10 Best Leaders from Finance in India 2024
With the Indian economy projected to grow at 6.3% in 2024 (World Bank), Financial leaders in India are at the forefront of shaping the nation’s financial ecosystem, leveraging their expertise to navigate volatility, foster innovation, and drive sustainable business practices. TradeFlock’s latest edition, “10 Best Leaders from Finance in India 2024, celebrates 10 extraordinary finance leaders who are reshaping India’s financial landscape with their strategic vision and unmatched expertise. This edition features exclusive conversations with these finance leaders whose combined leadership has influenced industries accounting for over 30% of India’s GDP. Readers will gain insights into their professional journeys, from managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios to implementing financial strategies that have unlocked exponential growth. Beyond finance, the magazine delves into diverse success narratives, including leadership lessons inspired by historical figures’ resilience, sports champions’ strategies, and the ingenuity of startups thriving in India’s fast-evolving business environment. The issue also includes human interest stories that explore the intersection of finance, society, and innovation. This data-rich and insight-packed edition is a comprehensive resource for understanding the critical role of financial leadership in driving India’s economic and corporate excellence in 2024.
With 28 years of expertise, Hira Mahajan redefines financial leadership by blending strategic finance with operational excellence. His mastery in SCM finance, plant controllership, and value-driven decision-making empowers organisations to streamline processes, cut costs, and drive sustainable growth. Hira’s collaborative approach bridges finance and supply chain, setting new benchmarks in profitability and performance.
Navin is at the forefront of revolutionising India’s fantasy sports industry with his strategic financial leadership. With over 20 years of experience, he has been instrumental in driving Dream11’s growth, securing major investments, and ensuring long-term sustainability. His innovative approach to financial strategy and team empowerment continues to propel Dream11 towards the growth path.
Dr. Acharya has been a key architect in transforming India’s energy and infrastructure sectors over his 28-year career. From pioneering power sector reforms to securing multi-billion-dollar investments for major projects, his strategic financial leadership has reshaped the landscape. He has a strong track record in project finance, fund-raising, and revenue optimisation.
Sachin Jain is revolutionising the MRO sector with his unique blend of strategic finance and operational expertise. Drawing on extensive experience in the manufacturing and automotive industries, Sachin drives ProcMart’s growth by leveraging digital solutions to optimise procurement and supply chain processes. His customer-centric approach and innovative leadership are reshaping the future of MRO procurement.
Samita stands as a pivotal leader in managing the financial backbone of one of India’s most prominent industrial giants. With a career spanning investment banking and corporate finance, Samita’s expertise has guided Tata Steel through market volatility, strategic expansion, and risk management with unwavering precision. Her leadership in shaping the company’s financial resilience and sustainability continues to inspire the industry.
Sanjay is a seasoned finance leader with experience across sectors like brewing, telecom, FMCG, and e-commerce. He drives financial transformation at Microsoft, optimising resources, ensuring compliance with global tax norms, and fostering innovation. Sanjay’s strategic foresight and focus on cost optimisation have enhanced operational efficiency, while his people-centric leadership helps develop the next generation of finance talent.
Shreyash Devalkar manages ₹85,000 crore in assets with a research-driven strategy.With a background in chemical engineering and an MBA from JBIMS, Shreyash’s career spans roles at J.P. Morgan, IDFC Securities, and BNP Paribas AMC, where he developed a reputation for delivering consistent, high-performing funds. His leadership has solidified Axis Mutual Fund’s position as a trusted name in India’s equity market.
Shyam brings over 25 years of expertise in shaping sustainable financial strategies across diverse sectors like pharmaceuticals, engineering, and nutraceuticals. His leadership blends strategic financial insight with a commitment to ethical decision-making. His experience in managing complex regulatory environments and fostering collaboration has positioned him as a key driver of ZIM Laboratories’ continued success.
Vineet stands at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in the Swaraj Division of Mahindra & Mahindra, bringing over 20 years of global experience to the table. As a seasoned leader, he seamlessly blends his financial expertise with Mahindra’s strategic vision, driving growth and fortifying the resilience of Swaraj Division. With masterful leadership of a $1 billion portfolio, Vineet ensures that the company meets its financial goals and adapts to the ever-evolving landscape of the industry, paving the way for long-term success.
Zarin transformed Standard Chartered Bank’s operations, driving profitability and leading it to become the third-highest income earner globally by 2022. Her leadership focused on de-risking the asset base, strengthening retail liquidity, and pioneering sustainable finance initiatives, including Asia’s largest sustainability-linked loan in healthcare. A Chartered Accountant and former ICICI Bank executive, she is celebrated for her forward-thinking leadership, diversity advocacy, and strategic impact.