Ravi Kant urges Indian firms to think globally as ICAI Dubai Chapter celebrates Chartered Accountants Day with leadership, AI, and success stories.
Dubai: The ICAI Dubai Chapter marked the 77th Chartered Accountants Day with a compelling call for global ambition and innovation from industry leaders, led by Ravi Kant, former CEO and Vice-Chairman of Tata Motors. Addressing over 3,000 chartered accountants, Kant emphasised that Indian companies must embrace a global vision and calculated risk to lead in international markets.
Recalling Tata Motors’ journey, he cited the landmark acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in 2008. “It was Ratan Tata’s quiet yet bold leadership that enabled us to execute such a transformative deal,” said Kant. Tata’s acquisition of JLR for US$2.3 billion turned into a business masterstroke, with the brand now contributing 71% of Tata Motors’ revenue and 80% of its profits. JLR recently reported a record profit of £2.5 billion and revenues of £29 billion in FY2025.
Kant explained how early learnings from the Daewoo acquisition shaped Tata’s strategy. Initially met with resistance in Korea, Tata Motors revised its approach, built trust, and ultimately secured the deal—a blueprint that later helped win the JLR bid over ten global contenders.
The event also featured Nandini Agrawal, India’s youngest Chartered Accountant, who urged professionals to embrace Artificial Intelligence. “AI is no longer optional; it’s essential,” she told attendees, stressing the need for curiosity and adaptability in today’s business world.
Nilesh Bhatnagar, Founder of NB Ventures, praised the CA qualification as life-changing. “C.A. stands for Character and Ability, Commitment and Achievement,” he said, reflecting on how the designation empowers leadership and accountability.
Jai Prakash Agarwal, Chairman of ICAI Dubai Chapter, celebrated the Chapter’s remarkable journey. “From humble beginnings, ICAI is now one of the world’s largest accounting bodies, with over 500,000 members and students, and a presence in 47 countries.”
Founded in 1982, ICAI Dubai Chapter is the largest and most active overseas chapter. Of the 8,000 Indian CAs in the UAE, over 1,400 hold senior leadership positions, reaffirming the Chapter’s role in driving regional financial excellence.
ICAI Dubai Chapter continues to lead with a forward-looking vision, combining heritage, global reach, and technological evolution.
