Shanti Ekambaram, the Deputy Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has topped the list of women professionals in the country, according to the latest ranking by Hurun India. With her bank valued at Rs 3.82 lakh crore, Ekambaram is playing a key role in advancing digital banking and pushing financial inclusion across India.
Candere and Hurun India have released the inaugural edition of the 2025 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List, recognising 97 inspiring Indian women who are driving change across sectors like finance, technology, philanthropy, arts, and start-ups.
Shanti Ekambaram’s role in driving Kotak Mahindra Bank’s growth
The 62-year-old banker has also secured the fifth spot in the Veteran Women Leader list, which is led by 87-year-old artist Arpita Singh. Ekambaram has been instrumental in driving Kotak’s growth and innovation, especially after her elevation to Deputy Managing Director in 2024.
Since taking charge as Deputy MD, Ekambaram has steered Kotak Mahindra Bank to a 10 per cent rise in its share price—from Rs 1,749 to Rs 1,920. At Kotak, she led many innovative deals and was behind India’s first book-built IPO—introducing global standards to Indian capital markets.
Ekambaram recognised for her leadership prowess
She has consistently been recognised for her leadership. Business Today named her among the ‘Most Powerful Women in Indian Business’ from 2013 to 2016. Fortune India also featured her in its ‘Top 50 Most Powerful Women in India’ in 2016.
In 2013, she received the ‘CA Women Business Leader of the Year’ award, and the Indian Merchants’ Chamber’s Ladies’ Wing named her ‘Woman of the Year’ for 2013-14 in Banking and Financial Services.
Ekambaram with Kotak since 1991
Shanti Ekambaram joined the Kotak Group in 1991 and will retire from her position on October 31, 2025. Over the last 34 years, she has played a key role in transforming the institution from a financial services firm into one of India’s leading private sector banks.
She previously served as President of Consumer Banking and President of Corporate & Investment Banking. Before joining the Kotak Group, she briefly worked at the Bank of Nova Scotia.
Trailblazer in capital markets and banking
Ekambaram completed her B.Com from Sydenham College, University of Mumbai. She has deep expertise in investment banking, including IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and corporate banking. Her work spans across capital markets, fixed income, project finance, and treasury services.
Philanthropy close to Ekambaram’s heart
Ekambaram is also known for her charitable work. A regular participant in the Mumbai Marathon, she has raised funds for various causes and NGOs.
She was recognised as the highest individual woman pledge raiser in 2011 and 2016 and has supported SOPAN and other non-profits through her fundraising efforts.