Dr. Rajesh Seshadri, Ph.D (h.c.)
Whole-time Director & CFO, Author of umpteen books, Certified Life Coach, Leadership Coach & Mentor, Cognitive Hypnotherapy and Other Psychotherapeutic Interventions, Nirmiti Nidra
DHL•Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
View LinkedIn ProfileExecutive Overview
Steering financial strategy and operations in one of the most dynamic markets in the world. With over two decades of unparalleled experience in the logistics industry, my tenure has been marked by strategic foresight, meticulous compliance, and robust business partnerships that have significantly contributed to the organization's growth and market leadership. Brief profile (over 30 years of workex) CFO and Board Member of MNCs since 2006 - More than two decades of experience in logistics/service industry, including start-ups with a CAGR of 50%. - P&L responsibility & ownership - Directed comprehensive financial planning, analysis, and reporting to support the subsidiary in achieving its strategic objectives. - Led initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, optimize costs, and maximize profitability while ensuring stringent compliance with all regulatory requirements. - Rapid integration of entities post mergers & acquisitions across the sub-continent. - Managed cross-functional teams and fostered a culture of continuous improvement and financial discipline across the organization. - Successfully aligned the financial strategies with the global vision, propelling growth and profitability - Implemented advanced financial systems and technologies, driving a 20% improvement in financial reporting accuracy and timeliness. - Played a key role in negotiating and managing high-stakes contracts, partnerships, and strategic alliances that expanded the company's market reach and service offerings. - Navigated the complexities of the Indian regulatory environment, ensuring full compliance while leveraging opportunities for tax optimization and financial incentives. - Managed financial risks related to currency fluctuations, market volatility, and economic - Drove strategic investment decisions with optimal ROE, ROIC. - Driving value creation e.g. establishing a startup which grew over 10 times in 8 years with a CAGR close to 50% - Stewarding the exponential growth and professionalizing a shared service centre. - HR strategy focusing on employee involvement, engagement, morale and environment with purposeful and directed coaching, training & development. - Built relationships across diverse cultures. - Multi-functional experience heading Finance, Human Resources, Commercial, Tax, Compliance, Legal, Shared Services and IT - Customer centric, collaborative, results & solution focused, and people oriented - Adept in change management, reciprocal engagement and confluent communication
Career Timeline
- DHLCurrentFeb 2019–Present· 7 yrs 7 mos
- Group Chief Financial OfficerCurrentSep 2023–Present
- CFO - Global GSCFeb 2019–Aug 2023
- Nov 2017–2019· 1 yr 2 mos
- Group Chief Financial OfficerNov 2017–2019
- Nov 2006–Oct 2017· 10 yrs 11 mos
- CFO-ISC (IN,BD,LK,PK)Mar 2016–Oct 2017
- CFO (Chief Financial Officer) & Head - Human Resources : India, BangladeshApr 2010–Feb 2016
- CFO (Chief Financial Officer) & Head - Human ResourcesNov 2006–Mar 2010
- Nov 2003–Nov 2006· 3 yrs
- General Manager - Finance & Controlling (FICO)Nov 2003–Nov 2006
- 1996–2003· 7 yrs
- Manager, Accounts and Finance1996–2003
- Jul 1992–Jun 1996· 3 yrs 11 mos
- Deputy Manager, OperationsJul 1992–Jun 1996
- Jul 1990–Jun 1992· 1 yr 11 mos
- Executive, Information TechnologyJul 1990–Jun 1992
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
Social Work
The Thames International University, Paris, France.Master of Arts (M.A.)
Psychology
Indian UniversityCMA
Cost and Management Accountancy
Institute of Management AccountantsFellow Member
Institute of Financial Accountants, UKPGDM-Dual (Finance & Human Resources)
Human Resources Management, Financial Management
Balaji Institute of Modern ManagementFIPA
Public Accounting
Institute of Public AccountantsM.Com.
University of MumbaiS.S.C.
Secondary School Certificate
St. Thomas SchoolH.S.C.
Higher Secondary School Certificate
Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and EconomicsDip-T&D (Thesis pending)
Training & Development
Indian Society for Training & Development (ISTD)FCMA
Management Accounting
Institute of Cost Accountants of IndiaMS (Accounting) - Intermediate
Financial Accounting Masters
ICFAI University