A Finance Maestro Spearheading Excellence
Vinod R. Kantharia, a senior finance professional with over 24 years of enriching experience in Finance, Accounting, and Operations across diverse industries, stands tall as a paragon of success and resilience. Holding esteemed positions like VP-Finance and CFO, he currently serves as the Head of Treasury & Credit Risk Management for PDS Limited, stationed in the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong.
Born into a modest lowermiddle-class family, young Vinod faced early adversity with the loss of his father at the tender age of six. Guided by an elder sister who sacrificed her own education to support his dreams, Vinod started working at a tender age of ten, assuming roles as diverse as a phone booth attendant and an office boy at a small distributor. These formative years instilled in him a steely resolve and nurtured qualities of Integrity, Humility, Active Listening, Fair Attitude, and Self-motivation.
Education was Vinod’s ticket to a better life, and he grasped it with fervor. After graduating from Bedekar College of Commerce, he went on to achieve an MBA in finance and earned qualifications as a CMA (US) and ICWA (India). His journey into the world of finance began humbly, assisting his sister with bank reconciliations and manual ledger entries for a small trading firm. This early exposure sparked his passion for finance, and since then, there has been no looking back.
Vinod’s business strategy centers on disciplined operational excellence and developing soft skills. As a true leader, he believes in nurturing and empowering his team through functional-level strategy, delegating projects, and engaging cross-functional teams to ensure operational efficacy. Measuring strategy effectiveness through welldefined KRA/KPI metrics further enhances his strategic prowess.
Balancing personal and professional life, Vinod attributes his success to the unconditional support of his spouse and two daughters. By reflecting on personal values and making time for family, friends, and self-care, he steers clear of the burnout that can plague high achievers. Vinod feels deeply appreciative of his wife’s untiring support, as she has been a constant source of strength for him. He credits her as his inspiration in his journey of growth.
Fueled by an insatiable appetite for success, Vinod’s passion for learning drives him forward. He maintains decorum, respect, and emotional control, defining success as a way of envisioning what could be done rather than what must be done.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, but Vinod’s emphasis on risk management, financial stability, and trust helped PDS Limited not only survive but emerge stronger and more resilient.
Vinod’s professional contributions extend beyond the realms of his corporate responsibilities. Through his mentoring and coaching, Vinod has inspired countless individuals, built their selfconfidence and efficiency, and ultimately contributed to the sustainability and growth of organizations he has been associated with.
His exceptional achievements have earned him a plethora of accolades and recognition. He received a cash reward from Tesa (Tapes) for expediting insurance claims during the devastating floods of 2005, displaying unparalleled commitment and efficiency. Moreover, his tenacity and adaptability were on full display when he secured the position of Financial Controller in Argentina despite not speaking Spanish.
His dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence saw him not only master the language but also spearhead successful expansion ventures in Chile, Brazil, and Mexico.
Furthermore, Vinod played a pivotal role in the acquisition of a flourishing apparel manufacturing factory in Hanoi. He led the meticulous due diligence process and oversaw the seamless implementation of SAP, providing invaluable training to the factory’s workforce. These triumphs showcased his exceptional leadership and strategic acumen.
These exceptional achievements culminated in him receiving the prestigious “Outstanding Leadership Award” at the esteemed MoRE 2.0 Conference in Dubai in 2023. This accolade stands as a testament to his visionary leadership and the powerful impact he has had on the corporate landscape.
Vinod’s message to viewers echoes through the corridors of success, as he emphasizes the importance of true leadership stemming from conduct and attitude rather than mere titles. He encourages aspiring leaders to focus on their existing strengths while nurturing a hunger for continuous growth and learning.
Indeed, Vinod R. Kantharia stands tall as a beacon of success, humility, and resilience. From his humble beginnings to the heights of professional acclaim, he exemplifies the epitome of a true leader.
His passion, dedication, and profound commitment to excellence inspire those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the corporate world and beyond. As he continues to march forward, Vinod’s journey serves as a shining example for aspiring leaders, showing them that with perseverance, a hunger for knowledge, and integrity, the possibilities for success are limitless.
