Sunil Deshmukh Named IMA Chair-Elect

“It is an incredible feeling to be chosen for such a prestigious role, and I cannot express the joy and satisfaction I feel in words,” Deshmukh said. “The recognition of my abilities and leadership potential is a humbling experience that will undoubtedly be a highlight of my career.”

In his current role, Deshmukh consults and advises for-profit and nonprofit organizations primarily on leadership development, business strategy, and leadership/executive coaching. He’s currently based in India, but, in his more than 30-year career, he has lived and worked in consumer markets in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, developing business strategies, managing operations, and providing board-level oversight and governance.

“As Chair-Elect, I will have the opportunity to shape the future of IMA and contribute to the growth and success of the organization,” he said. “It is a tremendous responsibility that I take very seriously, and I am excited to work with my fellow board members and the broader IMA community to achieve our shared goals. I hope to inspire and motivate others to pursue excellence in the accounting and finance profession, just as I have been inspired by the many talented individuals I have met through IMA. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we work together to advance the field of management accounting.”

Previously, Deshmukh worked in various leadership positions as managing director, CFO, and CEO with multinational companies, as well as large family-managed organizations, across geographic regions, and across industry segments including manufacturing, retail and distribution, supply chain, and logistics.

Deshmukh holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Marathwada University, a bachelor’s degree in law from Symbiosis Law College at Pune University, and a master’s degree in commerce from Pune University. He is a fellow member (FCMA) of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI), a fellow member (FCS) of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), and a fellow member of the Institute of Directors (IOD) of India. He is also an International Coach Federation (U.S.) Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and a Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching (U.S.) Certified Executive Coach. He has participated in many leadership programs in the United States, United Kingdom, and India. He has also completed the Oxford Advanced Management & Leadership Programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. He earned his CMA^® (Certified Management Accountant) in 2010.

An IMA member since 2010, Deshmukh is currently a member of IMA’s Strategic Planning Committee, an associate dean of IMA’s webinar coaching team, and a past dean of the IMA Mentoring Subcommittee. He has been a member of IMA’s Global Board of Directors since 2021, where he has also been part of the Nominating Committee. Deshmukh has also served as president of IMA’s Mumbai and Pune chapters; is a member of the IMA Leadership Academy, specifically as a webinar contributor, moderator, and presenter; and was previously the board liaison for the IMA Research Foundation. He was also a member of IMA’s President and CEO Search Committee.

Deshmukh also serves as a speaker, coach, and accredited mentor for tech and social start-ups in India and as an advisory board member of Talent at Work (United Arab Emirates). Deshmukh has written articles in various publications and contributed to books on the topic of leadership. He also sits on corporate boards as an independent director.