Otunba Pradeep Pahalwani

(President)

Otunba Pradeep Pahalwani is an accomplished serial entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship Coach with over 32 years’ experience in Nigeria. He was conferred the title of Otunba Atunluse of Jogaland, Ogun State.

He is the MD of Securisk Insurance Brokers Nigeria Limited which also has branches in India, Canada and Ghana.

Pradeep received his Executive MBA from Lagos Business School (LBS). He also holds certificates from IESE (Spain), IIM-Banglore & ISB (India) & Harvard Business School.

He is a keynote speaker. His professional achievements includes:- President of Indian Professionals Forum (IPF) Director at Nigerian-Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (NICCI) Director Federation of Trade and Industry of India (FTII). Past President of Lighthouse Toastmasters Club, Lagos.

Pradeep is a trainer. He trains Entrepreneurs at Fate Foundation, faculty at Africa Franchise Institute (AFI) & certified ‘Train the Trainer’ by CMD (Centre for Management Development) .

Pradeep believes in service and very passionate about giving back to society. He is co-founder of an NGO called Caring Community Creators. He is Past President of Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate & Past Assistant Governor (PAG) at Rotary District 9110.

He loves playing badminton, reading, mentoring young entrepreneurs and stand-up comedy. He has held various positions at Ikoyi Club.

Amrendra Kumar Sinha

(Vice President)

Amrendra has been associated with IPF since 2005 and elected member of Executive Committee since 2018.

Amrendra is M Com and Chartered Accountant and presently working as Financial Advisor at Chagoury Group, Nigeria. Amrendra has worked with Milan Group Nigeria as Group Financial Controller and also as Project Manager for Intercontinental Hotel Lagos. Amrendra has also worked with Various Govt. of India PSU/PSEs for 12 years in different capacities from middle to Senior Management Levels, before joining private sector in Nigeria in year 2006

Amrendra is happily married for 23 years and blessed with a son and a daughter.

Mahesh Birla

(Vice 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.

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.

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.

Rakesh Agarwal

(Joint Secretary)

Rakesh has been associated with IPF since 2017 as Executive Committee Member and is actively involved in day to day working.

Rakesh has 12 years of experience in Operations, Projects, Finance, Accounting & Taxation. He has been working for Tolaram Group in various capacities in Nigeria & other parts of Africa. Presently he is heading Noodles Operations & Projects - Africa for Tolaram Group

Rakesh is happily married for the past 7 years and is blessed with a son.

Sunil Mohta

(Treasurer)

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

Kailash Gaggar

(Membership Secretary)

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.

Amit Bhojwani

(Excom)

Amit Bhojwani graduated with Honours from Kings College London in 2007, and has been part of Bhojwani group ever since. He started his career working at Trisa Nigeria Ltd, where he initially headed new business development. By introducing industry-first technologies in Nigeria within the packaging and printing space, he was able to carve a niche segment for Trisa Nigeria Ltd.

Today Amit is the Managing Director of Sam Pharmaceutical Ltd, heading the pharmaceutical division of the group, spanning over 5 decades of high quality manufacturing and distribution in Nigeria.

Amit is also part of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers, being actively involved in various social projects in the health space.

Anuj Murarka

(Excom)

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.

Ashish Bakhshi

(Excom)

Ashish has been playing active role in IPF since 2016 and was elected as member of Executive Committee in 2021.

He is a Senior Partner and Head of Markets, EY West Africa, a leading global management consulting firm with US$37.2B (FY20) revenue and a diversified portfolio of clientele across business sectors.

Ashish has over two and a half decade of experience in some of the best brands in consulting and IT industry. Prior to EY he has held Country Head positions for , Igate, Gartner & RSA Plc as well. His passion and commitment in the marketplace has helped him get accolades in global arena. A proven record holder whom organisations have leveraged in different market to grow their business. He has been in the executive committed of various associations in different parts of world from time to time. He has very good knowledge of Research, Consulting and Technology.

Bhupendra Mistry

(Excom)

Bhupendra has been associated with IPF since 2010 and was Executive Committee Member since 2018. Currently holding the position of Membership Secretary

Bhupendra is working in Nigeria since 2001. Presently, he is the Country Manager for BSV INDUSTRIES LTD (SACVIN GROUP) one of the biggest plastics manufacturing company of Nigeria.

