IIAS School of Management has established an Industry advisory council that will provide advice, guidance, and support to the IIAS’s leadership Team. The council consists of council members with representation from the corporate, public health, and nonprofit sectors. IIAS School of Management Industry Advisory Council meets twice a year.
Industry Advisory Council Member
CMA Manas Kumar Thakur is an eminent Cost & Management professional of today having a rare blend of expertise in theory and its application in resource optimization. Being the senior Partner of Thakur & Co. since 1993, he has been instrumental for the last 28 years, in spearheading the application of various cost management tools for evaluating activities and designing processes for improving operational efficiency, analysing business inherent risks and suggesting techniques of mitigating them for many leading Corporates of India. An avid proponent of sustainable development and growth through MSMEs and the rural economy he has always advocated a bottom-up management approach for optimal cost analysis and monitoring techniques to reduce monetary and talent wastage, so prevalent in India. During his eventful professional journey, CMA Mr Thakur has shown his formidable capabilities in the areas of Cost Analysis and review, Pricing policy determination, Financing Projects, Banking consortium loan syndicate arrangement, Advisory in Capital Structuring, Debt Restructuring, Preparation of Manual such as Accounts, Audit, HR, Purchase, Project evaluation, Statutory Audits under different Laws of the Country etc. He is also regarded as an expert in the areas of Indirect Taxation like Goods & Service Tax, Customs and allied matters.
He was elected for the coveted post of the President of The Institute of Cost Accountants of India(A statutory body under an Act of Parliament) in the year 2016-17. His management skill and visionary approach transformed the profession of Cost & Management Accountancy a most sought after career avenue for the young aspirants. Through his relentless efforts during the earlier years of his association with the Institute in many prestigious capacities including Central Council Member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (2011-15 & 2015-19), Chairman, Training, Placement & Educational Facilities Committee(2017-19) , Chairman –CAT (Certificate in Accounting Technicians) Committee (2018-19) , Chairman, Board of Advanced Studies, (2016-18), Chairman, Eastern India Regional Council –( 2009-2010), Regional Council Member of the Eastern India Regional Council –( 2004-2011), the Institute made a powerful progression to its zenith . CMA Mr Thakur has also played a prominent role in different capacities in the Government of India including Advisory Member of Corporate Debt Restructuring (CDR) of RBI (2015-17) and Board Member of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)( 2017-19) , Member of the Small & Medium Practices (SMP) Committee(2014-16). To recognize his efforts, he was conferred Bharat Nirman Award (2015-16) at Delhi as an expert Finance Professional and Special Award from Indian Society of Training and Developing (ISTD) for his outstanding contribution to bridging the gap of skill deficit of young aspirants.
His contribution has been well respected not only in India but also by the International Accounting and Regulatory Bodies. He has been offered a Life membership at the most prestigious Institute of Switzerland namely “The International Institute of Certified Professional Accountants”( IICPA). His expertise was also duly regarded by the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) where he served as a Board member and as a Technical Advisor as well. A motivator and leader in his own rights, he is keen to disseminate his professional wisdom to the younger generation to make a future ready India. He is prolific in writing and authored several books on Operations Management, Cost Audit, Cost & Management Accountancy, Valuation Management etc. His articles have also been published in several National and International journals including different accounting and professional bodies/ institutions. He also delivered lectures on topics of resource optimization, cost control and sensible development in various Management Institutes, Organisations in India and abroad.CMA Mr Thakur regards himself as a responsible citizen of India above all and always feels the urge to contribute to social cause of weaker sections of our society in whatever way he can.
Industry Advisory Council Member
With over more than decade of professional hospitality experience specializing in managing and training staff with sound experience in quality assurance parameters and interpersonal skills. Sharmila has done her graduation in International Hospitality Management from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, U.K. During the professional life-cycle, she has been associated with international brand like Hyatt Hotels Corporation for more than 8 years. She was also associated with Ritu Kumar, the Indian fashion designer house as their Training Head. She have been creating L&D Framework and set-up learning function at India’s first Andaz branded hotel by Hyatt. Training employees on conversations and style as well as designing colleague experience for hiring, training and the social areas where they come together to interact with internal and external customers. She expertise in preparing training strategy focused on pre-opening of the hotel, systems training, skills training and behaviour training for all employees.
She has conducted many employee orientation and induction including Skills training for all employees. Designed Leadership Development Program and Strategy for the hotels focused on various employees with varied skill level. Facilitated Guest interaction and empathy interviews using design thinking to improve work performance.
Presently she is part of The Accrue Hospitality, i.e. a budding yet dynamic hospitality consulting firm established in July 2019 offering turnkey services to its partners. The Accrue recommends a spectrum of comprehensive solutions across hospitality verticals through their dedicated team. She handles the Operational and Learning and Development function of the organisation.
Industry Advisory Council Member
Deepak Daftari is the CEO of eSiksha.com, an active Domain Investor & Angel Investor.
He is the Past President of TiE Kolkata.
He is the Current Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Committee at The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the oldest Chamber of Commerce in India.
He is also a part of the Management Committee at The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
He is an expert in Domain Brand Consulting and Internet Branding.
He buys and sells very valuable Domain Names and web-based online businesses.
He has bought and sold multiple six figure names in the last few years.
He is a pioneer in India in the Domaining space.
Deepak has invested in multiple Startups in India and has had successful exits too from his investments.
In his spare time, he mentors a lot of start-ups and helps them in their growth journey and raising funds.