10 Best CFO from Asia 2024
Asia continues to emerge as a global innovation, growth, and resilience powerhouse. The financial stewards of this transformation—Asian Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are guiding forces, driving their organisations through complexity, uncertainty, and opportunity. This special edition of TradeFlock highlights the “10 Best CFOs from Asia in 2024”, spotlighting the region’s most inspiring and impactful financial leaders who drive success through their strategic vision and business acumen. Amid economic fluctuations, technological disruptions, and shifting market dynamics, these best financial leaders from Asia have demonstrated an exceptional ability to steer companies toward profitability and sustainable growth. These top CFOs from Asia, representing a diverse range of industries from tech and manufacturing to hospitality and finance, are not just managing balance sheets but also shaping the future of their organisations. With data-backed insights, this issue discusses how Asia’s Best CFOs leverage financial technology, adopt data-driven decision-making, and spearhead transformational initiatives that impact their entire organisations and the Asian business terrain.
With extensive experience spanning pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and medical devices, Mohamed has held key roles at Novartis, J&J, Takeda, Allergan, and Energizer. He excels in financial planning, analysis, and transformation, driving Pharmanovia’s strategic and digital growth. His leadership, backed by CIMA and FP&A certifications, ensures the company’s continued success in a dynamic global healthcare landscape.
Jose Luis Uchima Vergaray
CFO Asean, America and Global Commercial Finance Lead
With over 20 years of experience across multinational corporations and state institutions like SUNAT, Peru’s tax administration, Jose Luis expertly blends public-sector rigor with private-sector agility. His deep understanding of finance, taxation, and administration drives innovation and efficiency at AJE Group. Additionally, as a professor at Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Jose is dedicated to mentoring future leaders in finance.
Lemuel Tiu leverages a solid background in audit, assurance, and financial strategy to lead multinational finance operations. His expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and navigating complex financial landscapes. Known for fostering cross-cultural collaboration, Lemuel drives both financial growth and organizational excellence across diverse teams at Toyo Adtec.
With a background in auditing and financial management, Loudie Falguera transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. His previous role as CFO of a prominent FMCG distribution company saw him modernise financial operations using cutting-edge digital tools, enhancing efficiency and strategic insight. Passionate about mentorship and community impact, Loudie is dedicated to fostering financial success while empowering future leaders.
Manish brings over 23 years of diverse experience, blending entrepreneurial insight with financial acumen. His journey began as the founder of eHotel Management School, where he developed a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge on financial decision-making in the hospitality sector. He oversees operations across 15 hotels and over 1,500 employees at Htoo Hospitality, guiding strategic initiatives and successfully repositioning key properties post-COVID.
Rajesh Krishnan blends strategic insight with empathetic leadership. With an MBA and several procurement certifications, he has effectively streamlined operations and driven profitability. His resilience during the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant growth, elevating company revenue from AED 6 million to AED 95 million in five years. Rajesh’s journey highlights the essential role of financial leadership in navigating challenges and fostering business sustainability.
Known for his expertise in high-risk financial markets, Sherif Megahed gained recognition for negotiating a major tax liability for Schlumberger in Libya. He has served as CFO across multiple countries in Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Sherif excels in implementing financial controls and driving operational turnarounds. With over 25 years of experience, he is dedicated to building cohesive teams and fostering collaboration, which has led to significant financial improvements in challenging environments.
Suha is a distinguished leader in finance and technology. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Bahrain, she began her career at KPMG, where she gained expertise in financial auditing and risk management. Recognised for her innovative approach and collaborative leadership style, she is committed to sustainable growth and leveraging technology for financial efficiency. Suha’s journey exemplifies resilience and dedication to driving positive change in the financial sector.
Usman Anwar, CFO of Al Mabrooka Cement Manufacturing Company Limited, exemplifies modern financial leadership with nearly 20 years of experience. From his start as a trainee to international roles that refined his adaptability, Usman drives operational efficiency and strategic oversight in his current position. His expertise in budgeting and compliance positions the company for sustainable growth amid market challenges.
Waqas brings over a decade of expertise in transforming financial strategies across diverse sectors, including manufacturing and retail. His budgeting, forecasting, and risk mitigation proficiency has consistently driven impressive results and enhanced operational efficiency. With a strong commitment to aligning financial strategies with business goals, Waqas is dedicated to enabling sustainable growth and positioning Joy Zone as a leader in the industry. His global experience equips him to navigate complex financial landscapes while understanding local market dynamics.