Governance

Mr. Eli Leenaars has over 35 years of experience in the financial services sector, covering institutional & investment banking, asset management, corporate & retail banking and life & general insurance. With a track-record in digital banking, Mr. Leenaars has experience in managing businesses through a wide range of matters including mergers & acquisitions, complex corporate restructurings, strategic initiatives and challenging financial environments.

Mr. Leenaars enjoyed a 24-year career (since 1991) at ING Group N.V., a Dutch multinational banking and financial services company and its various subsidiaries. He held numerous key management positions in Central & Eastern Europe, The United States of America, Latin America and Asia. Between 2004 and 2015, Mr. Leenaars was a member of ING’s Executive Board with responsibility for ING’s Global Retail & Private Banking operations and Group Technology and Operations. This also included him serving from 2010 until 2015 as CEO of ING Direct N.V., at the time the world’s largest digital bank.

From April 2015 to May 2021, Mr. Leenaars served as Group Managing Director at UBS Group AG, a Swiss multinational investment bank and financial services company and as Vice-Chairman of the Global Wealth Management Division, based in Zurich.

Mr. Leenaars has served as a Partner & Group Chief Operating Officer of Quintet Private Bank, a medium-sized Luxembourg-headquartered bank and wealth manager with operations in six European countries, from June 2021 to April 2024, based in Luxembourg.

Since 2009, Mr. Leenaars is a member of the European and the Global Executive Committee of the Trilateral Commission (Paris, Tokyo and Washington, DC) and was its Treasurer, between 2009 to 2022. Since 2009, he has held a number of supervisory roles for the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Between 2013 and 2015, he was Member of the Board and Treasurer of the Carnegie Foundation in The Hague by Royal Decree.

Mr. Leenaars has completed LL.M. from the Catholic University Nijmegen, Netherlands and the European University Institute, Florence, Italy and attended the Program for Management Development (PMD) at Harvard Business School, Boston, USA

Mr. Leenaars is a Board Member of Capital One Financial Corporation, a major US bank, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, USA, with operations primarily in the USA.

Mr. Uday Kotak is the Founder and Director of the Bank. He has played an important role in the growth of the Kotak Mahindra group over the past 38 years. He was the Managing Director & CEO of the Bank till 1st September, 2023, prior to becoming a Non-Executive Non-Independent Director, with effect from 2nd September, 2023. Under his leadership, the Kotak Mahindra group has emerged as one of India’s leading diversified and integrated financial services conglomerates, providing a range of financial solutions covering banking, asset management, alternate asset management, life and general insurance stock broking, investment banking, private banking, microfinance and asset reconstruction.

He has played an important role in defining and developing India’s banking and financial sector over three decades. Mr. Kotak leads several key bodies and is currently Co-Chairman of the Indo-UK Financial Partnership (IUKFP). He was on the International Advisory Panel of Monetary Authority of Singapore until December 2023 and was President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) from June 2020 until May 2021. Mr. Kotak was on the International Advisory Board of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation. From October 2018 to April 2022, he served as the Non-Executive Chairman of a specially constituted board of Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited (“IL&FS”) (a state-funded non-banking financial company) by the Government of India to steer IL&FS out of a deep crisis, which he served as his national duty. In 2017, a Committee on Corporate Governance constituted by SEBI under the leadership of Mr. Kotak recommended sweeping changes towards more robust and transparent corporate governance.

Mr. Kotak was recently honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the Mint India Investment Summit 2025 and the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by CNBC-TV18 at the India Business Leader Awards 2023. In the past, he has been a recipient of the ‘Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Award’ in 2014, ‘Economic Times Business Leader of the Year Award’ in 2015, ‘Businessman of the Year 2016’ by Business India, ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at Financial Express’ Best Banks’ Awards 2016, ‘USIBC Global Leadership Award’ at the 2018 India Ideas Summit organised by the U.S.-India Business Council, ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ at Magna Awards 2019 by Businessworld, ‘Best CEO in Banking Sector’ by the Business Today Best CEO Awards 2019 and ‘India Business Leader of the Year’ by CNBC-TV18 at the India Business Leader Awards 2021.

Mr. Kotak holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Mumbai University and a Master’s degree in Management Studies from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.

Mr. Kotak is also the Non-Executive Chairman on the Boards of Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited and Kotak Mahindra Investments Limited, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Bank. He is also a member of the Board of Governors of The Mahindra United World College of India and The Anglo Scottish Education Society (Section 8 companies).

