Latest news with #Ekambaram
United News of India
6 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
Shanti Ekambaram tops wealth list in ranking by Hurun India
Mumbai, June 4 (UNI) Shanti Ekambaram, the deputy managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has topped the list of women professionals in the country, according to the ranking by Hurun India announced on Wednesday. With her bank valued at Rs 3.82 lakh crore, Ms Ekambaram is playing a key role in advancing digital banking and pushing financial inclusion across India. Candere and Hurun India have released the inaugural edition of the 2025 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List, recognising 97 inspiring Indian women who are driving change across sectors like finance, technology, philanthropy, arts and start-ups. The 62-year-old banker has also secured the fifth spot in the Veteran Women Leader list, which is led by 87-year-old artist Arpita Singh. Ms Ekambaram has been instrumental in driving Kotak's growth and innovation, especially after her elevation to deputy managing director in 2024. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCLTech Ltd, not only ranked on top of Hurun's next generation women's leaders list but also made her way among the top 10 wealthiest women in the world. Ms Nadar (43) spearheads HCLTech, which is valued at Rs 4.78 lakh crore. HCLTech operates in 60 countries with a revenue of Rs 1.11 lakh crore. The 2025 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List spotlights some of the most dynamic and influential women in Indian business. These leaders are leading major enterprises, shaping industries and commanding impressive followings on LinkedIn, reflecting their thought leadership, legacy and wide-reaching impact. Leading the list is Indra Nooyi, former CEO and Chairperson of PepsiCo, whose enduring influence continues to resonate across the business world, even after her retirement from corporate leadership. From legacy leaders like Nisaba Godrej and Tanya Dubash, to influencer-founders like Masoom Minawala, and Gen Z voices like Mrunal Panchal, Mumbai's dominance spans generations and industries. Even in the entertainment-meets-investment arena, Mumbai rules. Shraddha Kapoor, who leads the list of celebrity investors with 94.1 million Instagram followers, and entrepreneurs like Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, all headquartered in Mumbai, are retelling the story how fame translates into brand equity and capital. UNI AAA SS
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Business Standard
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Kotak Mahindra's Shanti Ekambaram tops 2025 Women Leaders list, says Hurun
India's corporate landscape is being redefined by visionary women leaders who are collectively steering businesses valued at over ₹11.7 trillion. Topping the list of professionals is Shanti Ekambaram (62), Deputy Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, who leads innovation in digital banking and financial inclusion, according to the 2025 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List — a collaborative effort by Candere and Hurun India. The report highlights 97 exceptional Indian women driving impact across five crucial pillars: wealth creation, value creation, philanthropy, start-ups, and culture. Ekambaram is joined by an elite group that includes: Parminder Chopra (57), Chairperson and Managing Director of Power Finance Corporation, overseeing a company valued at ₹1.44 trillion Vibha Padalkar (56), Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Life Insurance, who has propelled the company to a prominent position through strategic growth Hina Nagarajan (59), Managing Director and CEO of United Spirits (Diageo India), leading a ₹1.06 trillion enterprise A. Manimekhalai (58), Managing Director and CEO of Union Bank of India, driving innovation in banking Shveta Arya (45), Managing Director of Cummins India, championing clean energy initiatives Prabha Narasimhan (52), Managing Director and CEO of Colgate-Palmolive India, strengthening the company's leadership in personal care Swati Dalal (57), Managing Director of Abbott India, prioritising healthcare accessibility Eranti Sumithasri (52), Chairperson of Schaeffler India, heading a ₹507 billion enterprise in automation Vishakha Mulye (55), CEO of Aditya Birla Capital, a key player in the financial services industry Top 10 Professionals These self-made women have not only built billion-dollar businesses but also shaped industries and economies, creating a combined wealth of nearly ₹2 trillion. Radha Vembu (52), Co-founder of Zoho, leads this category with a staggering wealth of ₹553 billion, driving Zoho's global expansion. Jayshree V. Ullal (63), Chief Executive Officer of Arista Networks, follows closely with ₹489 billion, shaping the future of cloud networking. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (71) and family, Founder and Chairperson of Biocon, has revolutionised global healthcare with ₹320 billion in wealth. Falguni Nayar (61) and family, Co-founder, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Nykaa, has reshaped India's beauty and retail landscape with ₹290 billion. Neha Narkhede (41) and family, Co-founder of Confluent, is a self-made tech leader with ₹68 billion. Indra K. Nooyi (69), former Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo, remains a key figure with ₹48 billion, continuing to champion work–life balance and women's leadership. Juhi Chawla (57) and family, Co-owner of Knight Riders Sports, has successfully transitioned from Bollywood to sports entrepreneurship. 