Leaders

IIT Delhi, one of India’s premier institutions, has long been a beacon of excellence in engineering and technology education. Known for its academic rigor, cutting-edge research, and an environment that fosters innovation, IIT Delhi stands as a launchpad for the brightest minds, shaping them into leaders in their respective fields. Studying at IIT Delhi not only offers top-tier academic learning but also equips students with the analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills necessary to thrive in a competitive world. Today, the institution's alumni network is vast and influential, with graduates making significant contributions to global industries. Among these accomplished alumni is Shilpa Kataria, a distinguished finance leader and the Chief Financial Officer at Allianz Partners.

Shilpa’s journey is one of dedication, resilience, and remarkable achievement. From her early academic years, Shilpa demonstrated exceptional performance, ranking first in her cohort of 180 students for seven consecutive years. This academic excellence earned her a place at IIT Delhi, where she pursued Mechanical Engineering, laying a strong foundation for her future success.

Her commitment to personal and professional growth took her beyond India to HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management in Germany, where she earned an MBA, awarded with a Merit Scholarship for being among the top three students in her class. Additionally, she was honored with the prestigious DAAD Scholarship for outstanding academic performance. Shilpa’s professional qualifications include being a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder since 2018 and holding ACCA accreditation since 2021.

Today, Shilpa’s achievements are a testament to her hard work and resilience. She has consistently pushed the boundaries of her potential, both academically and professionally, and today, she leads the financial strategies at Allianz Partners with the same level of excellence and dedication she has shown throughout her career. Shilpa’s story reflects the transformative influence of IIT Delhi’s education, and her global experiences continue to drive her forward as a leader in finance. Let’s read more about her in this one on one interaction.

Could you walk us through your career as a finance expert? What are some key areas where you have grown as a leader in financial management?

My career in finance began during my MBA at HHL Leipzig, Germany, where I gained a solid foundation in business and finance. After completing the program, I joined the equity research team at MainFirst Bank AG, where I was responsible for preparing equity analyst reports and analyzing market trends.

Over the course of nearly 13 years at Allianz Partners, with experience in both Munich and Singapore, I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge on how finance functions are structured and operate within various Allianz entities. As a finance leader, I have always focused on transforming finance into a service that drives effective business partnerships across all departments.

Throughout my career, I have specialized in revitalizing underperforming portfolios, optimizing financial performance, and leading cross-functional teams. By fostering collaboration across multiple locations, I have consistently contributed to the organization's growth and success, ensuring financial performance is always aligned with strategic goals.

Can you tell us about Allianz Partners? What are the key roles and responsibilities you handle as the company's CFO?

Allianz Partners is a vital entity within the Allianz Group, known for its expertise in providing assistance services such as roadside, home, and easy living, as well as insurance products including travel, appliance, and motor warranties.

As the leader overseeing Allianz Partners' GSEA entities, spanning Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan, I am responsible for managing all financial functions, including accounting, reporting, legal, risk, compliance, and data privacy. My role emphasizes collaborative leadership, fostering a solutions-driven approach to tackle financial challenges across the diverse GSEA region.

Beyond overseeing day-to-day financial operations, I actively contribute to the global Finance function’s transformation and governance, ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of key financial outputs. As CFO, I act as a strategic partner to the business, working closely to align financial objectives with operational strategies. My primary focus is driving profitable growth, facilitating efficient financial steering, and supporting Allianz Partners' long-term success, ensuring that financial goals are met while contributing to the company’s ongoing growth and regional ambitions.

What are some of the key challenges you face as a leader in financial management, particularly within the insurance industry? How do you navigate and overcome them?

Insurance financial KPIs and regulations are notably distinct from those in other industries, demanding a thorough understanding of the business and how uncertain events are converted into financial data. This requires expertise beyond standard accounting and reporting, including knowledge in actuarial analysis and underwriting. When I entered the insurance industry, I quickly recognized the need for comprehensive training across various functions and the importance of immersing myself in relevant materials to deepen my expertise. To keep up with evolving industry trends, I actively participate in insurance-specific accounting courses and stay informed about changes in accounting standards, such as IFRS 17. This commitment to continuous learning has been essential in refining my skills and staying ahead in an ever-changing industry, ensuring that I can effectively navigate the complexities of insurance finance while adapting to new developments and challenges.

Reflecting on your career, what would you consider the most significant professional milestone you've achieved? What has been your key to success?

A defining milestone in my career was stepping into the role of CFO, a position I had been preparing for over the years. Being one of the youngest executives in the company is a source of great pride for me. My 'success mantra' has always been a dedication to continuous learning. My career began in core engineering, where I worked on petrochemical refineries and refrigeration cycles, but I ultimately discovered my passion for finance. Along this journey, I’ve pursued a variety of courses, not only in finance but also in leadership, entrepreneurship, and management. This broad learning has been pivotal in developing my wellrounded approach to both business and leadership. I am a firm believer that embracing lifelong learning has been essential to my growth and success, allowing me to thrive in the ever-evolving professional landscape and effectively navigate new challenges as they arise.

Each stage in life offers valuable lessons. What is the most important lesson you learned during your time at IIT Delhi that continues to influence your life and work today?

Hard work and dedication are irreplaceable, and there are no shortcuts to success. Stay focused on your path, be patient, and the rewards will come in time. During my journey, I’ve also had the privilege of forming lasting friendships with classmates who remain close to this day. Since my time at IIT Delhi, I've prioritized balancing work and personal life. Nowadays, I ensure my weekends are dedicated to family time. Maintaining this balance is crucial for sustaining a fulfilling and successful career, as it allows me to recharge and stay grounded while pursuing professional goals.

Shilpa Kataria, Finance Director(Greater South East Asia & Japan), Allianz Partners

Shilpa Kataria is the Chief Financial Officer at Allianz Partners, bringing over 13 years of experience in finance. With a solid academic background from IIT Delhi and HHL Leipzig, she has honed her expertise in strategic leadership, financial transformation, and driving business growth. Throughout her career, Shilpa has excelled in aligning financial strategies with organizational goals, overseeing global operations, and fostering effective business partnerships across diverse regions, with a focus on continuous learning and development.