Mr. Ashok Vaswani has a proven track record spanning three and half decades, initially at Citigroup and, thereafter, at Barclays, of building and growing global businesses at scale, nurturing winning teams, establishing transformational partnerships, leveraging forward leaning technology, with a compelling business vision to deliver strong bottom-line growth. Mr. Vaswani is widely known as the person who led the transformation of Barclays from the analog age to the digital age. This involved a complete technology architecture redesign, hollowing out of the proprietary core banking platform to deliver a high level of resilience, redesign, digitalisation of customer journeys and data lead operations.

He brings with him significant executional experience with high degree of compliance and industrial strength across financial services.

Mr. Vaswani was Chief Executive Officer of Barclays Bank, UK and subsequently CEO of their Global Consumer, Private, Corporate and Payments businesses and Member of the Group Executive Committee. Earlier, he was CEO of Citigroup Asia Pacific and Member of the Citigroup Global Operating & Management Committees. Mr. Vaswani also built and ran various country and regional businesses across geographies. He also held the position as President of Pagaya Technologies Limited, a US-Israeli AI Fintech based out of New York. In his last role as President of Pagaya, Mr. Vaswani led the efforts to scale up the company through institutional selling and technology connectivity with very low latency and high degree of resilience.

Mr. Vaswani supports various philanthropic organisations, including Pratham and Lend-A-Hand.

He was on the board of several prestigious institutions such as, London Stock Exchange Group, The Forward Institute (UK), Telenor, SP Jain Institute of Global Management (UK), VISA Asia Pacific and VISA (UK), Entercard (Chairman), UK Finance Limited and Barclays Africa Group Limited (including as a member of its Audit and Technology Committee). He was also the Chairman of Retail Committee of British Bankers Association and a Trustee of Citizens Advice Bureau.

Mr. Vaswani is a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Accountancy) from the Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Company Secretary from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and has also received Executive Education from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business

Mr. Vaswani is also a Director (Non-Executive) on the Board of Kotak Mahindra (UK) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank.

Mr. Uday Shankar is the former Executive Chairman of Star India and President of Disney, Asia-Pacific ("APAC") region, where he excelled at creating not just the biggest media enterprise in the region but was also a pioneer of the digital media revolution across the region. He is the visionary creator of some of the world’s most successful digital services such as Hotstar and JioCinema that have become the mobile models for the entire world. He is also the Vice Chairperson on the Board of the merged entity, JioStar.

The tech stacks created under his leadership still remain the go-to model for mobile heavy, large scale markets, which are now being adopted by media companies around the world. He is known to have created talent nurseries at a time when the industry was still in its nascent stage in India and the developing world.

Mr. Shankar is an acclaimed entrepreneur, executive, technologist experienced in building scalable web applications, leveraging a wide range of technologies. In the world of consumer digital products and initiatives, over the last three decades, he has been instrumental in introduction of technologies, integrating cloud infrastructure and content delivery networks to ensure high availability and low latency of millions of users globally and has helped deliver high-quality world class products.

Mr. Shankar’s adept working in agile environments and leading teams to solve complex problems through innovative technology solutions, brings a unique blend of strategic vision, operational expertise and digital innovation to the forefront. Besides building businesses, he has also trained professionals who are currently running some of the largest technology companies.

Mr. Shankar integrated Hotstar into the Star, and was deeply involved in all aspects of technology i.e. design, speed, capacity, hardware, software, cyber-security, fall back mechanism, Nil or minimum disruption, protection of customer information & content, commercial aspects of charging, etc., besides serving as a mentor and providing guidance and feedback on product development, design, tech and innovation roadmap and recruiting the entire leadership, attracting and building talent from the globally-known tech companies. Under his leadership, Star transformed into the region’s leading company and led multiple large scale digital initiatives, data driven content strategies and technology integrations which helped scale businesses.

He is credited with pioneering the streaming revolution in India and the APAC region which was possible only using latest technology where diverse content was made available to more than 500 million users. Beyond his corporate roles, Mr. Shankar is also the first media executive to be the President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). He is associated with the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and his social initiatives include, Malaria No More (MNM).

After a distinguished corporate journey, Mr. Shankar turned entrepreneur in 2021. He launched Bodhi Tree Systems, as a founder director, to use technology to redefine consumer sectors that represent significant opportunities, but suffer from a lack of capital and innovation—media, education and healthcare.

Mr. Shankar’s exceptional accomplishments have earned him numerous honours. Recognized by Forbes India as the “Best CEO (MNC)” for 2015 and named “Entrepreneur of the Year (Entrepreneurial CEO)” by EY for 2016, his achievements resonate widely. His inclusion in distinguished listings like the Indian Express’ “100 Most Powerful Indians” and India Today’s “50 Most Powerful People in India” reinforces his impact. Moreover, he was named the “Impact Person of the Decade – Media" (2004-2014) by Impact Magazine.

