MEET THE FOUNDERS

Michael Slaton is a Founder and Managing Director at The Art of the Possible Group.  Slaton specializes in helping businesses solve complex problems, including identifying and exploiting opportunities for rapid growth, and driving corporate turnaround and restructuring when needed.  In his role at The Art of the Possible Group, he is responsible for identifying and evaluating investment opportunities that align with The Art of the Possible Group’s investment philosophy, and provides strategic input and performance oversight for portfolio companies throughout the Group.  

Prior to the founding of The Art of the Possible Group, Slaton was with Yum! Brands for seven years, most recently leading the Business Development and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) functions as Chief Development Officer for the KFC Brand in Asia.  Prior to that, he also held the roles of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Digital Officer across the Asia region.  Prior to joining Yum!, Slaton spent 10 years with Hilton Worldwide, most recently as Chief Financial Officer for the group’s fastest growing Asia Pacific region. Over this period, the company achieved a complete business turnaround under private equity sponsorship, and achieved a highly successful IPO. Prior to his time at Hilton, Slaton spent seven years at Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines, in roles spanning the financial and commercial arenas.  

Slaton holds an MBA from McGill University, and a BA in International Trade from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, a school which in 2016 bestowed on him its top honor as a UAH Alumni of Achievement honoree. 

He is a partner and strategic advisor to Sunbird Brewing Company, Singapore's fastest growing craft beer brand.

Rahul Shinde is a Founder and Director at The Art of the Possible Group. In his role at The Art of the Possible Group, he is responsible for identifying and evaluating investment opportunities that align with The Art of the Possible Group’s investment philosophy, on-boarding new investors, and provides strategic input and performance oversight for portfolio companies throughout the Group.

Prior to the founding of The Art of the Possible Group, Rahul was part of the Yum! Restaurants businesses in a variety of global roles of increasing responsibilities, both with the company and franchisees. Rahul led Devyani International, 2nd largest QSR company in India. He was spearheading the business and it’s expansion of marquee brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, Costa Coffee as well as operating Food Courts at Airports, Malls, Hospitals and Highways. Rahul also held Managing Director positions for the KFC Greater Asia and KFC Indian subcontinent businesses. 

Prior to Yum!, Rahul held leadership roles at JCPenney and McKinsey & Company’s consumer and operations practices.

Rahul holds a MS and PhD in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Mechanical Engineering Bachelors from College of Engg Pune. Rahul was awared India’s 40 under 40 in 2017 and Early Career Achievement Award from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018. He has also been recognized by CII for his leadership and efforts generating employment for People with Special Abilities. 

Rahul is also co-founder of Home Kouzina Private Limited, a business dedicated to reviving Indian Home Cooking and bringing recipes from Home Chefs (spice blends, whole spices, Ready to Eat) to consumers across the world. Rahul also serves as an advisor to Private Equity funds for their Indian consumer companies portfolio.