Meet our CFO – Kshitiz Bilala

 

Born and brought up in Jaipur and having travelled to more than 40 countries, Kshitiz brings his diverse experiences and talents to Isprava. In his free time, he loves watching movies and spending time with his 3 year old daughter. We catch up with Kshitiz and chat a little bit about him and his time here with us.

Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you end up at Isprava?

I am a Chartered Accountant all India ranker and Level 2 CFA. I came to know about Isprava through Michael Page, who scheduled my interviews. I loved the idea of luxurious holiday homes with end to end solutions for customers. Isprava enticed me with its business idea, competitive advantage, dynamic team and organisational values.

Were you always inclined toward the luxury space? If so, how do you feel it evolving in India now?

Before joining Isprava, I lived in Germany for about 5 years and have travelled to more than 40 countries in Europe, Asia and North America in the last 6 years. I was always mesmerized with the luxurious experiences these places had to offer.

The luxury market in India is picking up at geometrical progression. With the increase in Indians travelling outside India and the rise in income levels, luxury is what people now are willing to get associated with.

What is your role here?

I am the CFO of Isprava and Lohono Stays by Isprava. As a CFO, I am responsible for managing the financial actions of both companies. My duties include tracking cash flow and financial planning as well as analyzing the financial strengths and weaknesses, and accordingly providing the right solutions. I am additionally working on building processes to mitigate the ‘what could go wrong’ of the company.

What is your favourite part of your role?

My role is challenging given the structure and stage of both the businesses. However, I like to take ownership of the issues that are being faced in these businesses and work as an entrepreneur to deal with such problems.

Tell us a little bit about the culture at the office?

I haven’t spent much time in the office since the lockdown began immediately after I joined. However to me, desk culture here is quite different as compared to my earlier workplaces. The Isprava office is full of positive energy. Furthermore, the honesty and dedication that the people put in here is vibrant.

Are you more a beach person who loves the energy of Goa or the tranquil calm of the lush Nilgiris?

I love Goa. The energy that Goa proffers is unimaginable. Adventure sports, beautiful landscapes, villa stays, insane parties, incredible beaches and so on are exclusive to Goa.

What does luxury mean to Isprava?

Luxury to Isprava is the experience that says, ‘I’m worth it.’ Luxury is a combination of elegance and comfort for a customer. Luxury to Isprava is creativity and designs with a refreshing emphasis on creating pieces that mark every moment that matters to the customer.

Rapid Fire

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

I get up, pray and express gratitude for being blessed with everything I have. I then check my phone to see how global markets (especially DowJones) performed the previous night.

What are three things we will find on your desk?

Mementos of successes of past, a coffee mug, note pad and loads of papers

Favourite vacation spot?

Mallorca, Spain

A celebrity you would like to have a drink with?

Deepika Padukone

If you could have a holiday home anywhere, where would it be?

If it’s India, then 100% Goa

Favourite TV character?

Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) from Suits