Chandan Palai

About Chandan Palai

A seasoned finance professional with more than 18 years of experience in a fast paced environment including a large global company as well as the big 4 audit farm. Motivated leader with strong organizational and prioritization abilities. Areas of expertise includes financial operations, FP & A, finance business partnering, taxation, governance & compliances, controls, IT transformations, risk management, treasury, people management and managing business expectations. In my current role as CFO & IT Head, I play a strategic role in shaping the company’s growth trajectory — driving both financial performance and long-term value creation. My focus extends beyond traditional finance, encompassing strategic growth initiatives and new business development across high-impact sectors such as Composites, Aerospace & Defense, and Renewable energy.I lead the evaluation of new opportunities from both financial and strategic perspectives – assessing market potential and risk profiles to build credible, insight-driven business cases. Working closely with internal and external industry experts, I help aligning the investment with Company’s vision.In parallel, I’m responsible for strengthening the finance and IT infrastructure, ensuring operational agility and governance that can support scalable growth. Delivering EBIT and working capital targets, nurturing leadership talent, and fostering a culture of performance, innovation, and purpose remain at the heart of my role.In my earlier role, i was leading finance controlling for India business of AB Mauri and business partnering for one of the BU. Managing direct/indirect team size of 16. Notable achievements include driving Top-line Growth, managing successful Expansion Plans, leading IT Transformations, implementing Cost-saving Projects, and achieving efficiencies in compliance and governance. My comprehensive expertise spans multiple countries, including Nigeria, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Dubai, UK, US, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.Apart from being hands-on in my function domain of Finance, i have a deep understanding of the Business and Manufacturing Processes including Yields, Wastages and key cost drivers which make me a good Business Finance professional. I have good business and technology acumen and is always on the lookout for improvements and automation in the business processes.

Experience

1. Chief Financial Officer & IT Head - Jindal Strategic Ventures

   Jindal Stainless

   Feb 2025 — Present · Delhi, IN

   As CFO & IT Head, I play a strategic role in shaping the company’s growth trajectory — driving both financial performance and long-term value creation. My focus extends beyond traditional finance, encompassing strategic growth initiatives and new business development across high-impact sectors such as Composites, Aerospace & Defense, and Renewable energy.I lead the evaluation of new opportunities from both financial and strategic perspectives – assessing market potential and risk profiles to build credible, insight-driven business cases. Working closely with internal and external industry experts, I help aligning the investment with Company’s vision.In parallel, I’m responsible for strengthening the finance and IT infrastructure, ensuring operational agility and governance that can support scalable growth. Delivering EBIT and working capital targets in existing business, nurturing leadership talent, and fostering a culture of performance, innovation, and purpose remain at the heart of my role.

Education

• Utkal University

  Bachelor's degree, Business/Commerce, General

  2000 — 2003

• Institute of Cost Accountants of India

  ICWA Inter, Cost Accounting

  2007 — 2007

• The Institute of Company Secretaries of India

  CS Inter, Company Secretary

  2012 — 2012

• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

  Chartered Accountant, Accounting and Finance

  2003 — 2008