The real estate and infrastructure landscape in India has always demanded a rare combination of financial discipline, regulatory awareness, and the ability to adapt to shifting market cycles. It is an industry where a single decision can influence years of development work, and where success depends as much on foresight as it does on precision. Behind every successful project lies a financial architect who holds together compliance, capital flow, risk management, and strategic clarity while keeping the organisation anchored through periods of growth and transformation.
In this dynamic environment stands CA Manish Kasliwal, a seasoned finance professional who has spent more than two decades shaping the financial foundations of some of the country’s well-known real estate organisations. A qualified Chartered Accountant since 2003 and a Bachelor of Commerce graduate from MDS University, Ajmer, he built his career on a strong commitment to accuracy, governance, and sound judgment. His work has consistently focused on connecting financial insights with business needs, especially in taxation, regulatory compliance, and long-range planning. Known for his steady communication style and his ability to build trust across teams, Manish has earned a reputation for strengthening financial systems wherever he goes.
His professional journey spans a blend of diverse organisational cultures. He has contributed to large listed entities like Indiabulls Real Estate and Om Infra, where the scale of operations demanded tight control and flawless execution. He later stepped into promoter-driven environments at Mighty Group and Acropolis Purple Developers (Tribeca), refining his ability to move quickly, take ownership, and drive initiatives in more entrepreneurial settings. One of the most defining chapters of his career came during his nearly ten-year tenure at Bennett Property Holdings within the Times Group, where he worked across corporate finance, fundraising, taxation, and strategic long-term mandates. These experiences gave him the perspective to balance immediate pressures with long-term value creation.
He joined Suratwwala Business Group Limited in March 2025 and took charge as Chief Financial Officer in April 2025, steering the financial direction of the organisation. This phase marks a significant period of growth for the company, and he has taken on the responsibility of ensuring that expansion is not only ambitious but grounded in discipline and sustainability. Guiding financial strategy during such a pivotal time has added a fulfilling new chapter to a career built on consistency, integrity, and purpose-driven leadership.
Guiding the Financial Backbone of a Growing Enterprise
As Chief Financial Officer of Suratwwala Business Group Limited, Manish oversees every pillar that keeps the organisation financially sound. His responsibilities span financial reporting, taxation, compliance, treasury, investor communication, governance, risk oversight, and arranging capital for the group and its subsidiaries.
At the core of his work lies a clear mission: to deploy capital wisely, preserve a resilient balance sheet, and ensure that every project has the financial clarity it needs to progress without disruption. He works closely with teams across functions, turning complex financial insights into actionable strategies. In an industry as fast-paced as real estate, his priorities revolve around stability, value creation, and protecting long-term shareholder trust.
Building Strong Foundations for the Next Phase of Growth
Since taking on the CFO role in April, Manish has already helped lay a solid groundwork for the company’s expansion plans. He strengthened banking partnerships and arranged structured financing that supports both the real estate portfolio and the group’s solar energy initiatives. This created the liquidity support essential for upcoming projects.
On the governance front, he introduced tighter internal controls and built risk-based review mechanisms that help the company avoid operational gaps. Several processes have been automated, leading to fewer errors and greater efficiency. Investor communication has also become sharper and more transparent, helping stakeholders track the company’s direction with clarity. Alongside this, the group has started evaluating new developments and strategic collaborations. These steps mark the beginning of a steady and sustainable growth journey.
Lessons Shaped by Diverse Experiences
Manish’s leadership style carries influences from two significant chapters of his career. His years at Tribeca Developers, known for high-end projects, taught him the value of precision. In luxury real estate, even a minor oversight in financial planning can have a ripple effect, and that environment strengthened his instinct for detail and early risk assessment.
His time at Bennett Property Holdings brought a different dimension. Working under a leadership that encouraged empowerment, he learned the power of trust and ownership. He was given the freedom to pursue ideas even before every detail was sketched out, which helped him grow with confidence and decisiveness.
These experiences together shaped a leadership approach rooted in strong processes and genuine empowerment. Manish believes in assigning responsibility based on a person’s capability, not merely their title. The result is a culture where people take full ownership of their work without the need for micromanagement, creating teams that are both disciplined and driven.
A Difficult Crossroads
Among the many decisions that shaped his career, one stands out as particularly demanding. During an Income Tax survey a few years ago, Manish found himself at the center of an intense regulatory review. The organisation faced strict scrutiny, and he had to respond in a way that upheld compliance without allowing day-to-day operations to be derailed.
The dilemma was clear. He could respond quickly and risk inconsistencies, or he could take a slower, transparent approach anchored in verified facts. He chose the latter. Documentation was centralized, communication was channeled through a single point to avoid confusion, and every submission was validated meticulously.
The leadership supported this direction, but the tactical decisions rested with him. The team emerged from the situation without significant complications, and the organisation’s reputation for responsible regulatory conduct grew stronger. The experience reaffirmed his belief that clarity, calm thinking, and integrity provide better outcomes than hurried decisions made under pressure.
Clarity, Trust, and Shared Purpose
Manish’s leadership style is rooted in simple yet powerful principles. Every member of his team understands how their individual responsibilities support the organisation’s larger goals. This clarity removes guesswork and helps everyone stay aligned. He encourages team members to take ownership of their work while assuring them that guidance is always available. Communication is open, feedback is exchanged freely, and he makes it a point to recognise contributions. Whether it is a structured review or a short message of appreciation, he believes acknowledgement keeps morale high.
This environment of trust and accountability results in consistent performance, even during demanding phases. When people feel empowered and supported, they deliver with commitment and confidence.
The Making of a Dynamic Leader
In Manish’s view, today’s leaders need more than strategic thinking. They must pair long-term vision with the willingness to get involved at the operational level when required. Change is constant, particularly in sectors influenced by technology, shifting regulations, and evolving consumer expectations. Adaptability therefore becomes essential.
He believes that leaders should communicate with clarity, rely on data, and be ready to leave behind outdated practices. Yet, one quality rises above all others: the ability to build trust. Teams aligned through trust make decisions faster, solve problems together, and navigate uncertainties with confidence. Leaders who nurture trust inspire performance that goes beyond standard expectations.
A Message to Future Finance and Business Leaders
Manish’s advice for aspiring finance professionals is grounded in his own journey. He believes the finance role today goes far beyond maintaining records. The real impact comes from linking financial insight with business strategy and using that understanding to guide decisions.
He encourages young professionals to stay curious and expand their knowledge across technology, regulation, and sustainability, as these areas are reshaping the business landscape. Above everything, he urges them to place integrity at the center of their work. Trust, he says, remains the most valuable currency in leadership.
Manish advises future leaders to think like owners, remain humble, and remember that sound financial leadership does more than track growth; it enables it. Those who combine discipline with purpose will find tremendous opportunities ahead.
