Mahesh Birla

(President)

Mahesh Kumar Birla is working as General Manager (Finance) with GMT, the largest inbound logistics service provider in Sub Saharan Africa. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, Certified Data Science & Business Analytics and associated with IIM Ahmedabad, India, with overall Twenty-Three plus years’ of experience in Operation Management including Finance & Accounts, Supply Chain, Insurance with expertise in International Logistics, Import & Export, Inventory Management, Terminal / Port Management and Property Acquisition & Compliance Management.

Mahesh is happily married for 23 years and blessed with two daughters.

Kailash Gaggar

(Vice President)

Kailash Kumar Gaggar is a highly experienced professional with 24 years of expertise in Supply Chain Management and Government Relationship in Nigeria & West Africa. He holds an MBA from S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai (India), and a Bachelor of Commerce from Gauhati University, Assam (India). Additionally, he is a distinguished life member of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD)

Kailash's dedication to professional development is evident through his longstanding association with the Indian Professionals Forum (IPF) since 2001. He has served as an Executive Committee Member and played a pivotal role in facilitating interactions between top Government Officials and IPF members. Notable figures include the Special Advisor to the President on Ease of Doing Business, NAFADC DG & NAFDAF management team, Customs Comptroller, among others.

Currently, Kailash is a valued member of Vista Group, where he leverages his extensive experience to excel in supply chain management, strategic planning, and government relations. Throughout his career, he has consistently achieved remarkable milestones and made significant contributions to the organizations he has served.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Kailash finds fulfillment in his family life. He is happily married to Mrs. Neeta and is the proud father of a son named Harsh. His ability to balance his career with his family responsibilities underscores his commitment to both personal and professional success.

Siddhartha Khandelwal

(Vice President)

Siddhartha Khandelwal, a seasoned finance professional, currently serves as the General Manager at Colgate Tolaram, showcasing over a decade of strategic leadership across diverse markets. His role involves overseeing operations and driving growth in the joint venture between Tolaram Group and Colgate-Palmolive. Previously, as CFO at TG Arla Dairy Products & Finance Controller at Multipro (Joint venture between Tolaram & Kellogg), Siddhartha shaped financial strategies for FMCG products in West Africa, contributing significantly to company success.

A St. Xavier's College, Kolkata alumnus, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance. Siddhartha's expertise lies in creating new product categories, establishing market leadership, and fostering growth in emerging markets. With an extensive network and active involvement in professional groups, Siddhartha continues to inspire and contribute to the finance and business community. His leadership, financial acumen, and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset in any professional setting.

Siddhartha has been an integral part of IPF for the past six years, serving as General Secretary for the last two years before his recent appointment as Vice President in the 29th AGM. Alongside his professional achievements, Siddhartha enjoys a fulfilling personal life, being happily married with two wonderful children.

Puneet Arora

(Vice President)

Puneet Arora currently heads the Country operations for ECU Nigeria -a subsidiary to a leading listed Indian Logistics MNC called All Cargo Group.

He is a Postgraduate/ MBA from ICFAI Business School. As he started working quite early, now at the age of 47, he already has to his credit a total of 28 years of industry experience in the International Shipping, Freight Forwarding, Logistics and Supply Chain domain. One of his notable achievements is that he has worked with two most respected and industry leading Global Logistics conglomerates like DHL and UPS. Apart from his initial work experience in India, his international career has been very dynamic. He has worked in various positions in diverse business environments ranging from Developed and Matured Economies like Singapore, Dubai and Bahrain to Complex Emerging Frontier markets in Sub Saharan Africa region like Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Kenya.

Puneet first came to Nigeria in 2008 as a Commercial Head with DHL. He has been a regular member of the Indian Professional Forum and a part of the Executive Committee Member of IPF from 2014 to 2018 wherein he actively engaged, participated and contributed to make IPF events successful.

On personal front, Puneet is married and has a son in 10th Grade..

Mahesh Falod

(General Secretary)

Mahesh has been associated with IPF since 2017 and elected member of Executive Committee Member since 2018. Currently handling Treasury matters of IPF.

Mahesh is working as Treasury Head with GMT Nigeria Limited, the largest inbound logistics service provider in Sub Saharan Africa. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and CISA certified professional, having over fifteen years’ experience in Treasury matters, Import & Exports, IT Audit, Finance & Accounts etc. Before joining GMT Nigeria limited, he was working with Tata Consultancy Services.

