Leadership Team
Kewal
CFO
Kewal Thakkar stands out as an exemplary Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at OICKL due to his extensive and diverse expertise in financial management. With a solid academic foundation including an MS in Finance and CFA (ICFAI), along with a BMS specializing in Finance and International Finance from the University of Mumbai, he brings a wealth of theoretical knowledge to his role.
His career is marked by a proven track record in advising companies on raising private equity funds and securing debt. His proficiency extends to assisting distressed firms in accessing funds through Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARC) and Private Equity (PE) funds, showcasing his strategic acumen in navigating complex financial landscapes.
At OICKL, Kewal Thakkar’s leadership is pivotal in driving financial excellence. His strategic approach to growth ensures that financial operations are not only managed effectively but are also optimized for success. His expertise in fundraising and restructuring enables the company to capitalize on opportunities while mitigating risks, thereby fostering sustainable growth and stability.
In conclusion, Kewal Thakkar’s blend of academic qualifications, extensive experience, and strategic vision uniquely positions him as the ideal CFO for OICKL. His dedication to financial management and his ability to deliver results make him an invaluable asset to the organization, driving its financial strategy and operational efficiency forward.
Nitin
CPO
Nitin Jajodia, the Chief Purchase Officer (CPO) and a promoter at OICKL, brings a wealth of expertise and strategic acumen to the role. With an academic background in BCom and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA), Nitin is adept at managing the critical operations of sourcing raw materials efficiently for the company’s diverse culinary ventures.
Under Nitin’s leadership, the procurement strategy is finely tuned to the type of restaurant, its menu offerings, and its location. Nitin’s procurement philosophy emphasizes quality, price, reliability, and sustainability. By building strong relationships with suppliers, monitoring inventory levels meticulously, and negotiating favorable terms, he ensures a steady supply of top-notch ingredients. His strategic vision and operational excellence contribute significantly to the success of OICKL’s culinary operations.
Ujjwal
CGO
Mr. Ujjawal Khandelia is the Chief Growth Officer (CGO) & Promoter in the Food and Beverage Industry, he is a seasoned Chief Growth Officer (CGO) with over 9 years of experience in driving growth and supporting organizational objectives within the food and beverage industry. His passion lies in identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring seamless business expansion.
Skills:
* Leadership: Proficient in leading and motivating teams to achieve optimal performance and meet organizational growth targets.
* Strategic Planning: Experienced in developing and implementing strategic plans to drive business growth and enhance operational processes.
* Organizational Management: Skilled in overseeing various business functions, including market analysis, business development, budgeting, procurement, and resource allocation.
* Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of identifying growth barriers and implementing effective solutions.
* Technology Proficiency: Proficient in utilizing various business software and applications to streamline processes and improve productivity.
Education:
* Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Madurai Kamaraj University
With a comprehensive background in administrative management and a strategic mindset focused on growth, Ujjwal is committed to driving the success of food and beverage ventures. His expertise in streamlining operations and his passion for business development position him effectively lead growth initiatives and achieve organizational excellence.
Functional Team
Sheela
AVP Finance
Sheela is an aspirational woman with a Commerce degree and over 25 years of diverse experience, including roles as a Marketing Research Coordinator, Service Manager, and Warehouse Manager at Nokia Distributors. For the past 15 years, she has dedicated her career to the Finance and Accounts field, currently serving as a Senior Accounts Manager. Sheela has adapted to evolving technology, from early computers to modern AI, maintaining a strong focus on accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. She has a proven track record in preparing detailed financial reports, conducting audits, and implementing robust internal control systems. Her leadership skills shine through her management and mentorship of accounting teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Outside of work, Sheela has a keen interest in current affairs, geopolitics, and financial policies, and enjoys watching debates and podcasts. She is committed to embracing new technologies to achieve greater success in her career.
Kanchan Bagaria
AVP HR
Kanchan Bagaria, our dedicated HR Manager, has significantly contributed to our organization’s growth and employee satisfaction through her exceptional performance and commitment. Her strategic focus on technology integration and employee engagement has enhanced our HR functions. Kanchan’s efforts continue to drive improvements, positioning our company for ongoing success and a thriving workplace environment.
