Chanda Kochhar, Banker
Banker

Chanda Kochhar

Born 17 August 1961 · Maharashtra

Led ICICI Bank as MD and CEO from 2009 to 2018, driving its growth into a top Indian private bank.

Chanda Kochhar is an Indian banker. She was the MD and CEO of ICICI Bank from 2009 to 2018 She resigned from her positions in 2018 due a case of conflict of interest. Subsequently, she was fired by ICICI Bank, a decision which was later upheld by the Supreme Court of India.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Chanda Kochhar received both the Wockhardt Gold Medal for Excellence in Management Studies and the J.N. Bose Gold Medal in Cost Accountancy during her academic career in Mumbai.

The Story

1
🌟 In 1984, Chanda Kochhar joined ICICI as a management trainee at age 22, evaluating projects in textiles, paper, and cement—an entry into banking rarely taken by women then.
2
By 1993, she was a core member of the team that established ICICI Bank, marking a shift from development finance to commercial banking in India.
3In 2001, Kochhar took over as executive director of ICICI Bank and spearheaded its retail banking expansion, focusing on technology and process innovation that won multiple Asian Banker awards by 2005.
4🚀 In 2009, Kochhar became MD and CEO of ICICI Bank, leading operations in India and overseas and becoming one of the few women heading a major Indian bank.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

In 2011, Kochhar was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, recognizing her role in transforming Indian banking.

🖼️

Through the Years

4 photographs from the archives
Chanda Kochhar at the India Economic Summit 2011 in Mumbai as ICICI Bank CEO (2011).
Chanda Kochhar at the India Economic Summit 2011 in Mumbai as ICICI Bank CEO (2011).
2011
Chanda Kochhar receiving the Padma Bhushan Award from President Pratibha Patil in New Delhi (2011).
Chanda Kochhar at the 60 years celebration of ICICI Group in Mumbai with Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2015).
Chanda Kochhar attending the National Entrepreneurship Awards presentation in New Delhi (2017).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Chanda Kochhar was born into a Hindu Sindhi family in Jodhpur, marking the start of a life later intertwined with Indian banking history.
1961
⚡
Career
Joins ICICI as management trainee
At age 22, Kochhar began her banking career evaluating industrial projects at ICICI, laying foundations for her future leadership.
1984
⚡
Career
Helps establish ICICI Bank
Kochhar was part of the core team setting up ICICI Bank, transitioning the institution into a commercial banking entity.
1993
⚡
Career
Becomes Executive Director, ICICI Bank
Kochhar took over as executive director, driving retail banking growth with a focus on technology and innovation.
2001
⚡
Career
Appointed CEO and MD of ICICI Bank
Chanda Kochhar succeeded K.V. Kamath, leading ICICI's operations domestically and internationally.
2009
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
The Government of India honored Kochhar with the Padma Bhushan for her contributions to trade and industry.
2011
⚡
Career
Resigns amid conflict of interest allegations
Kochhar stepped down following allegations related to loan approvals to Videocon, later dismissed by ICICI Bank and upheld by the Supreme Court.
2018
🌟
Other
Arrested for alleged loan fraud
The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Kochhar in connection with a 2009 loan fraud case, marking a significant legal development.
2022
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Despite her prominence, Kochhar faced a rare legal conviction in banking when the Supreme Court of India upheld ICICI Bank's decision to terminate her in 2018 for conflict of interest.

02 / 04
💡SURPRISING

Kochhar was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation in December 2022 in connection with a 2009 loan fraud case involving the Videocon Group.

03 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

By 2007, before becoming CEO, Kochhar served as ICICI Bank's Chief Financial Officer and Joint Managing Director, roles that put her at the helm of financial strategy.

No quote recorded for Chanda Kochhar yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
ICICI Bank's Chanda Kochhar: 'A Very Exciting and Challenging Journey'
·YouTube
More from this archive
ICICI Bank's Chanda Kochhar: 'A Very Exciting and Challenging Journey'
01
ICICI Bank's Chanda Kochhar: 'A Very Exciting and Challenging Journey'
YouTube
Emerging India Awards: Chanda Kochhar talks about SMEs - Part 1
02
Emerging India Awards: Chanda Kochhar talks about SMEs - Part 1
YouTube
Investor's Guide - Meet Chanda Kochhar MD CEO of ICICI Bank
03
Investor's Guide - Meet Chanda Kochhar MD CEO of ICICI Bank
YouTube
Chanda Kochhar Speech | Moody's Rating Ugrade For India | Futures Express | CNBC Awaaz
04
Chanda Kochhar Speech | Moody's Rating Ugrade For India | Futures Express | CNBC Awaaz
YouTube
Ms. Chanda Kochhar MD & CEO, ICICI Bank addressing at "Make in India" global initiative
05
Ms. Chanda Kochhar MD & CEO, ICICI Bank addressing at "Make in India" global initiative
YouTube
Chanda Kochhar , MD & CEO, ICICI Bank speaks exclusively with DD News over Demonetisation
06
Chanda Kochhar , MD & CEO, ICICI Bank speaks exclusively with DD News over Demonetisation
YouTube
Gurukul chanda Kochhar -part 2
07
Gurukul chanda Kochhar -part 2
YouTube
Exclusive talk with MD, CEO of ICICI bank 'Chanda Kochhar' on IPO
08
Exclusive talk with MD, CEO of ICICI bank 'Chanda Kochhar' on IPO
YouTube
Chanda Kochhar's speech during inaugural ceremony of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2013
09
Chanda Kochhar's speech during inaugural ceremony of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2013
YouTube
Chanda Kochhar का ICICI Bank में पहला क़दम रखने से लेकर CBI गिरफ़्तारी तक का सफ़र | Uncut
10
Chanda Kochhar का ICICI Bank में पहला क़दम रखने से लेकर CBI गिरफ़्तारी तक का सफ़र | Uncut
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Chanda Kochhar played a pivotal role in transitioning ICICI from a development finance institution into a leading retail bank, introducing technology-driven banking services that won multiple industry awards. Her tenure marked the rise of private sector banking's influence on India's financial landscape, encouraging innovation and expansion in retail credit. However, her legal controversies have sparked debates on governance and ethics in Indian banking, influencing regulatory scrutiny and whistleblower protections.

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