Most Inspiring Women Bankers in India
Growing up in a society with many challenges, especially for women, strong role models are very important. This article highlights some of the most successful women in banking who have made history in the Indian financial sector. These inspiring leaders have broken barriers and proved that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
To learn more about top women in finance, check out our IBPS PO Study Plan 2025 or explore the success story of Kritika Pal.
Top Women Bank Leaders in India You Should Know
Here are some of the most inspiring women who have led India’s top banks with strength and vision. Their leadership journeys offer valuable lessons for students and future professionals.
1. Arundhati Bhattacharya – Former Chairperson, State Bank of India (SBI)
Arundhati Bhattacharya became the first woman to lead the State Bank of India, a Fortune 500 company. Forbes named her the 25th most powerful woman in the world. She started as a probationary officer (PO) at SBI in 1977 at the age of 22. She introduced women-friendly policies like a two-year sabbatical for childcare or eldercare and free cervical cancer vaccination for female employees.
2. Chanda Kochhar – Former CEO & MD, ICICI Bank
Chanda Kochhar was the head of ICICI Bank, one of India’s largest private banks. She studied at Jai Hind College and later did her MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute, Mumbai. She is known for her leadership in retail banking and has been consistently ranked among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in the world.
3. Kalpana Morparia – Former CEO, JP Morgan India
Kalpana Morparia has been listed by Fortune as one of the ’50 Most Powerful Women in International Business.’ She worked with ICICI for 30 years before becoming the CEO of JP Morgan India. She is also a board member at top companies like Dr. Reddy’s Labs and has contributed to philanthropy through the Bharti Foundation.
4. Naina Lal Kidwai – Former CEO, HSBC India
Naina Lal Kidwai was the first Indian woman to graduate from Harvard Business School. She led HSBC India and also became the first woman to be President of FICCI. She was awarded the Padma Shri for her contributions to trade and industry.
5. Ranjana Kumar – Former Chairperson, NABARD
Ranjana Kumar began her banking career in 1966 as a PO in Bank of India. She became the first woman to lead a public sector bank in India when she was appointed Chairperson and MD of Indian Bank. She played a key role in turning around the bank when it was facing major financial losses.
6. Shanti Ekambaram – President, Consumer Banking, Kotak Mahindra Bank
Shanti Ekambaram heads the consumer banking division at Kotak Mahindra Bank. She is known for building a strong business and also for mentoring young women professionals to grow into leadership roles.
7. Shikha Sharma – Former CEO & MD, Axis Bank
Shikha Sharma did her Economics degree from Lady Shri Ram College and MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. She started her career at ICICI and later became the MD & CEO of Axis Bank in 2009. Under her leadership, Axis Bank’s value grew significantly.
8. Usha Ananthasubramanian – Former CMD, Bhartiya Mahila Bank
Usha Ananthasubramanian has worked in the banking sector for over 30 years. She was the first chairperson of Bhartiya Mahila Bank, India’s first women’s bank. Before that, she served as MD & CEO of Punjab National Bank. She has master’s degrees in Statistics and Ancient Indian Culture.
These women leaders in Indian banks have not only achieved top positions but have also inspired many young girls to dream big. Their journeys show that with hard work and a positive attitude, anything can be achieved.
FAQs
Ans. Arundhati Bhattacharya became SBI’s first woman chairperson in 2013.
Ans. Chanda Kochhar served as CEO & MD of ICICI Bank.
Ans. Usha Ananthasubramanian led India’s first women’s bank.
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