Draft:CMA Rakesh Bhalla

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|snippet2=Who is CMA Rakesh Bhalla? CMA Rakesh Bhalla is a former CFO and Chief Risk Officer of SML Isuzu Ltd., Independent Director at Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, and founder of RBAC Advisory Consortium with expertise in finance, taxation, IT, procurement and strategic advisory.
|snippet3=CMA Rakesh Bhalla Journey? CMA Rakesh Bhalla rose from a modest low-middle-class background, overcame early loss of parents, worked while studying, and built a 36-year career spanning corporate finance, business transformation and professional leadership.
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CMA Rakesh Bhalla is a finance professional and Fellow Member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), with over 36 years of corporate experience. Born into a modest low-middle-class family, he overcame early personal challenges including the loss of both parents during his education, worked while studying, and built a remarkable career in finance, corporate leadership and strategic advisory. He currently serves as an Independent Director at Rail Vikas Nigam Limited and as founder of RBAC Advisory Consortium.

Early Life and Personal Challenges

CMA Rakesh Bhalla was born on 7 August 1962 in Dakala village into a low-middle-class family, where his father was the sole breadwinner supporting a family of six. Although resources were limited, his parents consistently valued education and encouraged their children to study and advance in life.

His early years were marked by significant personal adversity. He lost his mother before completing his matriculation, and lost his father before completing his B.Com degree. With his father's passing, his family was left without its sole breadwinner during a period when Rakesh was still pursuing his education.

Despite these extraordinarily difficult and uncertain circumstances, Rakesh demonstrated determination and resolve. He made a conscious decision not to allow his circumstances to interrupt his education or limit his future possibilities.

Education and Professional Qualification

Rakesh Bhalla completed his schooling at Government High School, Dakala village. He subsequently joined college as a Commerce student and earned his Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree despite the personal challenges he faced during his studies.

Demonstrating exceptional discipline and commitment, he took up employment with the State Bank of India (SBI) while simultaneously continuing his professional education. Managing work and education simultaneously was not easy, but this period taught him discipline, perseverance, responsibility and the importance of never giving up.

While working with SBI, he successfully completed his ICWA qualification, now known as the CMA (Cost and Management Accountant) designation. Completing the ICWA while employed was a significant milestone in his life. It provided him not only with a professional qualification but also with the confidence that difficult circumstances could be overcome through hard work and determination.

Career Evolution

After obtaining his professional qualification, Rakesh Bhalla made an important career decision. He chose to leave his secure banking position and transition into the private sector, believing he would have greater opportunities to apply his professional knowledge, take on substantive challenges and build a meaningful career.

This decision marked the beginning of a professional journey spanning more than three and a half decades.

SML Isuzu Ltd. Leadership (1986–May 2026)

Rakesh Bhalla spent 36+ years with SML Isuzu Ltd., formerly known as Swaraj Mazda Limited, serving in multiple capacities including Internal Audit, Taxation, Finance and Accounts, IT Department, Procurement and Vendor Development.

He headed the IT Department from 2007 to 2012, leading technology transformation and modernization initiatives. From 2019 to 2025, he led Procurement and Vendor Development functions.

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer

He assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer of SML Isuzu in February 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his financial leadership and strategic guidance, the company underwent a remarkable transformation:

• Total income increased from ₹596.0 crores in FY 2020–21 to ₹2,405.1 crores in FY 2024–25
• EBITDA margin improved from -10.7% to +10%, reaching 12.6% in Q1 FY 2025–26
• Profit transformed from a loss of ₹133.4 crores in FY 2020–21 to ₹162.4 crores in FY 2024–25
• Share price increased from ₹452 in March 2021 to over ₹4,000 in July 2025
• Market capitalization expanded from ₹654 crores to ₹5,788.65 crores
• Company declared a 180% dividend for FY 2024–25

He served as Chief Risk Officer alongside his CFO responsibilities, managing enterprise risk, governance, compliance and strategic decision-making. He continued in this leadership role with a post-retirement extension until 30 September 2025.

