FROM CRISIS TO TRIUMPH

Dinesh Kumar Khara stewarded SBI through multiple challenges during his tenure, while ensuring that profits tripled, productivity soared, and the bank consolidated its global standing

- ANAND ADHIKARI

DINESH KUMAR KHARA stepped into the corner office of State Bank of India (SBI) in October 2020, just before he confronted one of the toughest challenges of his career-the devastating second wave of Covid-19. At that time, SBI faced a range of challenges, particularly concerns about how the balance sheet would appear in light of the lockdowns.

"Maintaining employee morale and ensuring uninterrupted services in every corner of the country were significant priorities. The approach was collaborative, involving team members and recognising their contributions while aligning them with the organisation's purpose," says Khara, who demitted office in August this year.

True leadership shines in times of crisis, and Khara's leadership skills were on full display during that challenging period. His major focus was on asset quality, which was a recurring theme in all his communications to employees.

"This wasn't limited to statements; support from the corporate centre played a crucial role in identifying pitfalls and high-risk geographies.

The collaborative effort, coupled with a solutions-oriented approach, helped secure employee commitment and kept the organisation moving forward," says Khara.