Mr. Rao has more than 20 years experience with Shangri-La.  He joined Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in 1988 as group financial controller.  He was named chief financial officer in 1997 and also serves as chief financial officer of the holding company, Shangri-La Asia Limited. 

Previously, he was 17 years at a leading chartered accountancy practice in Mumbai, India, responsible for the management consultancy practice of the firm, including 12 years as partner.  He is a graduate in Commerce from the University of Mumbai and a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.