CFO Leading Beyond Conventional Decision Making In Times of Crisis
In this panel discussion at the 5th edition of the ET CFO Leadership Summit, moderated by Devina Lason of The Economic Times, CFOs Manish Gangwal (Gulf Oil Lubricants), Vimal Agarwal (Mahindra Lifespaces), Deepesh Baxi (Castrol India), Tanmay Kumar (Shiprocket), and Pulkit Goyal (Honeywell Automation India) explored the crucial role of CFOs in managing crises. The discussion highlighted the increasing frequency of crises, including reputation risks, financial crises, and cyberattacks, that companies face. Some crises are industry-specific, while others, such as pandemics and climate risks, are universal.The panel emphasized the importance of preparedness, strategic decision-making, and risk management. CFOs must balance short-term financial needs with long-term strategic goals, ensuring the organization’s resilience. Key factors for decision-making in such critical times include liquidity management, thorough risk assessment, effective stakeholder communication, and strict regulatory compliance.
