Mahendran M

About Mahendran M

I am a Commercial P&L leader who blends Big-4 rigor with operator grit. I have planned my career around a single mission: driving high-value, sustainable growth with non-negotiable governance.Professional trilogy: Steward to Strategist to OperatorThe Steward (PwC)- Governance & Technical RigorAt PwC, I built a foundation in governance, technical rigor, and audit excellence, leading financial assurance for a $5B retail giant through a global IPO.The Strategist & Catalyst (IKEA India)- Scaling to Multi-billion INRAs Country Business Navigator, I transitioned to a growth architect, building the Corporate FP & A engine from scratch to scale the entity. I secured long-range funding and delivered in significant cost efficiencies.The Operator (SBU CFO – IKEA Hyderabad\'s Multi-billion INR omnichannel unit) – Where Strategy Meets the FloorToday, I lead Finance, Commercial, Operations, Risk, IT, and Facilities, influencing 550+ co-workers and developing a 20-member team. I own the full P&L and commercial decision-making.ImpactAchieved India’s highest KPIs (Health, Safety & Security and Facility Management).Enabled the \"One IKEA\" performance bonus for 550+ coworkers in my first year.Built the 10-year financial strategy for business expansion.Reduced month-end close days.RecognitionIKEA iInspire Award, Cost Optimization Recognition, Long-Term Service AwardPwC Above & Beyond Award, Client Appreciation AwardsExternal Forums - Top Emerging CFO Awards, Best ESG Strategy of the yearSkills: P&L, Commercial Finance, FP & A, Business Partnering, Risk Management, Team Development, Performance Management, Global Stakeholder Engagement, Funding & IR, Technical Accounting (IFRS, Ind AS, US GAAP) Leadership & DriveI lead with the alignment of Head (strategy), Heart (empathy), and Gut (integrity). I believe in clarity, ownership building, psychological safety, and delegation. Rooted in an agricultural family, I bring resilience, grounded decision-making, and a deep passion for the future of the farming sector. My energy comes from meditation, fitness, cricket, and my 20-year association with the Art of Living Foundation.I bring a rare blend of Big 4 rigor, startup agility, and P&L ownership, collaborating with CEOs, boards, and global stakeholders to build resilient, high-value businesses.Excited to network with professionals passionate about driving growth from the shop floors to boardrooms.email - c••••••••@gmail.com Phone +91

Experience

1. Business Navigation & Operations Manager (Sbu CFO Commercial Finance Risk Management Digital)

   IKEA

   Jun 2024 — Present · Hyderabad, IN

   Multi Billion+ INR Omnichannel Business | 550+ Coworkers across retail, e-com, B2B, food & services.Member of the Market Steering Group | 15–20 Member Team | Reported to Market Manager (Market CEO). Hyderabad Market CFO overseeing P&L, commercial finance, operations, risk, IT, facilities, and market governance.Drove market growth, people priorities, commercial focus, and operational performance.Delivered Significant bottom-line improvement through structural margin steering and cost optimisation.Unlocked Significant annual savings via retail space optimisation and lease economics restructuring.Led region to qualify for One IKEA Bonus – covering 550+ coworkers.Achieved IKEA India’s highest operational KPIs: Health, Safety & Security and Facility ManagementStrengthened Food BU profitability and set roadmap to regional cash profitability.Secured complex conversion challengeInstitutionalised commercial finance, business navigation, risk frameworks & operations governance.

Education

• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

  Chartered Accountant (CPA India) + Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Accounting and Finance

Skills

• Assurance
• Corporate Finance
• External Audit
• Financial Analysis
• Tax
• Accounting
• International Financial Reporting Standards (Ifrs)
• Internal Controls
• Financial Reporting
• Ind as
• Financial Accounting
• Ifrs