In recent times, the role of a CFO in an organization has undergone vast changes. A CFO is not only just a financial authority but a strategic partner to the CEO, supporting in the crucial decision-making and application of strategic methods in the company. Besides making responsible decisions about investment, CFOs today are expected to remain updated with the latest technologies. At present, Indian companies are gearing up for global competition and their outlook is extremely futuristic. With this outlook in hand, the role of CFOs is even more significant. India is one of the best countries in Asia in terms of its Geography, culture, and heritage. In the business sector, it has improved significantly over time. Listed down are the top 40 CFOs in India based on their performance, credibility, and talent.
TOP 10 CFOs IN INDIA 2024
TOP 20 CFOs IN INDIA 2024
TOP 30 CFOs IN INDIA 2024
31. Kamini Shah
Kamini Shah epitomizes excellence in finance leadership, boasting over 25 years of experience across diverse domains such as finance, supply chain, commercial, and business planning. As a seasoned CFO, diversity evangelist, and mentor, Kamini has cultivated a reputation for driving growth, profitability, and operational excellence within Fortune 500 companies and global organizations.
With a background as a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Kamini brings deep expertise in all facets of accounting, financial management, and performance optimization. Her leadership style is characterized by inclusivity and a collaborative approach, believing in harnessing the collective potential of teams to achieve business outcomes.
Kamini’s professional journey reflects a trajectory of impactful roles and achievements. At Birlasoft, she serves as the Group CFO, steering financial strategies and operations to support the company’s growth trajectory. Prior to this, she held pivotal leadership positions at prominent organizations such as Wipro, Mphasis, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Unilever, where she played instrumental roles in driving business transformation, financial stewardship, and strategic planning.
During her tenure at Wipro, Kamini served as the CFO for the Americas One region, overseeing financial operations and strategic initiatives across multiple geographies. She also held roles as Vice President and Global Head, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex business landscapes and drive organizational success.
Kamini’s career highlights include her contributions to driving significant cost savings and profitability enhancements, particularly during her tenure at GE Power, where she served as the CFO for the global sourcing function. Her strategic acumen and financial prowess have been instrumental in delivering tangible results and creating value for stakeholders.
Beyond her corporate endeavors, Kamini is actively engaged as an angel investor with Inflection Point Ventures, leveraging her financial expertise to support budding entrepreneurs and startups. She is also deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives within the corporate ecosystem, serving as a mentor and advocate for underrepresented groups.
With a stellar track record of leadership and achievement, Kamini Shah continues to inspire and empower teams to drive innovation, foster inclusive cultures, and achieve sustainable growth in an ever-evolving business landscape.
32. Swayam Saurabh
Swayam Saurabh is a seasoned finance professional with a wealth of experience in leadership roles across various industries, particularly in the consumer internet, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. He has demonstrated his prowess in financial management, strategic planning, and business analysis throughout his career.
Notably, Swayam has served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at prominent companies like Ola, Hindustan Zinc, and Philips, where he played a crucial role in driving financial strategy, overseeing mergers and acquisitions, and enhancing profitability. His tenure at these organizations saw significant achievements, including substantial revenue growth, successful business turnarounds, and the implementation of robust financial controls.
With a background in both finance and strategy, coupled with his hands-on experience in leading multinational teams, Swayam has consistently delivered results and added value to the organizations he has been part of. His educational background includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, further enriching his skill set and strategic acumen.
Currently serving as President & Chief Financial Officer (Designate) at JSW Steel, Swayam continues to leverage his expertise to drive financial excellence and contribute to the success of the organization in the competitive steel industry landscape.
33. Phuntsok Wangyal
Phuntsok Wangyal is a seasoned finance professional with extensive experience in the renewables and environment industry, particularly in the areas of structured finance, financial structuring, corporate finance, valuation, and financial analysis. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a focus on Finance from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.
Currently, Phuntsok serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Adani Green Energy Ltd., where he plays a key role in managing the financial aspects of the company’s operations in the renewable energy sector.
Prior to his role at Adani Green Energy Ltd., Phuntsok held various positions at Engie India, including Chief Financial Officer and Head of India Acquisition, Investment, and Financial Advisory. In these roles, he demonstrated his expertise in financial management and strategic advisory for renewable energy projects.
