In an age where data is as valuable as currency, the BFSI sector in India stands on the cusp of a revolution, led by visionary leaders who navigate through the complexities of technology, regulatory landscapes, and evolving consumer behaviors. This list is a recognition of the pioneers who are transforming challenges into opportunities, leveraging data analytics to forecast trends, mitigate risks, and sculpt the future of finance.
These leaders are the architects of change, confronting the daunting challenges of data security, privacy concerns, and the relentless pace of digital transformation. Their stories are of resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in a sector that is the backbone of the country’s economy.
(In alphabetic Order)
Amar Kaul – Chief Data Officer (India) at Barclays
With a career spanning over two decades, Amar Kaul’s tenure at Barclays India as Chief Data Officer has been transformative, focusing on regulatory compliance, data quality, and leveraging AI/ML for data analytics. Amar’s expertise in data strategy, governance, and engineering has been pivotal in creating enterprise-level data products that drive financial services forward. An IIT Roorkee alumnus with executive education from Columbia University, NY, Amar’s leadership is a blend of technical acumen and visionary foresight, setting new standards in data management and analytics.
Anand K Sundaram – Head Retail Analytics at IDFC FIRST Bank
Anand K Sundaram’s journey through the analytics landscape of India’s banking sector is a narrative of perseverance, innovation, and success. Leading the Retail Data and Analytics function at IDFC First Bank, Anand has utilized his 23 years of rich experience to transform data into a powerhouse for sales and business strategy. A Chartered Accountant gold medalist and an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, his story from a small village in Orissa to the echelons of the banking sector underscores the transformative power of data and analytics in driving sales and fostering a data-driven culture.
Arun Santhanam – Vice President at Chubb
Arun Santhanam’s nearly two decades of experience in analytics shine through his work at Chubb, where he has established a center of excellence that stands as a testament to operational brilliance and innovation. Arun’s leadership is marked by a steadfast commitment to leveraging analytics and AI, driving value and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making. Recognized for his pioneering “Office of the Future” model, Arun’s vision and execution have made significant strides in the insurance domain, underpinned by his educational prowess and certification from the Great Place to Work Institute.
Kiran Samudrala – Chief Data and Analytics Officer and Center Head at Equifax
Kiran Samudrala’s distinguished career in data and analytics spans over 25 years, with significant contributions at American Express, Citi, and HSBC. Now at Equifax, Kiran leads the charge in harnessing data and analytics to anticipate customer needs and drive the company’s transformation into a data-centric organization. His expertise in building teams and spearheading projects across the data and analytics spectrum has earned him numerous awards and recognition, positioning Kiran as a luminary in the field.
Madhurima Khandelwal – Managing Director for the Center of Excellence at American Express
Madhurima Khandelwal’s tenure at American Express, from analyst to Vice President, is a testament to her unparalleled expertise in product strategy and analytics. Leading the CFR India Centre of Excellence, Madhurima’s work in AI Labs and marketing personalization algorithms has significantly enhanced American Express’s capabilities. A Masters in Economics from Delhi School of Economics, her leadership extends beyond her professional achievements, advocating for Inclusion & Diversity and fostering a culture of empowerment.
Mathangi Sri Ramachandran – Chief Data Officer at Yubi
A beacon in the data science domain, Mathangi Sri Ramachandran’s role as Chief Data Officer at Yubi is underscored by her impressive portfolio of 108 patents and authorship of influential books. Her leadership across data functions has set new benchmarks in building data solutions that drive decision-making and innovation. Recognized by industry bodies for her contributions, Mathangi’s influence extends through her active participation in the data science community, shaping the future of analytics and machine learning.
Mohan Sushantam – Chief Data Officer at Vivriti Capital
Mohan Sushantam’s extensive journey across various data functions illustrates his versatile expertise in data engineering, risk analytics, and AI/ML leadership. At Vivriti Capital, he heads the data and product function, bringing over 15 years of experience to the forefront of financial services. An IIT Kharagpur alumnus, Mohan’s work in credit risk modeling, marketing analytics, and business intelligence tools exemplifies the critical role of data in shaping the future of corporate lending and financial analysis.
Rajendar RB – Managing Director – Analytics and Information Management, Head of Citi Solutions Center, Bengaluru
Rajendar RB’s foresight in the potential of analytics has been instrumental in establishing Citi’s Analytics and Information Management unit as a leader in the financial sector. With a background that spans GE, Fidelity Investments, and HSBC, Rajendar’s nearly three decades of experience have seen him champion data-driven solutions to complex business challenges. An alumnus of Mississippi State University, his leadership at Citi AIM underscores the transformative power of strategic data analysis in global finance.
Shubhosree Dasgupta – Country Data and Analytics Officer at HSBC
Shubhosree Dasgupta’s leadership in HSBC’s data modernization efforts marks her as a key figure in India’s BFSI sector. Her initiatives in cloud migration, data science, and AI efficiencies have propelled HSBC into new realms of data-driven decision-making. With a rich background in banking and strategic consulting, Shubhosree’s work spans continents and sectors, highlighting her versatility and commitment to driving innovation and growth through data analytics.
Shweta Singh – Chief Data Officer at Tata AIA Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
Shweta Singh’s dual role as a practitioner and advocate in the field of Data Science at Tata AIA Life Insurance reflects over 23 years of dedicated service to leveraging data for business outcomes. Recognized for her contributions and leadership, Shweta’s work in machine learning and AI models has garnered her multiple accolades, emphasizing her impact within the Tata group and beyond. Her commitment to mentoring and knowledge sharing exemplifies the integral role of data science in shaping the future of insurance and financial services.
These ten leaders, each with their unique contributions and visionary leadership, are not just navigating the BFSI sector through its current challenges but are laying the groundwork for a future where data-driven decision-making is paramount. Their work exemplifies the transformative power of data and analytics, setting a benchmark for excellence and innovation in one of the most dynamic sectors of the Indian economy.
