Management Team - Elara Capital

With extensive experience and expertise, our senior management team upholds the values of innovation, integrity, and dedication. Discover the individuals shaping Elara’s future and steering us toward continued success.

Strategic Management

Lord Meghnad Desai

Lord Meghnad Desai is a Non-Executive, Independent Professional Director at Elara. In addition to being the Emeritus Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science, he was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Puraskar in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2008. He is the former chairman and active member of the British Labour Party.

Lord Desai holds over 25 books and 200 articles in learned journals to his name and is also an Honorary Fellow of the London Stock Exchange. He holds a Masters’s Degree from the University of Mumbai and is a PHD from the University of Pennsylvania. He was awarded the ‘SKOCH CHALLENGER AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN ECONOMICS’ in 2014.

Raj Bhatt

Raj Bhatt - Chairman & CEO - Elara Capital Group Our Guiding Force

Raj Bhatt, the visionary founder of Elara Capital in 2002, laid the cornerstone for a journey marked by financial innovation and excellence. Over three decades of experience have honed Raj’s expertise in executing groundbreaking financial transactions, showcasing his global reach across seven locations spanning three continents. As a financial trailblazer, Raj’s mastery in financial re-engineering and fundraising has propelled Elara to pioneer new frontiers in capital markets. Under his strategic leadership, Elara has evolved into a multifaceted entity, offering corporate advisory, asset management, broking, mergers & acquisitions, and private equity services. Raj’s commitment to ethical stewardship ensures that Elara’s success is founded on integrity and transparency. As Chairman & CEO, Raj continues to steer Elara toward new heights of success and distinction, driving sustained growth and global impact.

Ajay Pandey

Ajay Pandey - COO & Head ECM Driving Operational Excellence

Ajay Pandey brings over 27 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry to his role as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Capital Market business at Elara Capital. As a founding team member, Ajay plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall growth trajectory of the Elara group of companies, leveraging his strategic insights and industry expertise. His entrepreneurial background includes a two-year stint where he invested discretionary funds for clients in emerging markets, showcasing his agility and adaptability in navigating dynamic market environments. Prior to his entrepreneurial venture, Ajay gained valuable experience at Kotak Mahindra, contributing to the success of various initiatives and projects within the financial services sector. With academic credentials that include a Master of Business Administration degree from the Faculty of Management Studies, Vadodara, and a Master of Science from M.S. University, Vadodara, Ajay underscores his academic prowess and commitment to continuous learning and development.

Operational Management

Harendra Kumar

Harendra Kumar - Managing Director - Institutional Equities & Global Research Charting New Horizons

With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Harendra Kumar brings a wealth of expertise and insights to his role as Managing Director at Elara Securities. He spearheads Elara Securities’ institutional equities business in India and leads its cutting-edge global research efforts, showcasing his strategic vision and leadership prowess. Harendra has built several highly successful and profitable sell-side businesses throughout his career, focusing on institutional and retail equities, sales, trading, research, and distribution. His industry experience includes prominent positions at renowned financial institutions such as ICICI Securities and Centrum Broking, where he played a pivotal role in driving growth and delivering value to clients. Harendra’s educational background as a Commerce Graduate with a postgraduate degree in law underscores his commitment to continuous learning and development, reflecting his multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.

Sameer Shetty

Sameer Shetty - Head Corporate Finance Advisory - Elara Capital Group

Sameer Shetty, an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, brings his strategic acumen and deep market insight at Elara Capital Group. Since joining Elara, Sameer has played a pivotal role in driving the firm’s growth, leveraging his extensive expertise in investment banking, capital markets, and corporate finance. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding Elara’s footprint across key markets and strengthening its service offerings in mergers & acquisitions, equity capital markets, and debt syndication. Known for his forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to client success, Sameer is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and excellence. Under his guidance, Elara continues to thrive, delivering innovative financial solutions and fostering long-term partnerships that drive sustained value creation.

Ramnish Kochgave

Ramnish Kochgave - President Equity Capital Market

Bringing extensive industry experience spanning over two decades in Investment Banking and Equity Capital Markets, Ramnish Kochgave assumes the role of President and Head of ECM at Elara Capital. Ramnish has cultivated a diverse client portfolio throughout his career, collaborating with companies across Large Cap, Mid Cap, and Small Cap sectors to provide fundraising and advisory services. His expertise encompasses various facets of the financial landscape, including Capital Markets, M&A, Private Equity, and restructuring & advisory business. Ramnish’s commitment to excellence is evident in his tenure at Elara Capital since February 2019, where he continues to drive growth and deliver value to clients. Prior to joining Elara, he held significant roles at SBI Capital Markets Ltd., where he honed his skills and contributed to the success of various initiatives. Academically, Ramnish holds a postgraduate diploma in management (PGDM) from IIM Lucknow and a bachelor’s degree in statistics (H) from the University of Delhi, highlighting his academic excellence and commitment to professional development. In his capacity as President of Investment Banking and Head of ECM, Ramnish leads Elara Capital’s endeavors to provide comprehensive investment banking solutions to clients, leveraging his strategic vision and industry expertise to drive success and growth.