Mr. Shankar holds a Masters in Philosophy (M. Phil.) and Master of Arts (M. A.) Honors from Jawaharlal Nehru University

Mr. Shankar is an Independent Director on the Board of The Great Eastern Shipping Company Limited and a Director (Non-Executive) on the Boards of Studio 18 Media Private Limited (Formerly known as Viacom 18 Media Private Limited), Marigold Park Capital Advisers Private Limited, Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited, Business Standard Private Limited, Allen Career Institute Private Limited (Nominee Director), Asia Initiative PTE Limited, Bodhi Tree Systems VCC, Asia Initiative 2 PTE Limited and Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy (Section 8 company). 

Ms. Shanti Ekambaram is a Commerce Graduate, a Chartered Accountant and a Cost and Works Accountant. She is responsible for the growth of Kotak811, Treasury and Global Markets businesses, in addition to overseeing the functions of Group Marketing & Corporate Communications, Internal Vigilance, Internal Audit (administrative matters), Public Affairs, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental, Social and  Governance. She is also responsible for the Group’s institutional customers, leveraging her extensive experience and strategic insights to drive the growth of this segment including oversight of the Investment Bank and Institutional Equities business. Prior to her current role, she led the Consumer Banking business at the Bank from April 2014 to May 2022.

Ms. Ekambaram has been associated with Kotak Mahindra Group for over 30 years and has rich and varied experience across retail and wholesale banking. She has been responsible for successfully setting up and scaling several business units including the Consumer Bank, Corporate and Investment Banking. She is also part of the Group Management Council that drives Kotak Mahindra Group’s growth charter.

Before joining the Kotak Mahindra Group, Ms. Ekambaram had a short stint with Bank of Nova Scotia - the Canadian International Bank, with their Corporate Banking and Treasury division.

Ms. Ekambaram is on the board of Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B). She was a member of the FICCI National Committee on  Banking for financial year 2021-22.

Business Today, one of India’s leading business magazines, recognised Ms. Ekambaram as one of the ‘Most Powerful Women in Indian Business’ from 2013-2017, 2019 and 2020. Fortune India had featured Ms. Ekambaram as one of the ‘50 Most Powerful Women in Business in India’ from 2016-2020. Ms. Ekambaram received the ‘CA Business Leader award’ from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in the Large Corporate
– BFSI category in 2020 and was also named CA Woman Business Leader in 2013. Further, the Ladies’ Wing of the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry recognised Ms. Ekambaram as ‘Woman of the Year 2013-14 in Banking and Financial Services’. She was listed by ET x Femina among the  ‘Promising Women Leaders of India 2022’.

Ms. Ekambaram is a dedicated philanthropist who actively supports multiple NGOs.

Ms. Ekambaram is also a Director (Non-Executive) on the Boards of Kotak Securities Limited, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited and Kotak Karma Foundation (Section 8 company), wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Bank.

Mr. Jaideep Hansraj, a Commerce graduate, is associated with the Kotak Mahindra Group since 1993 and quickly rose through the ranks. He oversees the Affluent customer segment and the Human Resource function, aiming to enhance service offerings and drive the People agenda. Additionally, as the head of 'One Kotak', he promotes collaboration across the Bank and its subsidiaries.

Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Hansraj was the Managing Director and CEO of Kotak Securities Limited (a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Bank), focusing on digitization and innovation, which led to significant business improvements. Before that, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Kotak Mahindra International Limited (a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Bank) and later led Kotak Securities' private client function. In 2004, he moved to build the Wealth Management portfolio at the Bank, earning numerous accolades, including being ranked No. 1 in the Asian Private Banker's India 2017 AUM League Table.

Mr. Hansraj is also a Director on the Boards of Kotak Securities Limited, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited, Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited, Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company (India) Limited (Formerly Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited), Anukriya Foundation (Section 8 company).

Ms. Ketaki Bhagwati serves various entities as an Independent Director and Senior Advisor, providing leadership in strategy, business  development, operations, governance and financial, credit and risk management. Besides being an Independent Director of the Bank, Ms. Bhagwati currently holds the position of an Independent Director on the Board of TU CIBIL Limited where she chairs the Risk Management Committee and contributes to the Audit, Customer Service and Nomination and Remuneration Committees. Additionally, she acts as a Senior Advisor to the Board of KPMG India Pvt. Limited. She is also a member of the Investment Committee at Encourage Capital, a US-based impact fund focused on investments in India. She actively supports women leaders in business as a member of the Wellesley College Business Leadership Council.