Before joining Engie India, Phuntsok gained extensive experience in the finance sector, serving in leadership positions at SBI Capital Markets for over 14 years.
Phuntsok’s educational background includes an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and schooling from St. Joseph’s Academy, Dehradun.
With his strong finance acumen and deep understanding of the renewables industry, Phuntsok Wangyal continues to make significant contributions to the growth and success of organizations in the sustainable energy sector.
34. Pradosh Basu
Pradosh Basu is a highly experienced finance leader with a robust background in the oil, gas, and petrochemicals industry. His skill set encompasses strategic planning, profit center management, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financial controlling, treasury management, and corporate structuring.
Currently, Pradosh serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at ONGC Petro additions Limited (OPaL), where he plays a pivotal role in managing the financial aspects of the organization’s operations in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors.
Prior to his role at OPaL, Pradosh held various leadership positions in renowned organizations such as Qatar Petroleum, SABIC, Reliance Industries Ltd, and Marico Limited, where he honed his expertise in finance and business operations within the industry.
Pradosh’s educational background is extensive, including certifications and degrees from prestigious institutions such as INSEAD, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, the Colorado Board (USA), the Institute of Management Accountants (USA), and the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.
With his comprehensive knowledge and experience in finance, coupled with his strong leadership skills, Pradosh Basu continues to make significant contributions to the success and growth of organizations in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors.
35. Sandeep Modi
Sandeep Modi is a distinguished Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with a rich background spanning nearly two decades in the metals, mining, and power sectors. Holding key leadership positions at prestigious organizations, including Hindustan Zinc, Sandeep has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver value and excellence in finance management.
At Hindustan Zinc, a global natural resource company and subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, Sandeep serves as the CFO, overseeing finance, legal, and IT functions while spearheading internal audit and risk management initiatives. His role encompasses a wide array of responsibilities, including business planning, forecasting, MIS reporting, tax strategy, fundraising, and M&A activities.
Sandeep’s expertise extends beyond traditional finance roles; he actively collaborates with the Vice Chairman as the chief of staff to drive overall group business performance. As a testament to his commitment to sustainability and innovation, Sandeep serves as a nominee director on the board of Serentica Renewables, a renewable power company, and is a member of the Vedanta Renewable Energy Steering Committee.
Throughout his career, Sandeep has been recognized for his leadership and achievements, receiving accolades such as BW 40 under 40, ET Great Manager, CII Leading CFO 2022, and inclusion in the list of 100 impactful CXOs by ET. His academic accomplishments, including being a rank holder in Chartered Accountancy and university examinations, underscore his analytical prowess and dedication to excellence in finance.
36. Dinesh Thapar
Dinesh Thapar is a seasoned finance professional with an illustrious career spanning over two decades, marked by significant leadership roles in renowned companies across various industries. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Bajaj Auto Ltd., one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers, Dinesh brings extensive expertise and strategic insights to drive financial excellence and sustainable growth.
Prior to his role at Bajaj Auto Ltd., Dinesh held the position of Group Chief Financial Officer at Reliance Retail, where he played a pivotal role in steering financial strategies and operations for the retail giant. With his adept leadership, he contributed to the company’s expansion and market dominance in the retail sector.
Dinesh’s tenure at Hindustan Unilever Limited, spanning over two decades, showcased his proficiency in finance management and strategic planning. As Vice President of Finance and in other key roles, he made significant contributions to the financial success and operational efficiency of the organization, leaving a lasting impact on its growth trajectory.
His international experience includes roles such as Corporate Audit Manager in the Americas and Senior Buyer, reflecting his versatility and ability to adapt to diverse business environments. With a solid foundation in finance and accounting, including qualifications from esteemed institutions such as The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the Institute of Cost Accountants of India, Dinesh combines academic excellence with practical industry experience to drive business success.
37. PB Balaji
PB Balaji is a distinguished finance executive with a rich and diverse background in multinational corporations, currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Tata Motors Group. With over six years of tenure in this role, he plays a critical role in shaping the financial strategy and operations of one of India’s leading automotive companies, headquartered in Mumbai.
Before joining Tata Motors, PB Balaji held significant positions at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), a subsidiary of Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. During his tenure of nearly nine years at HUL, he served as the CFO and also gained valuable international experience as the VP Finance for the Americas Supply Chain in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and as the Group Chief Accountant in London, United Kingdom.