Abhijit Das

Abhijit Das - President - Investment Banking Elara Capital Group

Abhijit Das, a seasoned financial expert with over 25 years of experience, stands as a driving force behind Elara Capital Group’s innovative financial strategies and solutions. Abhijit has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s vision and expanding its influence across the financial services landscape. His deep expertise in investment banking, capital markets, and corporate advisory has been pivotal in executing complex transactions and delivering exceptional value to clients. Abhijit’s strategic mindset and ability to navigate dynamic market environments have reinforced Elara’s reputation as a trusted partner in mergers & acquisitions, equity and debt capital markets, and private equity. His commitment to excellence and ethical leadership ensures that Elara’s growth is sustainable and impactful. Under Abhijit’s leadership, Elara continues to pioneer new opportunities, driving financial innovation and long-term success for its clients.

Nitesh Shah

Nitesh Shah - Chief Executive Officer Strategic Leadership in Wealth Management

Bringing decades of industry experience to his role as Chief Executive Officer of PCG Elara Capital Group, Nitesh Shah is a seasoned leader in the Financial and Banking Industry. With over 30 years of leadership experience, Nitesh possesses a wealth of expertise that is evident in his strategic vision and profound industry insights. Throughout his career, Nitesh has cultivated elite corporate relationships, enabling him to interact with influential personnel and enhance his industry presence on a global scale. His proficiency extends to private client portfolio management, where he has demonstrated strategic acumen in handling portfolios across India and globally, contributing to the success of ventures and capital-raising endeavors within short time frames. As a seasoned wealth manager, Nitesh excels in advising super-affluent clients and family offices on portfolio management systems, leveraging his deep understanding of financial markets and investment strategies. Academically, Nitesh holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance) degree and is a qualified Cost Accountant, reflecting his academic excellence and specialized knowledge in finance and wealth management. In his capacity as Chief Executive Officer, Nitesh provides visionary leadership to Elara Capital’s wealth management division, driving business development initiatives and capital-raising efforts while delivering tailored solutions to meet the client’s unique needs.

Joseph K. Mammen

Joseph K. Mammen - Managing Director - Head: Elara Capital (Asia) Pte Ltd Driving Regional Expansion

Bringing strategic leadership to Elara Capital’s expansion endeavors in Southeast Asia, Joseph K. Mammen serves as the Managing Director based in Singapore. With a focus on bolstering the investment banking platform, Joseph aims to cater to corporations in the region and enhance cross-border deal flows by leveraging Elara’s global presence. With over a decade of experience in investment banking, Joseph’s expertise is evident from his previous leadership roles in Sales & Trading across Elara’s offices worldwide, where he originated and executed various financial transactions. Prior to joining Elara, Joseph held significant positions at Aberdeen Asset Management and GE Capital, further solidifying his industry acumen. Joseph’s academic background, including a first degree in Economics from Madras Christian College and a Master’s degree from Manchester Business School, underscores his commitment to continuous learning and academic excellence. With a tenure at Elara since 2005, Joseph’s dedication and leadership have played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and success in the Asian market.

David Somekh

David Somekh - President & Head of Elara America Leading Expansion in America

Bringing a strategic vision to his role, David Somekh assumes the position of President and Head of Elara Capital’s Americas business, spearheading the firm’s expansion endeavors with a focus on Corporate Finance origination/execution, in establishing to in developing, Emerging Market Sales/Trading, and third-party LP fundraising. With a rich and varied background, David’s extensive experience adds depth to his leadership. Having joined Elara Capital’s London headquarters in 2008, he was pivotal in establishing the Capital Markets division before relocating to New York in 2010 to spearhead Elara’s Americas business. Collaborating with institutional investors and corporations globally, the USA office leverages Elara’s expansive network to facilitate cross-border transactions and unlock new opportunities for clients. Prior to his current role, David accrued diverse expertise across sectors such as speculative energy investment, interest rate futures investment, sales/trading, and management accounting at reputable firms like BP and Fujitsu. David’s academic journey, marked by a theoretical physics degree from University College London, underscores his analytical prowess and commitment to intellectual rigor. At Elara Americas, David’s innovative leadership and strategic acumen propel the company’s growth and success, establishing Elara as a leader in the Americas region and beyond.