3. Next-Generation Leaders: Expanding Legacies with Innovation These ten legacy makers are expanding family businesses through modernisation and global outreach, collectively commanding a company valuation of over ₹12 trillion. Roshni Nadar Malhotra (43), Chairperson of HCL Technologies, leads this group, driving global expansion for a company valued at ₹4.87 trillion. Priya Agarwal Hebbar (35), Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, focuses on cost optimisation and business expansion for a company valued at ₹1.97 trillion. Nisaba Godrej (46), Executive Chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products, has modernised the company by expanding sustainable product lines. The Reddy sisters (Preetha, Shobana, Suneeta and Sangita) from Apollo Hospitals Enterprise exemplify leadership in healthcare, with their company valued at ₹976 billion. Vinita Gupta (56), Chief Executive Officer of Lupin, has played a key role in transforming the company into a global pharmaceutical leader. Farah Malik Bhanji (48), Managing Director of Metro Brands, is driving nationwide expansion and digital transformation. 4. Investors: Fuelling India's Startup Ecosystem An increasing number of women are taking key decision-making roles in India's investment landscape, actively funding startups and transforming industries. Shweta Jalan (48), Managing Partner of Advent International, is a prominent figure in private equity. Nruthya Madappa of 3one4 Capital Advisors focuses on digital health, software as a service (SaaS), and fintech. Vani Kola (60), Founder and Managing Director of Kalaari Capital, contributes to the success of SaaS, consumer, and femtech ventures. Padmaja Ruparel (62), Co-founder of IAN Group, has built one of India's largest angel investment networks. These visionary women are driving transformative change, ensuring their wealth creates a sustainable and long-lasting impact, with a combined contribution of ₹464 crore. Rohini Nilekani (65) leads this pillar, having contributed ₹154 crore, focusing on policy reform and civic engagement. Susmita Bagchi (64), Co-founder of Mindtree, ranks second with a donation of ₹90 crore, significantly advancing affordable cancer care. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (71), Founder and Chairperson of Biocon, ranks third with donations of ₹85 crore, primarily supporting science, research, and education. Anu Aga (82) and family, through the Thermax Foundation, emphasise education for underprivileged children. Radha Vembu (52), Co-founder of Zoho, donated ₹11 crore towards women's empowerment, rural development, and education. Young trailblazers and enduring icons The list also highlights the dynamism of young women leaders and the enduring influence of seasoned veterans. Devanshi Kejriwal (28) of Skillmatics is the youngest on the list, reimagining early learning with eco-friendly educational games. Joining her among young leaders are Ananyashree Birla (30), Founder, Chairperson and Managing Director of Svatantra Microfin, who is transforming financial inclusion in India, and Isha Ambani (33), Executive Director of Reliance Retail, who is shaping the future of retail. At the other end of the spectrum, Arpita Singh (87), a distinguished artist, is the oldest woman on the list, demonstrating that true influence deepens with age and experience. Her first solo international exhibition at Serpentine North, London, showcased six decades of her work. 'From the meteoric rise of Roshni Nadar into the world's top 10 richest women to the strategic philanthropy of Rohini Nilekani, and the surge of women-led innovation in AI, sustainability and culture, this list is more than a ranking—it is a testament to the transformational impact women are making across India's economy. Together, Hurun India and Candere celebrate the achievements of these trailblazers, inspiring the next generation of changemakers to reshape India's future,' said Anas Rahman Junaid, founder and chief researcher of Hurun India. The 2025 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List also recognises the profound impact of women in the digital space. Indra Nooyi (69), former Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo, continues to command the highest social media following with over 1.54 million LinkedIn followers, even after her retirement. In the realm of influencer founders, Mrunal Panchal (26), founder of MRUCHA Beauty, tops the list with 5.5 million Instagram followers, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. Among celebrity investors, Shraddha Kapoor (37) leads with an impressive 94.1 million Instagram followers, backing several emerging consumer brands. Other prominent celebrity investors include Priyanka Chopra (42), Co-founder of Purple Pebble Pictures and Anomaly Haircare; Alia Bhatt (31), Founder of Ed-a-Mamma; and Deepika Padukone (39), Co-founder of KA Productions and 82°E. Other key highlights Mumbai leads: The financial capital, Mumbai, emerges as the primary hub for India's most influential women, home to 38 of the featured leaders. Youthful energy: The average age of women on the list is 51, with a significant 25 per cent falling between the ages of 26 and 35, indicating a strong emergence of young talent. Educational excellence: Indian institutions like Delhi University (13) and