Axis Finance (AFL), a non-banking financial company (NBFC), has appointed Sai Giridhar as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer ‘designate’, subject to regulatory approvals.
Giridhar will take over from Bipin Saraf, who began his career with Axis Bank in 2003 and was appointed to lead the Axis Finance team in 2013. Saraf, who served as Managing Director and CEO of Axis Finance, will return to Axis Bank to head Bharat Banking. Following the approval of the regulator, the transition of Bipin Saraf will be effected to the Bank.
As per the company, Giridhar brings over 28 years of experience in the banking domain and has handled leadership roles across various leading private-sector banks. In all his previous roles, he has been instrumental in building and executing strategies for businesses, products, and functions. He has experience in managing end-to-end P&L and has driven growth for product categories across consumer lending businesses. He has played a pivotal role in shaping functions like consumer risk management, and debt management and led initiatives towards innovation, digitisation, and technology to ensure a high level of business efficiencies and customer-centricity.
Welcoming Giridhar to the Axis family, Amitabh Chaudhry, Chairperson, Axis Finance, said, “Axis Finance has grown over the years, expanded its presence across the country, built a strong employee base, and has also transitioned to add Retail and SME business capabilities rather than just being a corporate lending entity. As Axis Finance enters the next chapter of its growth, I’m delighted to welcome Sai Giridhar to Axis Finance. I am confident that with Sai’s leadership, the team is well-positioned to take Axis Finance to newer heights as they enhance their efforts to strengthen the market positioning of Axis Finance in the NBFC space.”
On the appointment, Giridhar said, “It is my pleasure and privilege to join the Axis Finance family. The Indian financial services industry is at an exciting stage of growth, and our board has set forth an expansive vision for Axis Finance. Our focus will be on delivering superior experiences and innovative products to our customers and partners. The entire team will work collectively to build a best-in-class organisation.”