Mahesh is happily married for the past 17 years and is blessed with two sons.

Anuj Murarka

(Membership Secretary)

He is an IT professional and at 21st year milestone of his Nigeria’s journey. Over the years, he has been associated with various Social Organizations in Lagos. He has also been serving the fatherland as a Rotarian. He takes pride to be associated with IPF for more than a decade. He has been passionate about his ICT journey which started with building IT System Applications and Infrastructure, moving to Security and Access Control, to his most recent venture in E-Commerce, Social Media Marketing and Digital Transformation.

Bhupendra Mistry

(Treasurer)

With over 23 years of leadership experience in Sales & Marketing, he has successfully driven business growth across diverse industries, including Automotive, Tyres, Plastics, and Pipes & Tanks Manufacturing.

Since 2014, he has served as the Country Manager at BSV Industries Ltd. (SACVIN Group), one of Nigeria’s leading plastic manufacturing conglomerates.

He specializes in business expansion, branding, market penetration, and team development.

Beyond his professional endeavours, he takes great pride in being a devoted husband and father to two sons.

As a two-time Indian National Karate Champion, discipline and perseverance have been integral to both his professional and personal journey.

Additionally, he has been actively involved with the Indian Professionals Forum (IPF) since 2010, serving as an Executive Committee Member since 2018 and currently holding the position of Treasurer.

Sunil Mohta

(Jt Secretary)

Sunil has been associated with IPF as an Executive Committee Member since 2019.

Sunil is a finance professional having more than 22 years of post-qualification experience in handling operations and finance. Currently working as General Manager- (F&A) of Agric Division with Kewalram Chanrai Group, a 150 years old organization in Nigeria.

Sunil is married for 20 years and have 2 daughters

Girish Jayakar

(Excom)

Girish Jaykar has been an active Life Member participating in Indian Professional Forum events for over 16 years.

He is a MBA(Finance), Grad. CWA (ICMAI) and have worked in reputable organization's like DSJ Communications Ltd, National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSEIL), Mumbai for considerable years before coming to Lagos in June 2000. He is the Executive Director of Melvyn Nickson Nig Ltd with work experience of over 25 years in various business management functions in Nigeria.

He is also a passionate Rotary Club Member and active member of social and cultural associations in Lagos, Nigeria. He is President of Maharashtra Mandal Resi. Association of Nigeria and Executive Committee Member of Indian Cultural Association, Lagos. He is happily married for over 26 years and blessed with a daughter and a son.

Antony Issac

(Excom)

Otunba Antony Issac's remarkable journey as the Co-Founder of Indigo Digital Photo Lab Nigeria is a testament to his unwavering dedication, pioneering spirit, and unparalleled contributions to the photo printing industry in Nigeria. His legacy as a visionary leader, innovator, and community advocate continues to inspire and shape the landscape of photo printing laboratories in the country.

In January 2002, he brought his expertise to Nigeria, where he assumed a pivotal role in managing Fotospeed Laser Colour Lab. In recognition of his valuable contributions to the photography printing industry in Nigeria, He was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Otunba Alaseyori of Ijebu Itele Kingdom, in Ijebu East LGA of Ogun State, by His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Dr. (Eng.) M. A. Kasali (J.P).

His influence and leadership have also been acknowledged by various photography associations and groups nationwide in Nigeria, with a multitude of awards and accolades being bestowed upon him in recognition of his exceptional contributions as Grand Patron of LASPPAN (Lagos State Professional Photographers association of Nigeria), National Patron of the W.F Independent Scouts Nigeria, Patron of PCRC (Police Community Relation Committee) Ikeja Division & Vice President of the Kerala Samajam Nigeria.

He is happily married for the past 18 years and is blessed with two sons.

Rajesh Kamble

(Excom)

Rajesh Kamble is the Managing Director/CEO of Prestige Assurance Plc. He is an Engineering graduate from VNIT Nagpur and a qualified insurance professional.

He has over 34 years of working experience in the insurance sector starting with The New India Assurance Company Limited, Mumbai, India.

He is happily married for the past 28 years and is blessed with two sons.

Sanjeev C. Sharma

(Excom)

A result-oriented and dynamic Finance Professional, qualified as a Chartered Accountant with 30 years of proven experience in the field of Finance.

He has been living in Lagos for over 25 years with his family and has been a part of the Indian Professional Forum for over 15 years, serving as a Life Member for more than a decade.