Anand Rao

Anand Rao - Compliance officer

Elara Securities (India) Private Limited. Anand holds an MBA from the University of Pune with specialization in Finance and is a commerce graduate with Banking & Finance as the specialized subject. He has a career spanning over 15 years in the financial services sector. Over the past and present years, he has rich work experience in intermediary compliances pertaining to Stock Broking, Research Analyst, Investment Advisers, Alternative Investment Funds, Depository Participant services, Merchant Banking and Portfolio Management Services (PMS) across assignments handled. Anand has been instrumental in setting up various policies, procedures, processes and controls including licensing to set-up for Indian business operations under compliance requirements of SEBI, Exchanges, Depositories etc. and also requirements applicable under various complex cross border regulations of FCA, SEC, FINRA etc. for proper business conduct and ensure that best global practices are followed. Prior to Elara, Anand has worked in organizations such as UTI Securities Limited (now known as Standard Chartered Securities (India) Limited) and Batlivala & Karani Securities India Private Limited.

Operational Management

Harendra Kumar

Sameer Shetty

Ramnish Kochgave

Abhijit Das

Joseph K. Mammen

David Somekh

Anand Rao

Nitesh Shah

Business Support Management

Mahesh Iyer

Mahesh Iyer - Chief Technology Officer Pioneering Technological Advancement

As a seasoned IT professional with over 25 years of experience spanning India and the UK, Mahesh Iyer brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Chief Technology Officer at Elara Capital Group. Holding an Electronics Degree, Mahesh has demonstrated his proficiency in leveraging technology for the financial services sector, leading multiple technology teams in designing, developing, and implementing cutting-edge solutions across various domains. His leadership encompasses Asset Management, Investment Banking, Broking, Finance, Manufacturing, Outsourcing, and Product Development. Mahesh’s strategic vision guides Elara Capital’s technological roadmap, driving innovation and ensuring seamless integration to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. Committed to excellence, Mahesh’s dedication to driving technological advancements positions Elara Capital as a leader in the financial services industry.

Kamal Kishore Sati

Kamal Kishore Sati - Chief Financial Officer Driving Financial Excellence

As a seasoned financial expert, Kamal Kishore Sati brings over 25 years of experience in private practice to his role as Chief Financial Officer at Elara Securities (India) Private Limited. With a background in consultancy and diversified accounting in the manufacturing industry, Kamal has garnered extensive exposure to various financial functions and operations, showcasing his versatility and depth of expertise. His proficiency extends to System Application Products – Enterprise Resource Products (SAP-ERP), where he has demonstrated notable success in implementing the FICO module of SAP, highlighting his technical acumen and ability to drive operational efficiencies. Since joining Elara Securities in November 2007, Kamal has played a pivotal role in driving financial excellence and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and success. Kamal’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes underscore his dedication to driving Elara Securities’ financial strategy and positioning the company for long-term success.

Savio D'Souza

Savio D'Souza - Head of Human Resources Nurturing Human Capital

With over 20 years of diverse experience in Human Resources across multiple industries, Savio D’Souza assumes the role of Head/ Human Resources at Elara Capital. His extensive background encompasses stints in Financial Services, Retail, Manufacturing, and Distribution, providing him with a well-rounded understanding of HR dynamics across different sectors. Savio’s strategic leadership capabilities are evident from his previous roles, where he excelled in Talent and Performance Management and HR strategy formulation, fostering the development of high-performing business teams. With a B.Sc in Geology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from the Goa Institute of Management, Savio underscores his academic excellence and commitment to professional growth. Prior to joining Elara Capital, he contributed to the success of various HR initiatives and projects at SBI Capital Markets Ltd. At Elara Capital, Savio continues his commitment to talent development, driving initiatives to attract, retain, and develop top talent, thereby contributing to the company’s sustained growth and success.

Rakesh Puri

Rakesh Puri - Non-Executive Director

Rakesh has over 20 years of post-qualification progressive experience in Senior Positions in listed and multinational companies in the securities market, finance, operations, compliance and legal, corporate secretarial, takeovers, and managing IPOs and Institutional placements. Prior to joining Elara as Director, he worked with CLSA Group. Rakesh has been involved with transaction management of IPOs/Rights/QIP/PE/Open offers and has worked on numerous cross-border transactions. He has been responsible for setting up Elara in India and also for starting new offices in Singapore, Mauritius, and New York. He is a commerce graduate, holds a post-graduate degree in Law (Professional), is a fellow member of ICSI, and is also a qualified CPA from USA . Currently, Rakesh is practicing as a Corporate Lawyer, registered with Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa. He deals with Corporate Laws and Securities Laws including the Companies Act, FDI, M&A, FEMA, SEBI Laws, RBI, NBFC, Arbitration, Contract, etc. and regularly appears before RBI, SEBI, Stock Exchanges, SAT, NCLT, NCLAT, High Court, etc.