Executive Insights
Rigorous perspectives on governance, strategic finance, turnaround, and AI-enabled consulting — written for founders, CXOs, and board members.
Insights are being curated
We are building a structured knowledge centre covering strategic finance, governance, turnaround, and AI-enabled consulting. Articles, frameworks, and practitioner guides will be published here as each piece is completed to the standard we require.
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Areas we will cover
Each piece will be grounded in practitioner experience — not generic frameworks or academic theory. These are the domains we write from the inside.
CFO & Strategic Finance
Financial leadership, FP&A transformation, and the evolving role of the CFO.
Governance & Compliance
Board effectiveness, policy architecture, and risk governance frameworks.
Turnaround & Recovery
Loss-to-profit transformation, distressed situations, and operational revival.
Strategy & Growth
Annual operating plans, market entry, and long-term value creation.
AI & Digital Finance
AI-enabled FP&A, decision intelligence, and automation in finance operations.
Family Business & Succession
Professionalisation, succession planning, and governance for promoter-led groups.
Frequently Asked
Answers to the questions we hear most often before an engagement begins.
Who is A R Shankar & Co best suited for?
We work best with founders, CXOs, and boards of mid-to-large Indian businesses — including growth-stage companies, family-owned businesses undergoing professionalisation, PE-backed firms, and large corporates seeking external advisory on specific challenges. We are not a generalist firm and do not take on every enquiry.
What makes your consulting different from a Big 4 or large firm?
Large firms bring methodology and teams. We bring the principal — 28+ years of hands-on senior leadership from inside Tata, Reliance, and global MNCs. Every engagement is led by A R Shankar personally, not delegated to a junior team. That means senior attention, practitioner judgment, and faster trust-building with your leadership.
What does a typical engagement look like?
It starts with a discovery call to understand the situation. We then propose a scoped engagement with clear deliverables, timeline, and fees. Most retainers run 3-12 months; project engagements typically 6-16 weeks. We can also take on advisory panel roles for boards and investors.
Do you only work with companies in Mumbai / India?
No. While based in Mumbai, we serve clients across India and internationally. A significant portion of our track record comes from cross-border engagements across banking, telecom, and chemical industries. Remote and hybrid engagements are fully supported.
Can you help with both strategy and execution?
Yes — and we see them as inseparable. We do not hand over a strategy document and disappear. We stay through implementation, available to unblock, adapt, and troubleshoot. Our track record is built on delivered outcomes, not slide decks.
What are your fees?
Fees depend on scope, engagement model, and complexity. We offer retainer-based, project-based, and advisory panel structures. All engagements begin with a no-obligation discovery call. Please reach out to discuss.
Do you take on turnaround or distressed situations?
Yes. Turnaround and growth management is a core competency. A R Shankar is a registered Insolvency Professional and has managed loss-to-profit transformations across multiple sectors. Early engagement is always better — please do not wait until a crisis is acute.
How can I get started?
The fastest path is a direct call or email. No lengthy intake forms. We respond to genuine enquiries within 24 hours and can typically schedule an initial call within the week.
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