IIM Visakhapatnam Inaugurates Chief Financial Officer Programme – Batch 02
22nd February 2026
The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam inaugurated Batch 02 of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme in an online ceremony attended by senior faculty, participants, and industry leaders.
The programme was formally inaugurated in the presence of the Chief Guest, Shri Venkat N. Chalasani, Chief Executive of the Association of Mutual Funds in India and former Deputy Managing Director of the State Bank of India.
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Pooja Kumari, Program Director, highlighted the evolving role of the CFO as a strategic leader who connects finance with enterprise-wide decision-making. She noted that the 12-month programme is structured around four pillars: Strategic Leadership, Financial Leadership, Governance & Compliance, and Digital & Technological Leadership.
The batch comprises experienced professionals with an average work experience of nearly 18 years, representing diverse industries and functional roles across India.
In his keynote address, Shri. Chalasani spoke about the structural shift in financial leadership amid rising global uncertainties. He emphasized that modern CFOs must go beyond financial stewardship to become strategists, risk managers, and custodians of institutional trust. “In uncertain times, the most valuable skill in finance is judgment anchored in integrity,” he remarked.
Speaking at the inaugural event, Prof. Amit Shankar, Dean Research at Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam, emphasized that participants are not just learners but family and proud flag bearers of IIMV. He also reflected on the institute’s journey since its establishment in 2015 as an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Education. From 21 certification programs in 2022 to 108 in 2024–25, and from 1,300 learners in 2020 to 5,500 last year, IIMV continues to nurture responsible, future-ready leaders.
The programme aims to equip finance leaders with the capabilities required to navigate complexity, manage risk, and drive sustainable organizational growth.
Prof. Shalini Agnihotri delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, faculty members, leadership, and supporting teams. She highlighted the importance of agility, holistic thinking, and ethical leadership in today’s finance roles. She welcomed participants into the IIM Visakhapatnam family and wished them a transformative learning journey.
