Punjab National Bank (PNB) has appointed Ashok Chandra as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a tenure of three years. Chandra’s appointment follows the recommendation of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), which proposed his name for the prestigious role on October 10, 2024.
With an illustrious career spanning over 33 years in the banking sector, Ashok Chandra has held several key leadership positions. Prior to joining PNB, he served as the Executive Director of Canara Bank from November 2022 to January 2025. During his tenure, he managed diverse portfolios, 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 foresight extended beyond core banking functions. He served as a Director on the boards of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited, PSB Alliance Ltd, and Canara Venture Capital Fund Ltd. He was also a member of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) Standing Committee for Human Resources, contributing significantly to industry-wide initiatives.
Before his role at Canara Bank, Chandra was the Chief General Manager at Union Bank of India, where he served on the boards of The Union Trustee Company Private Limited and The National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL).
Also Read: Bank of India Q3 FY25 Results: Net Profit Surges 35% YoY to ₹2,512 Cr
An accomplished professional, 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 extensive expertise and visionary leadership are expected to propel Punjab National Bank toward sustained growth and innovation as he assumes this pivotal role.