Education / Professional Qualification:

• FCA from Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
• ACA from Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, UK
• ACA from Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
• B. Com (Hons) from University of Delhi

Professional Experience:

Since February 2000, he has been working with INFINITY TYRES LIMITED as Chief Financial Officer (Group), spearheading financial operations across Nigeria and Ghana.

Before joining Infinity Tyres Ltd., he held various positions with multinational companies in India in the freight forwarding industry, including Schenker and Danzas/DHL.

Personal Life:

He is happily married and blessed with two lovely children — a daughter who is a Medical Doctor and a son pursuing undergraduate studies.

Shantibhooshan Singh

(Excom)

I am Shantibhooshan Singh, a passionate entrepreneur and seasoned professional with 21 years of post-qualification experience in the engineering sector. I hold a degree in Electronic Engineering and an Executive MBA, which have empowered me to lead and manage diverse industrial projects. I currently serve as the Managing Director and CEO of Jai Lakshmi Nigeria Limited, a company based in Lagos, Nigeria, that specializes in providing technical services, ME project solutions, and installations across industries.

For the past two decades, I have proudly called Nigeria my home. Beyond my professional endeavors, I dedicate much of my time to social service, working tirelessly to foster community development and strengthen ties between the Indian and Nigerian communities.

My Leadership Roles and Social Contributions:

• Vice Chairperson of Indian Language School (ILS), Lagos, Nigeria
• Executive Member of Indian Professional Forum (IPF), Lagos, Nigeria
• Joint Secretary of Indian Cultural Association (ICA), Lagos, Nigeria
• President of World NRI Social and Cultural Association, Lagos, Nigeria
• Trustee and Former President of Bhojpuri Pariwar Global Foundation
• Member of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)
• Executive Member of Rotary Club Palmgrove, District 9110
• Honorary Member of Lions International
• Executive Member of OFBJP Nigeria Chapter
• Peace Ambassador Nigeria

Sudhir Sankhe

(Excom)

Sudhir Sankhe is a 48-Year-old & Born & Bought up in Thane Maharashtra. He is a Mechanical Engineer by education & at present working as Project Manager at DUFIL Since 2010.

He has spent a total 20 Years in Nigeria with work experience of 28 Years in total. He is also a proud Core committee member of Maharashtra Mandal Nigeria & co founder of Swar Yatra Artist Association of Nigeria.

His Hobbies are Music & Sports

Sunil Bansal

(Excom)

Sunil is Chartered Accountant ( FCA) and Company Secretary ( ACS) and currently working as CEO of Quantum Packaging and Quantum Paper.He has over 30 years of experience in overall finance with high focus Shipping and logistics, Port management, Concessions etc. Prior to current role, Sunil was working with Maersk Line and APM Terminals for 21 years in Africa as Chief Financial Officer for Maersk Nigeria and Apapa Port in Nigeria , Tema Port in Ghana and also as Area CFO for all East African Countries.

He is currently excom Member and looking forward to contribute further to the forum

Jyoti Kalra

(Excom)

Jyoti Kalra, a seasoned professional with an impressive 17-year journey spanning the realms of information technology and services. Armed with an MBA from ICFAI Business School, Jyoti has honed her skills and expertise to become a formidable force in her field.

Throughout her career, Jyoti has made significant contributions to esteemed organizations such as Techfetch, Hindustan Times, and Reliance, leaving an indelible mark with her accomplishments.Her academic foundation was laid at Jesus & Mary College, Delhi University, where she completed her graduation, setting the stage for her illustrious career trajectory.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Jyoti is a devoted wife to Abhay Yadav, currently pursuing his career in Lagos. Together, they nurture a loving family, blessed with their 11-year-old son, Chinmay.

Furthermore, Jyoti actively engages in philanthropic endeavors as the We-care chair for the Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate, underscoring her commitment to giving back to the community.

Ashish Khemka

(Excom)

Ashish is a Chartered Accountant from India with 15 years of experience working in both India and Nigeria.

He began his career at Ernst and Young after successfully completing his CA in 2010. Ashish also gained valuable experience at ICICI Bank, India's largest private-sector commercial bank, before joining Tolaram as a Finance Manager in the Group’s CFO office in February 2013.

In December 2016, Ashish assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer at Lagos Free Zone within the infrastructure business. Since then, he has played a crucial role in defining the finance function at LFZ and has taken on additional responsibilities for operations within the zone.