Rakesh
AVP Operations & Marketing
Rakesh Agrawal, as Head of Marketing, has significantly contributed to the growth and visibility of our organization. His innovative marketing strategies have led to increased foot traffic, higher customer engagement, and enhanced brand recognition. Demonstrating exceptional performance, creativity, and leadership, Rakesh has been instrumental in achieving our business goals and strengthening our brand’s presence.
Swati Shukla
Event Planner
Swati Shukla is an accomplished Celebrity Manager and Event Planner with over 7 years of experience in the Entertainment Industry. Her expertise spans strategic career management, client liaison, and successful event execution. Swati has a proven track record in audience targeting, marketing, and achieving client objectives, supported by strong leadership and problem-solving skills. She has managed high-profile celebrities and orchestrated diverse projects including TV shows, beauty pageants, album releases, and brand endorsements. Recognized with prestigious awards like the Dadasaheb Palake Award and Forever Star India Award, Swati Shukla continues to excel in her field with a commitment to excellence and innovation.
Chef Sudip R
Chef
Chef Sudip R is a highly accomplished Executive Chef and Senior Operations Professional with over two decades of national and international experience in delivering culinary excellence and managing comprehensive restaurant operations. With a proven track record in P&L management, cost control, and strategic planning, Sudip excels in developing innovative menus and implementing cost-effective strategies to enhance profitability. Known for his leadership in team development and customer relations, he is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and sanitation. Sudip’s diverse experience includes roles in prestigious hotels and restaurants, as well as recognition for his contributions to the culinary industry.
Kamal Jalan
Tech
Mr. Kamal Jalan is a seasoned Business Consultant and Entrepreneur, currently serving as the CEO & CTO of the OICKL Group. He holds a post-graduate diploma (PGDBA) from IBS Hyderabad and a CFA from ICFAI. Before founding the OICKL Group, he spent five years working with Oracle in India and another five years with an Oracle Partner in Abu Dhabi, specializing in ERP and Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) using Oracle Fusion Products. His extensive experience spans Finance, Supply, and Logistics, having collaborated with Fortune 500 companies during his tenure at Oracle and partner firms.
In addition to his impressive technological expertise, Mr. Jalan harbors a passion for the food and beverage industry, which he considers a promising avenue for future growth. He finds solace in exploring culinary experiences and believes that the convergence of technology and the food and beverage sector represents the next significant growth opportunity. His unique blend of technological prowess and enthusiasm for gastronomy positions him to innovate and drive success in this dynamic field.
Nitin Jajodia
Purchase & Inventory
Nitin Jajodia, the Chief Purchase Officer (CPO) and a promoter at OICKL, brings a wealth of expertise and strategic acumen to the role. With an academic background in BCom and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA), Nitin is adept at managing the critical operations of sourcing raw materials efficiently for the company’s diverse culinary ventures.
Under Nitin’s leadership, the procurement strategy is finely tuned to the type of restaurant, its menu offerings, and its location. Nitin’s procurement philosophy emphasizes quality, price, reliability, and sustainability. By building strong relationships with suppliers, monitoring inventory levels meticulously, and negotiating favorable terms, he ensures a steady supply of top-notch ingredients. His strategic vision and operational excellence contribute significantly to the success of OICKL’s culinary operations.
Rajesh Roul
Liasioning, Maintenance & Admin
Rajesh Roul is an experienced professional currently serving as a Senior Manager in the restaurant industry since March 2023. With a diverse background that includes roles such as security supervisor, senior welder supervisor, contractor, and senior maintenance technician, Rajesh has honed his skills in management, maintenance, and operations across various industries. He holds a strong commitment to learning new technologies and improving job efficiency. Rajesh is proficient in Hindi, English, and Bengali, and his hobbies include internet surfing, learning about new technologies, listening to music, and playing cricket.
Kaapil Agarwal
Fruits Business Head
Sunita
Customer Relationship
Sunitha M is an experienced Customer Care Head with a strong background in hospitality and customer service. With over seven years at Club Mahindra Holidays, she has honed her skills in customer relations, communication, and motivational leadership. Her experience includes roles at Top Stitch Apparel, Windsor Manor Hotel, and Oriflame. Sunitha is a quick learner with a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence. Fluent in Kannada, English, Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu, she excels in providing exceptional service and fostering positive customer experiences.