Previously, Ms. Bhagwati served as an Independent Director on the Boards of Axis Bank Limited, Bayer Cropscience (India) Limited and Omniactive Technologies Private Limited. She was also a Nominee Director on the Board of Tikona Infinet Private Limited.

Prior to her board roles, Ms. Bhagwati held the position of Chief Investment Officer in the Financial Institutions Group at the International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) where she worked for nearly twenty-five years, specializing in private equity, mergers & acquisitions, debt & structured finance and distressed asset workouts across various sectors in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Before joining IFC, she worked at CRISIL Limited in Mumbai.

Ms. Bhagwati is Master of Public Administration in Economic Development and Finance (from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government) and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (from Wellesley College).

Ms. Bhagwati is also an Independent Director on the Board of TransUnion CIBIL Limited.

Ms. Ashu Suyash is a successful leader, with over three decades of experience across banking, investment management and the global information services sectors. As the Founder & CEO of Colossa Ventures LLP ("Colossa Ventures"), she leverages her extensive expertise to foster innovative startups, drive growth, and sponsor diversity within the venture capital ecosystem. Her strategic vision and business acumen have been honed through a distinguished career of leading Indian and multinational enterprises, setting up and scaling new businesses and driving transformation and change.

Prior to founding Colossa Ventures, Ms. Suyash was the Managing Director & CEO of CRISIL Limited ("CRISIL") and a member of the Global Operating Committee of S&P Global Inc. She played a pivotal role in enabling CRISIL consolidate its ratings leadership position in India, grow globally and transform to become a leading Global analytics company.

Ms. Suyash’s previous roles were as CEO of L&T Investment Management Limited and as the Country Head and Managing Director of Fidelity’s Indian Mutual Fund Business, a business she helped set up and grow. She started her career with Citibank India, where she held several key positions across their corporate and investment banking group.

Beyond her executive roles, Ms. Suyash’s influence extends to corporate governance, education and societal progress. She is an Independent Director on the Boards of Hindustan Unilever Limited and Tata Elxsi. She is also on the Advisory Board of Aseema Charitable Trust, the Executive Committee of IVCA, and CII’s Corporate Governance Council.

She is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of Mumbai.

Ms. Suyash, over the years, has been recognised as one of the top 50 women in business in India and Asia, and has received awards for her contributions to the Financial Services Industry.

Ms. Suyash is also an Independent Director on the Board of Hindustan Unilever Limited and Tata Elxsi Limited.

Mr. Paritosh Kashyap is a Commerce Graduate, Chartered Accountant and Cost & Works Accountant. With over 30 years of experience in the Banking and Financial Services in the Kotak Mahindra Group, Mr. Kashyap has held various key roles, including as the Group President and Business Head – Wholesale Banking Group and a Senior Management Personnel of the Bank. During his tenure, he has spearheaded and grown to scale, a number of businesses in the Kotak Group. He is a member of the Group Management Council, which drives the Kotak Mahindra Group’s growth charter.

During his early part of the career, he built the Debt Capital Market (“DCM”) Business. Under his leadership, the Bank has achieved a strong position in the DCM Business. In July 2022, Mr. Kashyap took charge of the Wholesale Banking business at the Bank which includes among others, Corporate & SME Banking, Structured Finance, Infrastructure Lending, the Banking and Financial Institutions Group, Debt Capital Markets, Custody, GIFT City, Trade and Transaction Banking businesses. Prior to this, he was responsible for Large Corporate business, Real Estate Lending, Structured Finance, Infrastructure, Banking & Financial Institutions Group and Debt Capital Markets businesses. In the past, he has held the position as the Managing Director & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Investments Limited and has been instrumental in building the Real Estate and Structured Lending business and creating a name for the firm. Both, the Real Estate and Structured Lending businesses, are today Centres of Excellence for the Bank. Mr. Kashyap has extensive experience dealing with Large Corporates and NBFCs and advising them on capital structuring, financing and securitization. He has originated, structured and led many structured financing transactions, including acquisition financing, sponsor financing, securitization, cross border, high yield credit, etc. In his role as the Head of the Wholesale Bank, Mr. Kashyap has been driving a number of initiatives aimed towards excellence, including increasing usage of data and analytics, building a granular customer base, focusing on increasing share of Trade and Transaction Banking with corporate customers, enhancing the technology profile of the business, achieving growth without compromising on quality and health of the book and driving higher profitability and ATROE amongst others.

Mr. Kashyap is also a Director on the Boards of Kotak Infrastructure Debt Fund Limited and Kotak Mahindra Investments Limited.