S H Kelkar and Company Ltd has appointed Deepti Chandratre as interim CFO following a leadership transition. With deep internal experience, she will oversee financial operations and reporting during the search for a permanent CFO. The move ensures continuity as the company enters a key demand cycle and prepares for Q3 earnings.
S H Kelkar and Company Ltd, a leading fragrance and flavour manufacturer, has appointed Deepti Chandratre as its interim Chief Financial Officer. The move comes as part of a strategic leadership transition aimed at maintaining financial continuity and operational stability during a critical phase of business growth.
Key Developments
- Deepti Chandratre steps into the interim CFO role following the departure of the previous finance head
- She brings over two decades of experience in corporate finance, compliance, and strategic planning across manufacturing and FMCG sectors
- Chandratre has been associated with S H Kelkar’s finance team since 2021, serving as Vice President – Finance
- Her appointment ensures seamless continuity in financial operations, reporting, and investor relations
- The company has initiated a formal search for a permanent CFO, expected to conclude within the next quarter
- Chandratre will oversee quarterly earnings preparation, audit coordination, and capital allocation strategies during her interim tenure
- The leadership change comes ahead of the company’s festive season demand cycle and export order fulfilment phase
Strategic Takeaways
- The interim appointment reflects S H Kelkar’s commitment to internal talent elevation and succession planning
- Chandratre’s familiarity with the company’s financial systems and stakeholder expectations positions her well for the role
- Analysts view the move as stabilising, especially amid volatile input costs and currency fluctuations
- The company continues to focus on margin improvement, global expansion, and product innovation in aroma molecules and flavour blends
Market Outlook
- S H Kelkar is expected to report steady revenue growth in Q3 FY2026, supported by festive demand and export traction
- The company’s financial discipline and cost optimisation efforts remain central to its mid-term strategy
- Investor sentiment is likely to remain neutral-to-positive, pending updates on permanent CFO selection and Q3 performance
- The fragrance industry is witnessing increased demand from personal care, food, and wellness segments, offering growth tailwinds
Sources: BSE Corporate Filings, S H Kelkar Investor Relations Update, Economic Times FMCG Desk, Mint Leadership Tracker, Business Standard Manufacturing Briefs 2025