Mumbai University (9) are the top undergraduate choices, while global powerhouses Harvard University (5) and Stanford University (4) lead in postgraduate representation. Financial sector dominance: The financial services sector features prominently, with five women collectively managing companies valued at ₹7.9 trillion in banking, insurance and lending. Self-made success: First-generation wealth creators like Radha Vembu (Zoho) and Falguni Nayar (Nykaa) demonstrate remarkable entrepreneurial journeys, building a combined wealth of nearly ₹2 trillion. List size: The list features 97 women leaders across nine categories, rooted in five core pillars of the Indian economy: wealth creation, value creation, philanthropy, culture and start-ups. Young representation: Twenty-five per cent of the women featured are aged between 26 and 35 years, reflecting a significant presence of young leaders across all nine categories. Top undergraduate institutions: At the undergraduate level, Delhi University (13) and Mumbai University (9) are the most represented institutions. Top postgraduate institutions: At the postgraduate level, Harvard University (5) and Stanford University (4) are the most represented global institutions. Professional leader: Shanti Ekambaram, Deputy Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, leads the list of women professionals in the country. First-generation wealth creator: Radha Vembu, Co-founder of Zoho, tops the list of first-generation wealth creators with a net worth of ₹55,300 crore. Next-generation leader: Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, leads the next-generation women leaders list, with HCL valued at ₹4.87 trillion. Philanthropy leader: Rohini Nilekani leads the philanthropy pillar, with total donations amounting to ₹154 crore. Youngest on the list: Devanshi Kejriwal, 28, from the Young Women Leaders category, is redefining early learning as Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Skillmatics. Oldest on the list: Featured among India's top 10 women artists, Arpita Singh, aged 87, is the oldest woman on the list. Highest social media following (corporate): Indra Nooyi, former Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo, continues to command the highest social media following with over 1.54 million LinkedIn followers. Top influencer founder: Mrunal Panchal tops the list of leading women influencer founders with 5.5 million Instagram followers. Top celebrity investor: The 'most followed celebrity investor' category is led by Shraddha Kapoor, who boasts an impressive 94.1 million Instagram followers. Most represented sector: By sector, financial services is the most represented in the list, with 23 women leaders, followed by consumer goods with 18 leaders. Most common sun sign: Among the sun signs featured in the list, Scorpio leads with 14 per cent representation, followed by Virgo at 13 per cent.
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Business Standard
31-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Kotak Mahindra Bank's Deputy MD Shanti Ekambaram to retire in October
Kotak Mahindra Bank's Deputy Managing Director (MD) and a Director on the bank's board, Shanti Ekambaram, will retire from her position at the end of her current term on October 31, the bank disclosed to the exchanges on Saturday. 'After deep reflection and with a heart full of gratitude, I wish to formally inform you of my decision to retire from my role as a director and deputy MD on the board of Kotak Mahindra Bank, effective upon the completion of my current term on October 31, 2025,' Ekambaram wrote in the letter to the board of the bank. Meanwhile, the bank also disclosed that Paritosh Kashyap, Group president and business head –Wholesale Banking Group, will be appointed as the whole-time director (executive director) and key managerial personnel, subject to regulatory approvals. In her current role, Ekambaram was responsible for the growth of Kotak 811, treasury and global markets businesses, among other things. Prior to this, Ekambaram served as whole-time director from May 2022 till February 2024 and led the consumer banking business at Kotak Mahindra Bank from April 2014 to May 2022. Ekambaram has been with the Kotak group since 1991, and has played a pivotal role in shaping the group's growth and evolution of the institution over the past three decades. She successfully set up and scaled several business units, including the consumer bank, corporate and investment banking. 'She has led several of the Group's most strategic businesses, including investment banking, capital markets, corporate banking, treasury, 811 and consumer banking," the bank said in a statement. Before joining Kotak Mahindra Group, Ekambaram had a short stint with Bank of Nova Scotia - the Canadian international bank, in their corporate banking and treasury division. Shanti graduated with a Commerce degree from Sydenham College, University of Mumbai. "Shanti has been a cornerstone of Kotak's journey. Her leadership has been marked by entrepreneurial thinking, deep customer insight, bold actions and an unwavering commitment to excellence,' said Ashok Vaswani, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank. 'It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve the Kotak Group for over three decades, across diverse roles and phases of its evolution. As I prepare to step away, I remain fully committed to supporting a smooth and seamless transition,' Ekambaram said.
