Transforming Banks, Inspiring Leaders

Author of The Gym of Leadership and Dare to Lead, and former CMD of two leading public sector banks, Dr. Anil K. Khandelwal, is a battle-hardened leader.

- Neha Kirpal

In a constrained environment of public sector, he delivered dramatic transformations through uncommon leadership by focusing on intangible like values, technology, customer centricity, rebranding, and innovative human capital management. Dr Khandelwal is one of the most sought-after leadership speakers and advisors.

Can you share the significant positions you have held in the past and those you currently hold?

I have had the privilege of serving as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of two large public sector banks – Dena Bank and Bank of Baroda. During my tenure, I led transformative initiatives in both institutions, and they have left a lasting impact. I was also a member of the inaugural Banks Board Bureau, constituted by the Government of India, which was tasked with selecting full-time board members for public sector banks, including CEOs, MDs and Executive Directors as well as Non-Executive Chairpersons.

Tell us about your notable awards and recognitions.

My tenure as CMD of Bank of Baroda was particularly transformative. The bank, which faced a decline in its performance, was restored to its prime place in just three years’ time. This was done by initiating a major transformation, via implementing technology, introducing customer-centric service initiatives, 8 am to 8 pm banking, 24-hour human banking in select branches, gen-next branches, retail and SME loan factories, rebranding the bank with a new logo, and pioneering human capital initiatives. These efforts garnered multiple awards for the bank, and I was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Asian Banker Singapore – making me the only Indian banker to receive this prestigious accolade so far.