Ms. A. Manimekhalai has served as the Managing Director & CEO of Union Bank of India since June 3, 2022, bringing over three decades of rich experience in the banking sector. She started her career in 1988 and has since achieved great success and held leadership positions in a number of high-level positions, making her one of the most well-known individuals in Indian finance today.
Early Career and Progressive Growth:
Ms. Manimekhalai’s banking career began with Vijaya Bank, where she joined as an officer. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, holding leadership positions such as Branch Head, Regional Head, and Functional Head of multiple departments at the bank’s corporate office.
Her strategic vision and capacity to execute important policies in a variety of areas, such as control systems, growth strategies, corporate goal-setting, compliance, and strategic planning, influenced her path. Her work in these areas has had a lasting impact on the institutions she worked with, driving growth and operational excellence.
A Leadership Role at Canara Bank:
Before joining Union Bank of India, Ms. Manimekhalai served as Executive Director at Canara Bank. Here, she played a pivotal role in overseeing critical functions such as strategic planning, credit management, financial inclusion, marketing, and inspection. She was also responsible for managing State Level Lead Bank activities and the functioning of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). One of her most notable achievements at Canara Bank was her instrumental role in the successful amalgamation of Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank, a landmark event in the Indian banking sector.
Her leadership at Canara Bank was not limited to day-to-day operations; she was also a key player in shaping the strategic direction of the organization. Her work extended beyond banking operations as she contributed significantly to the development of financial inclusion strategies and policies that improved the accessibility of banking services to underserved populations.
Board Roles and Corporate Leadership:
Ms. Manimekhalai’s expertise is also reflected in her extensive experience as a director on the boards of several companies. She has served as a director at Canbank Factors Ltd., Canbank Computer Services Ltd., Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Co. Ltd., General Insurance Corporation of India, and India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd. Additionally, she has been a trustee for Canara Robeco Asset Management Co. Her diverse board experience has further honed her skills in corporate governance, strategic decision-making, and organizational growth.
Currently, she serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Union Bank of India (U.K.) Ltd., and is also a director on the boards of Union Asset Management Co. and India Infrastructure Finance Co. Ltd. In these roles, she continues to influence banking and financial policies on a global scale.
Contributions to Policy and Financial Inclusion:
Ms. Manimekhalai has been a key member of several government committees and working groups, where she has contributed to the formulation of policies in critical areas such as financial inclusion, agriculture value-chain finance, and banking correspondent issues. She has also worked on strategies to ensure smooth credit flow to key sectors such as healthcare and education. Her involvement in policymaking has helped shape the future direction of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and the overall financial inclusion agenda, particularly in ensuring that banking services reach the farthest corners of the country.
Her deep understanding of the banking sector, coupled with her leadership in policy development, has made her a respected voice in shaping India’s financial ecosystem. She has consistently worked towards creating synergies that ensure seamless credit access and sustainable financial growth for various sectors of the economy.
Academic Background and Professional Development:
Ms. Manimekhalai’s academic credentials reflect her commitment to continuous learning and development. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from Bangalore University and a Diploma in Human Resource Management from the prestigious Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai. In addition, she is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB), further underscoring her deep expertise in banking.
A strong proponent of professional development, Ms. Manimekhalai has participated in several executive development programs at leading institutes in India. Her commitment to lifelong learning has enabled her to stay ahead of industry trends and bring innovative solutions to the institutions she leads.
Vision for Union Bank of India:
As the MD & CEO of Union Bank of India, Ms. Manimekhalai has laid out a bold vision for the future. Under her leadership, Union Bank has focused on digital transformation, customer-centric services, and expanding its footprint in underserved regions. She believes that the future of banking lies in leveraging technology to deliver efficient, personalized, and accessible financial solutions to customers.
Ms. Manimekhalai has also placed a strong emphasis on the integration of sustainability and social responsibility into the bank’s operations, with particular attention to the needs of rural and marginalized communities. Her strategic foresight has allowed Union Bank to remain competitive in the dynamic banking sector while ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.
A Leader of Integrity and Innovation:
Ms. A. Manimekhalai’s career is a testament to her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the banking sector. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to drive strategic growth, enhance operational efficiency, and maintain the highest standards of corporate governance. Her leadership has made a significant impact on Union Bank of India, shaping its future and cementing its role as one of India’s leading financial institutions.
According to vamaindia.in, her visionary leadership, vast experience, and strategic foresight make her a key figure in shaping the future of banking in India. Ms. Manimekhalai’s journey continues to inspire the banking community, and her contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the industry.