CEO Insights India

xz A CFO is vital for creating value for business owners, whether they are serial entrepreneurs or multi generational stake holders managing a significant company. The CFOs will identify and capitalize on all conceivable long term business objectives to effectively increase the company's value. Business owners and CFOs work togetherto develop the organization's long term strategy and to carry out the strategic activities required to maximize long term value. Ravi Shankar, the Chief Financial Officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, is an epitome of such a CFO. Ravi is aiming to maximize the value of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts by providing strategic inputs and appropriate business growth proposals along with driving cost cutting initiatives.

In an exclusive interview with CEO Insights, Ravi spoke about his extensive professional experience as a CFO.

Tell us about your illustrious career in the Hospitality and Real estate industry.
I am a versatile professional with more than 21 years of experience in Asset Management, Finance & Taxation, PL Management, MIS & Budgeting, Operations Audit, Internal Controls & Compliance, Risk Identification and Management Treasury Management and other key finance related areas. Given the repertoire of experience, knowledge and expertise, I am well versed in hotel operations,asset management corporate/ hotel/project accoun

ting, audit, tax laws DTAA and Internal controls.In addition, I have a known track record for relationship management skills and expertise in interacting with owners/ stake holders Banks regulatory authorities, auditors and Leaders at all levels of management.

At The Leela Palaces, as the CFO, I am responsible for overseeing finance operational strategies and driving finance operations & projects for the brand.

I have had numerous feathers added to my cap during my career, the most recent was being Chief Financial Officer at MH Lifestyle Hotels Dubai. Throughout my career, I have worked with prominent business houses and hotels including RSM, New Delhi(now Price waterhouse Coopers), Le Meridien, Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Marriott International.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts owns and runs 11 award winning hotels and resorts in India's major cities and leisure destinations. What are the company's unique financial strategies for maintaining its decades old reputation?
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, with its Corporate Office in Mumbai, is owned by a private real estate fund sponsored by Brookfield Asset Management. The Leela owns and manages its award-winning

Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in India's major cities and leisure areas. The flagship hotels are in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Bhartiya City Bangalore, Chennai, Udaipur, Jaipur, Gurugram, East Delhi, Goa, and Mumbai and Gandhinagar. With curated services, festive traditions, and engaging adventures, The Leela celebrates distinct location art culture and culinary traditions of each of its hotels. Recognizing the quality services offered by us, Travel + Leisure US World's .

Ravi Shankar, Chief Financial Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
Being an astute and thorough professional, Ravi has always believed in first strengthening the base and then the edifice be it on personal or professional front.Having a strong academic foundation, he has a B.Com(Hons) Degree from Hansraj College Delhi University, LLB (Law Graduate) Degree from Manav Bharti University Himachal Pradesh and is a qualified Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. With over 21 years of expertise in many verticals Ravi is an experienced and a respected professional in the Hotel and Real Estate industry.

Awards:
•Winner of CFO Next100, 2015 - Awarded by CFO India.
•RVP Special Recognition Award for NBT & OPS support 2014 – Starwood South Asia.
•Outstanding Manager of the Year 2009 – Starwood Asia Pacific.
•Winner of Finance Quiz Competition 2008 - Asia Pacific division.
•Gold Star Award 2007 - Asia Pacific division Starwood Hotels & Resorts World wide.
•Special Achievement Award - Asia Pacific 2006- Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts.