Union Bank of India Appoints Smt. Sowmya Sridhar as Chief Risk Officer Effective 22 May 2026
Union Bank of India has appointed Smt. Sowmya Sridhar, General Manager, as Chief Risk Officer effective 22 May 2026, succeeding Shri Ashwini Kumar Ramakrishna Chowdhary whose three-year tenure concludes on 21 May 2026. Smt. Sridhar brings over 30 years of banking experience, 19 years in risk management, and holds a Certified FRM designation from GARP, with her tenure running up to 31 August 2029.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Union Bank of India has announced the appointment of Smt. Sowmya Sridhar, General Manager, as its new Chief Risk Officer (CRO) with effect from 22 May 2026. The disclosure was made to stock exchanges on 18 May 2026, in compliance with Regulation 30 and Regulation 51 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations & Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Smt. Sridhar succeeds Shri Ashwini Kumar Ramakrishna Chowdhary, whose three-year contractual tenure as CRO concludes on 21 May 2026.
Leadership Transition in Risk Management
Shri Ashwini Kumar Ramakrishna Chowdhary was originally appointed as CRO with effect from 22 May 2023 for a term of three years. Upon the completion of his contractual tenure on 21 May 2026, Smt. Sowmya Sridhar assumes the role. Her appointment is set to run through 31 August 2029. The key details of the transition are summarised below:
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Outgoing CRO: | Shri Ashwini Kumar Ramakrishna Chowdhary |
| Tenure of Outgoing CRO: | 22 May 2023 to 21 May 2026 |
| Incoming CRO: | Smt. Sowmya Sridhar (General Manager) |
| Commencement of Appointment: | 22 May 2026 |
| Tenure of Incoming CRO: | Up to 31 August 2029 |
| Regulatory Reference: | Regulation 30 & Regulation 51, SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 |
Profile of Smt. Sowmya Sridhar
Smt. Sridhar joined Union Bank of India on 07 March 1995 as a Scale I Officer and brings over 30 years of experience across a broad range of banking functions. Her professional background spans credit, finance, accounts, compliance, and risk management. She holds a Certified FRM (Financial Risk Manager) designation from the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), underscoring her specialised expertise in the field.
Key highlights of her professional profile include:
- Total Experience: Over 30 years with Union Bank of India
- Risk Management Experience: 19 years in risk management across various capacities
- Compliance Role: Served as General Manager in Compliance for 1 year and 6 months
- Current Role: In Risk Management since December 2025
- Certification: Certified FRM from the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
Regulatory Disclosure
The appointment was formally communicated to BSE Ltd. and the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. on 18 May 2026, under reference number ISD/53/2026-27. The disclosure was signed by Ashish Mishra, Company Secretary of Union Bank of India. The bank referenced its earlier communication bearing Ref. ISD/068/2023-24 dated 22 May 2023, which pertained to the appointment of the outgoing CRO.
Historical Stock Returns for Union Bank of India
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +0.04% | -1.99% | -15.85% | +2.90% | +16.05% | +333.72% |
How might Smt. Sowmya Sridhar's 19-year risk management background influence Union Bank of India's approach to credit risk amid India's evolving NPA landscape?
Could this leadership transition signal a broader strategic shift in Union Bank of India's risk appetite or regulatory compliance priorities under the new CRO?
How does Union Bank of India's internal promotion of a long-tenured employee as CRO compare to peer public sector banks' practices in risk leadership appointments?


































