Rakesh Thakur, Group CFO, Imagine Marketing, Master Negotiator
Transitioning the finance function from a mere support role to a value-centric approach, Thakur’s team has substantial savings exceeding Rs 20 crore through finance interventions
Rakesh Thakur, Group CFO, Imagine Marketing, has orchestrated a transformative journey towards financial excellence and operational efficiency. With a keen focus on cash management, Thakur’s strategic mantra of “Cash is the Kingmaker” has led to a remarkable reduction of net debt by two-thirds within a year, with plans underway to further slash debt levels. This emphasis on cash has fortified the company’s financial health and resilience.
Transitioning the finance function from a mere support role to a value-centric approach, Thakur’s team has substantial savings exceeding Rs 20 crore through finance interventions, positioning themselves as indispensable partners in the business’s profitability journey. Moreover, the rapid pace of IT automation, with 51 processes automated in the last five months alone, has streamlined operations, enhanced relevancy and tightened controls, paving the way for digital disruption and operational excellence.
Thakur’s adept negotiation skills have also secured borrowing rates lower than industry giants like Flipkart, ensuring optimal financing costs and bolstering the company’s financial position. Additionally, his meticulous process mastery and influential leadership have driven the implementation of crucial systems like S&OP and SAP across subsidiaries, aligning operations for sustained growth. Through strategic shifts such as zero-based budgeting and working capital efficiency initiatives, Thakur’s team has delivered tangible outcomes, including reduced net working capital days and enhanced operational efficiency.
