Managing the finance and treasury function at one of India's fastest-growing and best-known vehicle brands is no simple task. According to K Chandrasekar, senior vice-president of corporate finance and investor relations at Mahindra Mahindra MM, it's a hydra-headed job.
As Mahindra Group's flagship brand, MM's popular sport-utility vehicles are a common sight on India's roads. Originally founded in 1945 as a manufacturer of army vehicles, today the company is worth approximately $6.3 billion, employs more than 100,000 staff globally and is actively growing. In 2008, MM acquired a 51% stake in China's Yancheng Tractors for $26 million.
In 2009, MM reported a total profit of $155...