Punjab National Bank (PNB) has appointed Ashok Chandra as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a three-year term. The announcement was made via a formal communication to the stock exchange on Thursday.
Chandra’s appointment follows the recommendation of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), which proposed his name for the role on October 10, 2024.
With over 33 years of extensive experience in the banking sector, Chandra has held several key leadership roles. Before joining PNB, he served as the Executive Director of Canara Bank from November 2022 to January 2025. During his tenure, he managed critical verticals, including digital banking, information technology, strategy and planning, marketing, financial inclusion, MSME, retail assets, agriculture, priority sectors, gold loans, and general administration.
Chandra’s strategic vision extended beyond banking operations. He was a director on the boards of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited, PSB Alliance Ltd, and Canara Venture Capital Fund Ltd. Additionally, he contributed as a member of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) Standing Committee for Human Resources.
Before his tenure at Canara Bank, Chandra held the position of Chief General Manager at Union Bank of India, where he served as a director on the boards of The Union Trustee Company Private Limited and The National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL).
An accomplished banker, Chandra holds a Master’s Degree in Economics and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers. He has also completed a leadership program organized by the Banks Board Bureau in collaboration with IIM Bangalore.
Chandra’s expertise and leadership are expected to steer Punjab National Bank toward growth and innovation as he takes on this pivotal role.
