Suryoday Small Finance Bank has announced the appointment of Deepak Sharma as an Independent Director on its Board, effective April 2024. This strategic move aligns with the bank’s commitment to navigating the evolving landscape of financial services in India.
Deepak Sharma, a seasoned CXO Advisor and Tech Entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Sharma’s distinguished career includes over 15 years at Kotak Mahindra Bank, where he most recently served as the President and Chief Digital Officer (CDO). As one of India’s first CDOs, Sharma spearheaded Kotak Mahindra Bank’s digital strategy, transformation, and innovation from 2013.
During his tenure at Kotak Mahindra Bank, Sharma played a seminal role in launching pioneering initiatives such as Kotak 811, Kotak Cherry, and KEYA. His leadership in digital banking elevated the bank’s online banking app to the nation’s top ranking. Sharma also drove innovative efforts in data analytics, artificial intelligence, mobile banking, and intelligent process automation (IPA).
Sharma’s strategic vision extended beyond digital platforms to include priority/HNI banking, NRI banking, and the forex business. His expertise in product engineering, design, and mobile apps was instrumental in positioning Kotak as a digital leader in the industry.
Sharma confirmed his new role on LinkedIn, expressing his enthusiasm: “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Board Member (Independent Director) at Suryoday Small Finance Bank Ltd.”
In addition to his significant contributions at Kotak Mahindra Bank, Sharma has served on the Customer Advisory Board of Airtel since December 2020. His work with Airtel included shaping strategies for enterprise clients and providing insights into product innovation in financial services, particularly in the context of 5G technology.
Sharma’s extensive experience includes roles at companies like Airtel, Standard Chartered Bank, and Hutchison Max, contributing significantly to Kotak Mahindra Bank’s digital advancement. His mentorship to fintech and startup enterprises globally has showcased his expertise in product design, revenue acceleration, and ecosystem establishment.
Sharma’s association with Elets Technomedia and The Banking & Finance Post highlighted his thought leadership, evident in his address on financial inclusion in the digital age at Elets 8th BFSI Leadership Summit. In his speeches and interactions, Sharma emphasized India’s solid digital foundation while underscoring the challenge of aligning progress in financial inclusion with data and device accessibility.
As Sharma steps into his role at Suryoday Small Finance Bank, he will collaborate closely with the bank’s leadership, leveraging his expertise to develop robust digital strategies, oversee transformations, and pioneer new business models. His appointment signals Suryoday Small Finance Bank’s dedication to staying at the forefront of digital innovation in the financial services sector.
Deepak Sharma’s legacy as a digital trailblazer and strategic visionary remains integral to the ongoing digital journey of the institutions he serves.