Advisory Board
Jay Keshwani
Data Management
Jai Keshwani is the founder of Astro Samadhan, bringing over seven years of experience in business and development. With a strong background in marketing, product development, and networking, Jai has successfully navigated the competitive landscape to establish and grow his venture. He excels in operations, analytical problem-solving, and product development, leveraging his expertise to drive innovation and efficiency. Jai holds a BBA LLB, combining a robust understanding of business administration with legal acumen. His dedication and strategic vision continue to propel Astro Samadhan to new heights.
Samiran Kundu
Business Development
Samiran Kundu, an esteemed graduate of Bangalore University, is an accomplished expert in the realm of franchising and business consultancy. Possessing a strategic acumen for planning service sector, hospitality domain and retail business expansion, he has effectively spearheaded a diverse team of over 150 professionals spanning India, the Middle East, and the Far East. His proficiency encompasses franchise adaptation, licensing, operational support, sales, marketing, and client relations. Kundu’s exceptional capability to metamorphose an unbranded entity into a specialized brand, in conjunction with his adeptness in client relationship management, positions him as a significant influencer in the corporate sphere. His holistic comprehension of all business operations, inclusive of international ventures, highlights his adaptability and unwavering dedication to excellence.
Divya Jalan
Social Media
Divya Jalan is a 23 year old from Bangalore, India. She completed her high school in EF Academy, New York. She has graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology from the University of Amsterdam in 2023. She is also a creative director and entrepreneur who started her own handmade jewellery brand Not Just Bijoux in 2020 at just age 19 and is currently still working on it. She worked as a Management Trainee in One Ikigai in Jaipur in 2024.
Anupam Agrawal
Legal
Adv. Anupam Agarwal(B.E, LLB) is having more than 20 years of Legal and Corporate
Experience. He has established an excellent reputation for his integrity and value based
pragmatic, thorough and proactive approach and his ability to help each of his Corporate &
Individual clients with the care and attention they deserve to effectively traverse the
complicated legal and regulatory regime in India. His attention to detail and proactive
approach is combined with breadth of experience and a keen focus on what is best for his
client.
He represents his clients to various Courts/Tribunals along with providing Legal advisory on
Corporate matters, Real Estate and RERA Law, Labour Laws, DRT, Arbitration & resolve
corporate disputes for various industries. He also provides counselling sessions to individuals
to resolve their grievances.
Dhananjay Vartak
Liquor Liaisoning
Dhananjay Vartak, a seasoned executive with over four decades of experience in the spirits, hospitality, and FMCG industries, holds a B. Com (Hons) from Pune University and a PGDMM from Mumbai University. He has served as Director & COO at Hermes Distillery Pvt. Ltd. and held significant roles in United Breweries Group, Sanamax Geneva & Liberty International, and Crown Beers India Ltd. His expertise spans strategic planning, sales, marketing, logistics, and government relations. Dhananjay is also a Director on the boards of JSR Dynamics Pvt. Ltd., Vanamali Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., and Hermes Alcobev Pvt. Ltd.
Arun Singh
Operations and Customer Relationship
CA Ram Avatar Rajgarhia
Financial Advisor
Ramawatar Rajgarhia is a Chartered Accountant with expertise in tax advisory, income tax return filing, GST filing, and accounting services. Based in Charleston, SC, and with roots in Ranchi, India, he graduated from St. Xavier’s College in 1995. Ramawatar offers expert guidance in company formation and registration services, ensuring methodical management of taxation and financial matters. His comprehensive services help businesses with budgeting, auditing, and strategic planning, enabling them to achieve significant growth and financial stability.
Bhavya Rajgarhia
Menu Optimization
Bhavya Rajgarhia is the Vice President of NPP Power India & SAARC, bringing extensive expertise in leadership and strategic operations. With a background in filmmaking from Whistling Woods International, Bhavya has worked on diverse projects, including short films, advertisement shoots, and music videos. As the producer of GOONJ PODCAST, Bhavya streamlined production processes, coordinated content creation, and led the podcast to become the 2nd best fiction podcast in India. Bhavya’s multifaceted experience also includes roles in digital marketing, resource management, and media production, showcasing a dynamic blend of creativity and operational acumen.