He has been pivotal in securing financing for the Phase 1 development of the Zone and establishing processes and systems for its day-to-day operations. Ashish possesses strong leadership skills, embodies the group's values and culture, and effectively collaborates with his team.

He was promoted to the role of Director – Finance & Operations for Lagos Free Zone in July 2024.

Avnish Chugh

(Excom)

Mr. Avnish Chugh is a seasoned logistics and supply chain expert with more than eight years of experience across commercial management, import-export logistics, and international freight operations.

He currently serves as the Commercial Manager at Africa Access 3PL Limited in Lagos, where he is instrumental in managing client accounts, handling LC facilities, trade operations, negotiating freight agreements, and coordinating both sea and air shipment activities.

His professional journey includes a significant role at Metal Manufacturing Nigeria Ltd, where he successfully led export and logistics functions.

He brings deep expertise in ERP-based budgeting, contract negotiations, sales operations, and performance reporting. He is also responsible for generating commercial insights and supporting strategic decisions through detailed margin and sales analyses.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he has been an active member of various social and cultural associations in Lagos, contributing to community development and cultural engagement.

Santhosh C. Nair

(Excom)

Santhosh C. Nair is a distinguished personality with a remarkable presence in Nigeria for over 23 years.

He currently serves as the Director of Sante Care Ltd and has been engaged in the chemical trading business since 2016.

Before moving to Nigeria, he worked with Visen Industries Ltd. in Mumbai, India.

He holds esteemed positions in Kerala Samajam and the World Malayali Council, demonstrating his commitment to community development and leadership.

His contributions extend beyond business, with a positive impact in his community through dedicated social service efforts.

He is committed to lifelong learning and is always eager to explore new avenues for growth through volunteering, advocacy, and meaningful partnerships.

He has been happily married for the past 22 years and is a proud father of two sons.

Satyam Chalke

(Excom)

Satyam Chalke, 43 years old, was born and brought up in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

He holds an M.B.A. degree and currently serves as the Sales & Marketing Manager at Anxin (DUDU).

He has been living in Nigeria for 20 years since 2005, with a total professional experience of 22 years.

He is a proud core committee member and trustee of Maharashtra Mandal Nigeria and also associated with the Swar-yatra Artist Association of Nigeria.

Satyam is passionate about music and sports, which remain his favorite hobbies outside of work.

His presence in the Nigerian business and cultural community reflects his dedication, leadership, and vibrant personality.

Vikas Kabra

(Excom)

Vikas Kabra holds an MBA in Finance and has been an active part of the Nigerian community since 2011.

He has proudly been a member of the Indian Professional Forum (IPF) since 2018 and recently joined the IPF Executive Committee (ExCom).

Professionally, he serves as the General Manager – Commercial for three companies: Top Steel Nigeria Limited, Gemini Steel Nigeria Limited, and Top Polymers Nigeria Limited.

His role includes managing banking operations, handling import and export activities, and ensuring efficient commercial processes across the organizations.

Vikas is deeply committed to professional growth and collaboration within the IPF community.

On the personal front, he has been happily married for 15 years and is blessed with a son and a daughter.

He looks forward to making valuable contributions to the IPF and building strong connections with fellow professionals.

Ramakant Choudhary

(Excom)

My name is Ramakant Choudhary. I originally come from Uttar Pradesh and now I am settled in Delhi. I am married and have three children (two daughters and one son).

My eldest child is a daughter. She is a Mechanical Engineer from NIT, Rourkela and postgraduate in Industrial Engineering from New York University, USA. She is currently working in Boston as a Senior Industrial Engineer.

My second child is also a daughter. She is an MBBS doctor and currently working in Tata Memorial Cancer Research Hospital, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

My youngest child is a boy currently pursuing his career in the aviation industry as a pilot.

My schooling is from West Bengal, I completed my graduation in Commerce from Kurukshetra University, Haryana and earned my Chartered Accountancy qualification from Delhi.

I am currently working with Emirates as Head of Finance & Administration covering Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Gabon.

I have been in the aviation industry for the past 34 years. I started my career with Indian Airlines – a domestic airline in India, then moved to Air India. I worked at various positions in both companies for 12 years. In 2002, I joined Emirates and have been with the company for over 22 years.

Within Emirates, I have served as Head of Finance in several African and Middle Eastern countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Dubai, Kuwait, and currently Nigeria.

By virtue of working in the airline industry, I have had the opportunity to travel around the world and so far, I have visited over 28 countries on both business and leisure trips.