Karnataka Bank , a prominent player in India's banking sector, has announced a significant change in its top management. Vijayakumar P H, a veteran banker with over 25 years of experience within the organization, has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective September 15, 2025.

Leadership Transition

The appointment comes as part of a planned succession, with Vijayakumar P H set to replace the outgoing CFO, Abhishek Sankar Bagchi, whose tenure concludes on September 14, 2025. This transition marks a new chapter in Karnataka Bank's financial leadership.

Vijayakumar P H: A Career Progression

Vijayakumar P H's journey with Karnataka Bank is a testament to the institution's commitment to nurturing talent from within. His career trajectory includes:

• Joined as a Probationary Officer in May 2000
• Steadily climbed the ranks through various positions
• Promoted to Deputy General Manager in March 2021
• Most recently handled the Finance & Accounts portfolio

Qualifications and Expertise

The newly appointed CFO brings a robust financial background to his role:

• Bachelor of Commerce degree
• Chartered Accountant
• Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB)

His extensive experience spans critical areas such as Treasury & Accounts, Inspection & Audit, and Finance departments, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the bank's operations.

Official Appointment Details

According to the bank's official communication:

• Vijayakumar P H has been promoted to General Manager (Scale VII)
• He will assume the role of CFO from September 15, 2025
• This appointment aligns with SEBI regulations and has been duly reported to the stock exchanges

Implications for Karnataka Bank

This appointment is expected to ensure continuity in financial management and strategy at Karnataka Bank. Vijayakumar P H's long-standing association with the bank and his in-depth knowledge of its financial operations position him well to steer the institution's fiscal policies and contribute to its growth trajectory.

As Karnataka Bank navigates the evolving financial landscape, the expertise and insider perspective that Vijayakumar P H brings to the CFO role could prove invaluable in maintaining the bank's competitive edge and financial health.

The seamless transition in the CFO position underscores Karnataka Bank's robust succession planning and its strategy of promoting from within, which can contribute to organizational stability and consistent leadership.

Karnataka Bank , a prominent private sector lender, has announced the appointment of Raja B S as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). The appointment, effective September 4, 2025, comes with a two-year contract and places Raja B S in the rank of Chief General Manager.

Career Overview

Raja B S brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having joined Karnataka Bank as a Probationary Officer in July 1990. Over his extensive 35-year career with the bank, he has held various key positions, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of banking operations.

Career Progression

Throughout his tenure, Raja B S has demonstrated leadership in multiple roles:

• Branch Head at various locations including Hindupur, Turuvekere, Kakinada, Tadapatri, and Vishakapatnam
• Chief Manager at the Head Office, overseeing Vigilance and HR departments
• Regional Head for Hyderabad and Bengaluru
• Department Head for crucial units such as Planning and Development, New Business, and Credit Sales

His most recent position before this appointment was as General Manager, a role he assumed in March 2021. In this capacity, he managed several critical portfolios:

• Branch Banking Department
• HR and IR Department (as Chief Learning Officer)
• Credit Marketing Department
• Legal and Recovery Department
• Inspection and Audit (as Head of Internal Audit)
• IS Audit Department
• Operations Department

Transition to COO

In an interesting turn of events, Raja B S opted for voluntary retirement from his position as General Manager on September 3, 2025, only to assume the role of COO the very next day. This strategic move allows the bank to retain his extensive experience and expertise in a new capacity.

Role and Responsibilities

As the Chief Operating Officer, Raja B S is expected to play a crucial role in overseeing the bank's day-to-day operations, implementing strategic initiatives, and driving operational excellence. His appointment as a Senior Management Personnel underscores the importance of his role in shaping the bank's future direction.

The appointment of Raja B S as COO reflects Karnataka Bank's commitment to leveraging internal talent and ensuring continuity in its leadership. With his deep understanding of the bank's operations and culture, Raja B S is well-positioned to contribute significantly to Karnataka Bank's growth and operational efficiency in the coming years.