Jammu & Kashmir Bank shareholders have given their approval for the re-appointment of two distinguished IAS officers as rotational directors on the bank's board. The decision was made during the 87th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on August 26, 2025, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar.

Key Appointments

The shareholders approved the re-appointment of:

1. Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS (DIN: 02455728)
2. Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, IAS (DIN: 07310347)

Both directors will serve as rotational directors on the bank's board, bringing their extensive administrative experience to the financial institution.

Dr. Pawan Kotwal's Profile

Dr. Pawan Kotwal, a 1994 batch IAS officer, currently serves as the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh. His illustrious career includes:

• Previously held positions as Principal Secretary for Health and Medical Education, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Revenue departments in Ladakh
• Spearheaded crucial reforms in the health care sector and medical education
• Known for his commitment to sustainable development and good governance

Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari's Profile

Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, a 2001 AGMUT cadre IAS officer, brings a unique blend of medical and administrative expertise to the board. His current roles and background include:

• Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of UT of J&K
• CEO of Amarnathji Shrine Board
• MBBS qualification with a Gold Medal from Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana
• Over two decades of administrative experience in various government positions

Voting Results

The re-appointments were approved with significant shareholder support:

Other AGM Outcomes

In addition to these re-appointments, the AGM also saw the approval of:

1. Adoption of audited standalone and consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2025
2. Declaration of dividend on equity shares
3. Fixation of remuneration for statutory auditors for the financial year 2025-2026
4. Appointment of M/s D K Pandoh & Associates as secretarial auditors for the fiscal years 2025-26 to 2029-30

The re-appointment of these experienced IAS officers is expected to bring valuable insights and expertise to Jammu & Kashmir Bank's board, potentially contributing to the bank's strategic direction and governance in the coming years.

Jammu & Kashmir Bank has announced significant changes to its leadership structure, reinforcing its commitment to strong governance and strategic growth. The bank's Board of Directors has approved key appointments that are set to shape its future direction.

Executive Director Re-appointment

The Board has given the green light for the re-appointment of Mr. Sudhir Gupta as Executive Director. This extension of Mr. Gupta's tenure is slated from December 13, 2025, to November 30, 2027, pending approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Mr. Gupta, a veteran banker with over 35 years of experience, has been an integral part of Jammu & Kashmir Bank since joining as a Probationary Officer in 1989. His extensive banking career has seen him rise through the ranks, holding crucial positions across various domains of the bank.

In his current role as Executive Director, Mr. Gupta oversees several critical verticals, including:

• Treasury
• Credit
• Customer Service
• Strategy & IT
• Finance
• Government Banking
• Corporate Communication

His reappointment is seen as a move to ensure continuity in the bank's strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

New Independent Director

In another significant move, the Board has appointed Mr. Arun Gandotra as an Additional Director in the Independent Directors category. This appointment is for a three-year term, subject to shareholder approval.

Mr. Gandotra brings a wealth of experience to the board, with 35 years in the banking sector. His journey with Jammu & Kashmir Bank began in 1986 when he joined as a Probationary Officer, and he retired in 2021 after serving as Executive President.

Key highlights of Mr. Gandotra's expertise include:

• Treasury Operations
• Credit Risk Management
• Forex Operations
• Depository Services
• Branch Operations

His appointment is expected to bring valuable insights and strengthen the bank's governance structure.

Leadership Continuity and Expertise

These appointments reflect Jammu & Kashmir Bank's strategy to balance continuity with fresh perspectives in its leadership team. The blend of Mr. Gupta's ongoing executive role and Mr. Gandotra's addition as an independent director is poised to contribute to the bank's growth trajectory and operational efficiency.

The bank's focus on leveraging experienced professionals with deep understanding of its operations and the broader banking landscape underscores its commitment to navigating the evolving financial sector with confidence and expertise.

As Jammu & Kashmir Bank continues to strengthen its position in the market, these leadership changes are anticipated to play a crucial role in shaping its future strategies and enhancing its competitive edge in the banking industry.