The role of a CFO is no longer confined to financial reporting. Rather, it is about shaping strategy, enabling innovation and building resilience in today's volatile business environment. As Group CFO of the Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), Sanjay stands at the intersection of legacy and transformation, steering a nearly century-old business into a digital-first future.
Since joining DS Group in 2019, his journey has been defined by disruption and reinvention. Almost immediately, the pandemic tested organizational agility. With offices shut and audits disrupted, the finance function had to evolve rapidly. Aneja responded by accelerating digitalization, which means enabling remote audits, streamlining workflows and embedding automation across processes.
This transformation, over time, has delivered measurable outcomes. In a span of five to six years, the company has reduced manpower by nearly 15–20 per cent, while significantly improving efficiency and visibility. Training programmes and job rotations have complemented this shift, equipping teams with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-led environment.
Aneja’s approach reflects a broader philosophy: finance must be forward-looking, not retrospective. “Real-time information and fast decision-making are critical,” he emphasizes, underscoring the importance of foresight over hindsight in today’s dynamic markets.
At the same time, DS Group has been expanding beyond its traditional stronghold in FMCG. The company has invested approximately ₹200 crore in a blueberry venture and acquired a hospitality asset—the Renaissance hotel in Bengaluru—through the NCLT route. These strategic moves required rigorous financial evaluation, from assessing payback periods to aligning capital allocation with long-term growth objectives.
The group’s diversification strategy is also yielding results. Its dairy business, for instance, has doubled from 4–5 per cent to nearly 10 per cent of total sales. This demonstrates how financial strategy can support business evolution. Resilience, Aneja believes, is rooted in collaboration. DS Group has established a finance core committee that meets regularly to evaluate regulatory changes including GST and tax reforms. These discussions enable informed and timely decisions, ensuring that the organization remains agile in the face of uncertainty.
Beyond processes and strategy, Aneja is equally focused on his team. Attracting and retaining younger talent presents new challenges, though DS Group enjoys strong employee loyalty, with many having worked for as long as 40 years.
The aspirations of Gen Z professionals and the lure of IPO-driven opportunities have altered workforce dynamics. To address this, he emphasizes continuous learning, role mobility and engagement.
Looking ahead, his priorities are clear: digitalization, automation, risk analytics and ESG. While ESG compliance may not yet be mandatory for DS Group, the company, as Aneja says, has proactively initiated frameworks and committees to align with global sustainability standards.
Artificial intelligence is another area of focus. Aneja has been actively advocating the integration of AI into finance operations. DS Group has started working on leveraging AI and automation in decision-making. From real-time dashboards to auto-reconciled cashflow systems and advanced consolidation tools, technology is being layered onto legacy systems to drive efficiency and accuracy.
One of the most significant shifts, as he says, is the digitalization of business ecosystems. Distributor networks, dealer interactions and even consumer engagement have increasingly moved online. Platforms such as Rajnigandha.com and integrated dealer systems are enabling seamless transactions and faster response times.
For Aneja, the modern CFO must be deeply embedded in business operations. “You have to be part of every activity,” he says. Collaboration across functions — sales, procurement and marketing — is essential to ensure that financial insights translate into business outcomes.
He also views the CFO as a strategic partner to the CEO. As per him, CFO is someone who brings financial discipline to investment decisions and ensures that growth is sustainable. Whether evaluating capex, managing risk or navigating regulatory complexity, the CFO’s role is integral to organizational success.
As DS Group continues its transformation journey, Sanjay’s leadership offers a blueprint for CFOs navigating similar transitions.
In a world where change is constant, his message is clear: stay agile, stay collaborative and stay ahead of the curve.
