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Hi, I’m
Rama Mahendru
Business Leader & Independent Director
Gurgaon
Work Preference
Summary
Senior business leader with 30+ years of experience across finance, tourism, hospitality, and general management. Proven track record in business transformation, commercial growth, governance, ESG, and responsible tourism, with a distinctive ability to turn purpose into measurable social, environmental, and business impact. Recognized for building inclusive, high-performing teams and leading strategic partnerships that deliver lasting value.
Overview
30
years of professional experience
6
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Intrepid Travel- India DMC
Country General Manager
04.2019 - 11.2025
Job overview
- Directed end-to-end business operations, overseeing P&L, strategic planning, commercial growth, governance, and people leadership to enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Led business expansion by establishing strategic partnerships and managing suppliers while promoting responsible tourism initiatives to increase market presence.
- Built a high-performing team while strengthening employee engagement and organizational culture.
- Drove operational excellence through integration of commercial objectives with sustainability and risk management, ensuring compliance with governance practices.
- Represented the organization at international travel forums and industry events, strengthening market presence and strategic alliances.
Intrepid Travel- India DMC
Country Finance Manager
01.2008 - 03.2019
Job overview
- Directed financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, taxation, statutory compliance, payroll, transfer pricing, and audit management to ensure compliance and financial accuracy.
- Successfully managed income tax assessments, GST, and transfer pricing while strengthening financial governance.
- Partnered with senior leadership to improve profitability, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making.
- Managed accounts payable, receivable, reconciliations, payroll, taxation, and financial reporting, laying the foundation for progression into finance leadership.
- Collaborated with contracting and product teams on brochure pricing strategies.
- Transitioned accounting system from Navision to Microsoft Dynamics, enhancing data integration and reporting capabilities.
Hi Tours (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Senior Accountant
11.2004 - 12.2007
Job overview
- Managed financial records and maintained accuracy in general ledger accounts.
- Prepared monthly financial statements and ensured compliance with regulations.
- Reviewed invoices and processed vendor payments promptly to maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Assisted in tax preparation and filed necessary documentation accurately.
- Coordinated audits and liaised with external auditors to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Monthly Cost Centre & Bank Reconciliation
- Completed and filed monthly service tax and quarterly withholding returns to ensure compliance with government regulations.
Nirula's Corner House Ltd.
Accounts Executive
06.1995 - 11.2004
Job overview
- Accounts Payable
- Petty Cash Management
- Bank Reconciliation
- Performed vendor account reconciliation
Education
SymbiosisPune
MBA from Finance
06-2011
University Overview
Delhi UniversityDelhi
Bachelor of Accountancy from Commerce
06-1995
University Overview
Iron LadyOnline
Directorship Course from Board Member-Executive Presence
05.2025 - 01.2026
University Overview
B10XOnline Course
5 Days Master Class On Usage of AI from AI Tools
02.2026 - 02.2026
University Overview
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs
Independent Director
04.2026 - 06.2026
University Overview
Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building
- Corporate governance
- Operational efficiency
- Risk management
- ESG, Sustainability & DEI Leadership
- Employee development & Team Building
- Change Management
- Budgeting and cost control
- Financial Management
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
- Hall of Fame, 2023 - Recognized for exceptional business impact in Intrepid HQ, Melbourne. This distinction reflects a legacy of driving organizational success, sustaining employee morale, and steering the company through adversity with vision and empathy.
- DMC Staff of the Year, 2018 - Recognized for strategic problem-solving and delivering measurable business impact through effective financial leadership. Successfully cleared a decade-long backlog of litigation, setting a precedent for financial excellence and risk mitigation.
Affiliations
Affiliations
- Presiding Officer – Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Internal Committee from 2014 to 2025: Strengthened organizational awareness around workplace ethics, dignity, inclusion, and grievance redressal mechanisms. Collaborated with HR and leadership to reinforce a culture of compliance and respectful conduct. Throughout my tenure, no formal POSH complaints were registered, while preventive awareness and compliance initiatives were consistently maintained.
- Represented at Conferences like WTM-London, ITB-Berlin & Mumbai, SKIFT, GITB-Jaipur, SATTE-Delhi, IATO-India: Represented the organization at both global and local platforms, driving sales growth, strengthening supply chain relationships, and building impactful networks across the travel and tourism industry.
- Great Place to Work Certification: Fostered a people-first culture through leadership development, DEI initiatives, employee well-being, and transparent communication, contributing to consecutive Great Place to Work® certifications.
Availability
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Pojects
Pojects
- Kochi Lodge Operation- Led the restoration and operational setup of an 11-room heritage lodge in Kochi, overseeing project execution, financial planning, statutory compliance, and licensing with local authorities. Recruited and mentored the Property Manager and on-site operations team, establishing service standards and operational processes.
- Holy City Rickshaw – Women-led Electric Mobility Initiative, Varanasi- Conceptualized and led the implementation of the Holy City Rickshaw initiative, introducing women-driven electric rickshaws to create safe and sustainable livelihood opportunities in a traditionally male-dominated sector. Secured internal stakeholder buy-in and funding, identified and partnered with an implementing NGO, and coordinated end-to-end project execution from concept through operational launch.
- Positive Change for Marine Life – Responsible Tourism Initiative at Kovalam- Led the development of the initiative by identifying and partnering with local conservation organizations to create meaningful community-based tourism experiences. Integrated the initiative into commercial travel itineraries, enabling travellers to contribute directly to ocean conservation through responsible tourism experiences.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion- Achieved 50:50 gender ratio by championing female recruitment and tour leaders in a male‑dominated industry, and further advanced inclusion by hiring LGBTQ+ team members, fostering DEI with measurable impact.
Certification
- Certified Building People Manager [Intrepid Travel]- [November 2013]
- Certified Building Business Manager [Intrepid Travel]- [June 2017]
Timeline
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs
Independent Director
04.2026 - 06.2026
B10X
5 Days Master Class On Usage of AI from AI Tools
02.2026 - 02.2026
Iron Lady
Directorship Course from Board Member-Executive Presence
05.2025 - 01.2026
Country General Manager
Intrepid Travel- India DMC
04.2019 - 11.2025
Country Finance Manager
Intrepid Travel- India DMC
01.2008 - 03.2019
Senior Accountant
Hi Tours (India) Pvt. Ltd.
11.2004 - 12.2007
Accounts Executive
Nirula's Corner House Ltd.
06.1995 - 11.2004
Symbiosis
MBA from Finance
Delhi University
Bachelor of Accountancy from Commerce