His career journey also includes a stint as the VP of Treasury at Unilever, Singapore, where he honed his financial management skills in a dynamic and global business environment. PB Balaji’s academic foundation is equally impressive, with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, specializing in Finance and Operations, from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, and a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the renowned Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. His blend of technical expertise and financial acumen positions him as a valuable asset in driving financial excellence and strategic growth initiatives at Tata Motors Group.
38. Rohit Anand
Rohit Anand is a seasoned finance executive with a wealth of experience in driving financial strategy and operations for leading multinational corporations. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Tech Mahindra, he is based in Pune, Maharashtra, India. In his role, Rohit provides comprehensive support to the business on a wide range of financial matters, including commercial finance, performance management, controllership, reporting, tax compliance, treasury operations, secretarial functions, and investor relations. With over three years in this position, he plays a pivotal role in shaping Tech Mahindra’s financial landscape and ensuring its continued success in the competitive technology sector.
Prior to his tenure at Tech Mahindra, Rohit held significant leadership roles at Wipro GE, where he served as the CFO, overseeing financial planning and strategy for the conglomerate’s diverse operations. His journey at GE spanned several years and encompassed various responsibilities across different divisions, including GE Oil & Gas and GE Security, where he drove business performance, led strategic initiatives, and managed financial operations with a focus on accountability, compliance, and growth.
Rohit’s career trajectory also includes valuable experiences at UTC Fire & Security and GE Corporate Audit Staff, where he honed his skills in financial management, strategic planning, and operational excellence. His academic background is equally impressive, with a Master’s degree in Economics from Delhi School of Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Delhi University. With his robust skill set and extensive experience, Rohit Anand continues to be a driving force in shaping the financial landscape of the organizations he serves, contributing to their growth and success in dynamic and challenging business environments.
39. Rohit Soni
Rohit Soni is a highly experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with a strong background in the mining and metals industry. Currently serving as the CFO at Adani Energy Solution Limited, a part of the Adani Group, Rohit is based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. He brings to the table a diverse skill set, including expertise in management, board reporting, financial analytics, financial reporting, IT and systems, and team development.
Prior to his current role, Rohit held key positions within the Vedanta Group, serving as the Chief Procurement Officer at Vedanta Resources Limited, where he was responsible for managing procurement across various commodities and services. He also served as the Chief Commercial Officer for Vedanta Limited’s Aluminium Business, where he oversaw procurement activities and contributed to cost optimization and contract consolidation efforts.
Rohit’s career journey also includes significant stints at Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), Vedanta Zinc International, Sesa Goa Limited, and Sterlite Industries, where he held various finance and management roles, showcasing his versatility and expertise in financial leadership.
His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Annamalai University and completion of the General Management Program at Harvard Business School Executive Education. Additionally, Rohit is a Chartered Accountant, having completed his certification from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
With a track record of delivering strong business results and driving financial excellence, Rohit Soni continues to be a valuable asset in the organizations he serves, contributing to their growth and success in the mining and metals sector.
40. Akshant Goyal
Akshant Goyal is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in finance, corporate development, and entrepreneurship. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Zomato, he has been instrumental in building and shaping the financial strategies of the company. Akshant has been with Zomato since November 2020 and is based in Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Prior to his role at Zomato, Akshant held the position of Head of Corporate Development at the company, where he played a key role in driving strategic initiatives and partnerships to support Zomato’s growth and expansion efforts.
Before joining Zomato, Akshant co-founded a fintech startup, where he served as the CFO. The startup focused on providing unsecured short-term loans for SMEs, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to navigate the fintech landscape.
Akshant also gained valuable experience in investment banking during his tenure as Vice President at Kotak Investment Banking. In this role, he honed his skills in financial advisory, mergers and acquisitions, and capital-raising activities, contributing to the success of numerous transactions.
His professional journey began as an Associate Engineer at GlobalLogic, where he gained foundational experience in software engineering.
Akshant is an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, where he completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA). He also holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree in Computer Science from Delhi College of Engineering.
With his diverse background, strong financial acumen, and entrepreneurial mindset, Akshant Goyal continues to play a vital role in driving the success and growth of Zomato, contributing to its position as a leading player in the food delivery and restaurant discovery space.
For any kind of nominations/corrections, please contact swati@startuplanes.com