From October 2025 until his formal superannuation in May 2026, he served as Advisor to the CEO of SML Mahindra.

Professional Expertise

• Corporate Finance
• Cost Accounting
• Internal Audit
• Taxation
• Finance and Accounts
• Information Technology Management
• Procurement and Vendor Development
• Supply Chain Management
• Corporate Risk Management and Governance
• Strategic Advisory
• Business Leadership and Transformation
• Business Solutions Development

Second Innings: Retirement and New Beginnings

On 31 May 2026, Rakesh Bhalla formally completed his corporate career after more than 36 years of professional service.

For many professionals, retirement represents the closing of a chapter. For Rakesh Bhalla, it represents the opening of another. He has long believed that experience becomes meaningful only when it is shared.

After spending decades in corporate leadership, he now has the opportunity to use that accumulated experience in broader, different ways. His second innings is not about slowing down, but about contributing differently.

RBAC Advisory Consortium Pvt Ltd

Following his retirement, CMA Rakesh Bhalla founded RBAC Advisory Consortium Pvt Ltd to provide single-window business solutions, strategic advisory services and knowledge-based consulting to businesses and professionals.

Independent Director, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited

CMA Rakesh Bhalla was recently appointed as an Independent Director at Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna public sector company with a turnover exceeding ₹20,000 crore. He holds a lifetime registration certificate from the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs' Independent Directors' Data Bank (IDDB-DI-202511-082505).

This directorship represents his commitment to good governance, independent thought, professional integrity and strategic contribution to an organization of national importance.

Professional and Public Service

CMA Rakesh Bhalla maintains active involvement in professional and public institutions:

• **ASSOCHAM** — Chairman, Chandigarh Council; Member, National Managing Committee
• **Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI)** — Former Vice President (2022–2023); Central Council Member
• **Institute of Materials Management (IIMM)** — Life Member
• **Chandigarh Governance** — Member, Administrators' Advisory Council; Member, Standing Committee (Transportation)
• **Political Engagement** — Convener, Chandigarh BJP Professional Cell; Co-Convenor, State Team for Next-Gen GST Reforms; Member, BJP Economic Cell

He participated as a member of a business delegation that accompanied Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the BRICS Summit in Rio, Brazil.

Awards and Recognition

National Recognition

• CFO of the Year 2024–25 – Excellence in Turnaround, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), 12 September 2025
• CFO Outstanding Performer Award 2024, Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of India (ICMAI), 23 June 2025
• Distinguished Supply Chain Management & Outstanding CFO Award, Institute of Materials Management (IIMM), 29 November 2024
• India CFO Award 2024, Biz Integration, 16 February 2024
• CMA Achiever Award 2016, Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI), 28 May 2016

International Recognition

• Inspiring CFO 2025 – Indian Automotive Industry Global Excellence & Leadership Awards, Dubai

Philosophy and Vision Forward

Rakesh Bhalla's life journey has shaped a clear philosophy: circumstances may determine where one begins, but determination, education and perseverance determine how far one can go.

Having benefited from people who guided, encouraged and gave him opportunities, he is now committed to playing that role for others. He believes young professionals should understand that meaningful careers do not require privilege—they require education, discipline, courage and perseverance.

He views his current phase not by what he accomplishes, but by the value he creates for others. His focus includes board responsibility, professional contribution, industry engagement, advisory work, mentoring, knowledge sharing and social responsibility.

His message to young professionals is direct: do not be discouraged by where you start. Recognize opportunities within your circumstances, work hard, keep learning, remain humble and never underestimate the power of persistence.

Contact Information

• Date of Birth: 7 August 1962
• Residence: #4551, Sector 70, Mohali, Chandigarh
• Mobile: 9779010685
• Email: nancybhalla@yahoo.com
• Email: bhalla.rakesh.cma@gmail.com
• Email: rbac70@gmail.com

External Links

• Twitter – @RakeshBhallacma
• LinkedIn – CMA Rakesh Bhalla
• Facebook – @rakesh.bhalla.589
• Instagram – @cmarakesh