IndusInd Bank Chairman Sunil Mehta to Step Down Amid Leadership Overhaul

Economic Times
Economic Times
1d ago • 5 views
IndusInd Bank chairman Sunil Mehta will step down in January amid leadership changes following major financial losses and governance lapses at the bank.
IndusInd Bank Chairman Sunil Mehta to Step Down Amid Leadership Overhaul
A What happened
IndusInd Bank chairman Sunil Mehta, who has held the position since January 2023, is expected to step down when his term concludes in January 2026, according to sources familiar with the matter. This leadership change comes after the bank posted its largest quarterly loss by a $230 million hit associated with undisclosed problems in its derivatives portfolio. These accounting and governance lapses also forced the departure of former CEO Sumant Kathpalia and deputy CEO Arun Khurana earlier in the year. The bank’s board has faced investor criticism over oversights and delays in disclosing these lapses. The organizational overhaul has intensified since Rajiv Anand became CEO in August 2025, with appointments of new senior executives such as a head of wholesale operations, CFO, and chief human resources officer. Anand has stated that the restructuring and accountability fixes are expected to conclude by the next financial year, aiming for growth above industry levels and a return on assets target of around 1% within 12 to 18 months. The Hinduja family, as the largest shareholder, is also involved in board restructuring, with director terms ending soon and plans to appoint new board members. Mehta’s prior experience includes chairmanship roles at Yes Bank and Punjab National Bank, both involving crisis management and restructuring efforts.

Key insights

  • 1

    Leadership Transition amid Crisis: Chairman Sunil Mehta’s planned departure in January marks a significant leadership shift following governance and accounting failures at IndusInd Bank.

  • 2

    Financial Impact of Governance Lapses: The bank recorded its largest-ever quarterly loss, a $230 million hit due to undisclosed derivative issues, highlighting serious oversight deficiencies.

  • 3

    Organizational Overhaul and Strategic Focus: Under new CEO Rajiv Anand, IndusInd Bank is appointing senior executives and restructuring to restore accountability, aiming for faster growth and improved returns.

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