Driving performance, strengthening foundations, and shaping sustainable growth at SOTC.
With over 25 years of rich and diverse experience across leading organizations, Farroukh Kolah has provided deep financial expertise and strategic insight to his role as President & Chief Financial Officer at SOTC Travel Limited. A qualified Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, and Cost & Management Accountant, he has built a career defined by strong financial stewardship, sharp business acumen, and a forward-looking approach to growth. At SOTC, he plays a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy, strengthening risk governance, and driving sustainable, value-led business initiatives in an ever-evolving travel landscape.
Soft-spoken and self-effacing by nature, Farroukh’s quiet demeanour belies the depth of his insight.
Colleagues describe him as “quiet, but exceptionally knowledgeable and very quick with his advice and responses. One of the most helpful people, very generous with his time. Approvals are immediate. Knowledge is shared freely. Quick to understand the problem and quick to provide an apt/effective solution. He just gets it!”
“Zero ego and a delight to interact with, “ is the opinion!
His approach reflects a thoughtful balance, always anchored in long-term value creation.
Wanting to know him better, we urged Furroukh to answer a few questions that we threw at him!
As President & Chief Financial Officer, SOTC Travel, can you share the key responsibilities of your role?
I am responsible for the overall finance function at SOTC Travel, which includes business finance, financial reporting, and oversight of related functions
Having worked with leading organizations across sectors, what drew you to the travel and tourism industry, and how has the transition been for you?
Growing up in Mumbai, SOTC was always a brand one admired and associated with travel. Travel is an interesting industry offering something to be learnt each passing day. It is very unique in its business economics, working capital cycle and cash flows.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in the business?
How do you, and your team, work to overcome them?
Travel is a commission/ margin business where the key to profitable growth is maintaining high productivity. We collaborate with the business for optimisation/ maximation of margins, control on costs, monitor budgets, support with appropriate analytics and dashboards. Where situations demand, course correction actions are initiated towards costs, margins or other areas.
Free Cash Flow is a key performance deliverable. We optimise it by tightening working capital lines like DSOs, payables and ensuring healthy liquidity at all times.
You are closely involved in forecasting and driving cost-benefit measures for new initiatives. How do you evaluate investments in a dynamic industry like travel?
Besides traditional investment evaluation and cost benefit analysis, a dynamic industry like travel needs to be cognizant of multiple scenarios playing out, which the framework needs to factor in. Such scenarios may be the interplay of macroeconomics, geopolitics, consumer behaviour/ sentiments etc.
With digital transformation impacting every sector, how do you see technology reshaping financial management and decision-making in the travel business?
Technology is shifting financial management from traditional computation, and heavy excel workbooks, to reshaping several workflows relating to financial reconciliations, revenue and tax leakages, seamless parking of customer receipts against customers, quick handling of chargebacks, revenue and liquidity forecasting, factoring seasonality, operating strength and multiple other factors.
Given the evolving global landscape, how do you approach risk governance and financial resilience within the organization?
The travel business is at the intersection of geopolitical risks, fx volatility, demand fluctuations, customer behaviour changes etc. Robust framework of financial controls, real-time financial reconciliations, risk evaluation of exposures to customers, suppliers and other stake holders is necessary.
And now for some questions in lighter vein, and on the personal side!
Your family comprises of: My wife, two adult boys, and my father
You are known for keeping a low profile—How do you stay grounded in a high-pressure role? How do you unwind after a busy day?
Read up on current affairs, listen to music, and spend time with family
When you are not thinking of SOTC and Finance, you chill out by: Reading, listening to the radio or music
On your bedside table, one would find:
Newspapers, magazines, and a kindle ebook!
The song you like to hum is: I am not into humming…!
When you need ‘comfort food’, you reach out for:
A plate of dal and rice
Your mantra for work-life balance is:
Balance it (!)
As the travel industry continues to evolve, Farroukh’s blend of financial discipline and strategic foresight positions SOTC to navigate the future with confidence. Farroukh has a style that speaks without seeking the spotlight. He provides a steady and reassuring presence at the helm—guiding the organization with a clear focus on sustainable growth and value creation.