin Ltd, Greg leads financial, product and business strategy, ensuring the platform’s growth is commercially sound and deeply aligned with the needs of the profession.
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Saurav is a global entrepreneur with extensive experience in AI, digital infrastructure, and capital deployment across emerging and developed markets. He is the CEO of GAIT Global, a climate-focused asset manager, and Director of BansCap, a single-family office with interests in infrastructure, technology, and natural resources. Saurav has led large-scale projects across Asia-Pacific and advises governments, institutional investors, and indigenous groups on strategy and innovation. A regular speaker at major investor and United Nations conferences, he holds a Master of Business Information Systems and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Sydney and is an Associate of Trinity College London.
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