Bhupendra is happily married for 16 years and blessed with two sons

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 with Melvyn Nickson Nig Ltd and have over 23 years of work experience in various business management functions in Nigeria.

He is also a Rotary Member and active member of social and cultural associations in Lagos, Nigeria. He is happily married for over 25 years and blessed with a daughter and a son.

Issac Antony

(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.

Nisha Ramchandani

(Excom)

I am Nisha Ramchandani, a dedicated and passionate educator with over two decades of experience shaping young minds, committed to fostering an engaging learning environment. I have been with Indian Language School since 2001, most recently holding positions as the Supervisior of the Middle School and Head of Department for Children With Special Needs(CWSN).

I hold a Honours Graduate degree in Political Science from Delhi University, India and a Masters Degree in Education from Walden University, U.S. I am also certified in Inclusive Education by Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Microsoft Innovative Educator.

I am looking forward to collaborating with fellow professionals to enhance community participation at Indian Language School and contribute to the collective growth of the community.

Puneet Arora

(Excom)

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.

He would like to once again join the IPF Executive Committee so that he can work with the team to actively engage and make his humble contributions to the success of IPF.

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

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.

Sanjay Khathuria

(Excom)

Respected IPF Members

My name is Sanjay Khathuria , I am qualified CMA with over 27 years’ experience in Finance, Accounts, Banking, Costing and Administration in Manufacturing Industry, currently working in Panar Group , Nigeria from last 15 years in various profiles, my present profile is Associate Director.

He is happily married for the past 28 years and is blessed with two sons. Before coming to Nigeria , I worked in Rose zinc limited and Harshvardhan chemical & Minerals Limited ,Udaipur , Rajasthan, India.

I am running here for executive committee member.

I am an efficient and professional person, work well in a team, am a good listener and learner, able to communicate well with a group and at an individual level. I am able to motivate and direct my talents and skills to accomplish objectives. I always strive to achieve high standards in whatever I do. I am well organized with a clear and positive approach to problem solving.

Please vote and support me for executive committee member of Indian Professional forum.

Jai Hind

Sanjay Khathuria

Sanjeev Sharma

(Excom)

A result-oriented and dynamic Finance Professional , qualified as a Chartered Accountant with over 28 years of proven experience in Spearheading Finance & Accounts, Risk & Compliance Management, Business Planning, Financial Planning & Analysis. He has unparalleled experience in steering Business Operations. He has Successfully provided strategic financial direction & leadership to the organisation by Leading the activities and coordinating the essential functions to achieve goals. He has successfully led and motivated team towards growth and success.

He is a member of the following Professional organisations:
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)

Since ‘February 2000’ Working with INFINITY TYRES LIMITED as Chief Financial Officer (Group), spearheading financial operations for Nigeria and Ghana. Prior to joining Infinity Tyres ltd., worked at various positions with MNC’s in India of freight forwarding Industry well known as Schenker, Danzaz/DHL.

He is Living in Lagos for over 24 years with the family. He Joined Indian Professional Forum (IPF) in 2008 later became Life member of IPF.

He is Happily married and blessed with two lovely children, a daughter who is a M.B.B.S. Doctor and a son doing udergraduation.

Shantibhooshan Singh

(Excom)

He is the Managing Director of JAI LAKSHMI NIGERIA LIMITED, located in Lagos, Nigeria and has a degree in Engineering (Electronics and communication Engg) . He has 21 years of post-qualification professional engineering experience in various industries. His company provides technical services and support all industries as well as MEP Projects, supply, and installation. He has been residing in Nigeria for the last two decades.

He is the current President of Bhojpuri Pariwar, and an Excos member of Rotary club palmgrove District 9110. Connected with several social activities for the Nigerian and Indian Community.

He has been married for 25 years and blessed with a daughter and son.

Soniya D. Pahuja

(Excom)

Soniya's connection with IPF dates back to 2018, and she has since progressed to become an Excom member.

She is a qualified Chartered Accountant (ICAI) and Law Graduate from KC law Collage, India. Additionally, she has attained a Master's in Commerce from Mumbai University, India.

Presently, she holds the role of Group Financial Controller within the PCA Group. With over 13 years of professional experience spanning diverse industries and finance domains. She's is also actively involved in managing a successful financial advisory business in addition to her corporate commitments. Together with her associates, she has had a significant impact in India, Dubai and West Africa.

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.