Chanda Kochhar is an Indian woman famous for being a trailblazer in the Indian finance community. Kochhar was the first woman to be the head of an Indian bank. In her time in the banking industry, she helped to transform it and broke many glass ceilings. Since joining the industry at the age of 22, Kochhar has won many different awards and has achieved a wide array of accomplishments.
Chanda Kochhar was born in November of 1961, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. She then studied at St. Angela Sophia School in the city of Jaipur. Jai Hind College is the first college that Kochhar studied at. At this college, Chanda Kochhar obtained her Bachelor of Commerce degree. After obtaining her degree, Kochhar furthered her education by studying cost accountancy at the Institute of Cost Accountants of India. Afterward, she studied management at the University of Mumbai.
Chanda Kochhar was only 22 years old when she first joined ICICI Bank. Her first job at this company was as a management trainee. She was instrumental in helping the bank prosper in its early days. Eventually, Kochhar rose through the ranks of the company. She became the ICICI Bank’s CEO by the time she was 47. This made her the first woman to lead an Indian bank.
Under the leadership of Chanda Kochhar, ICICI Bank has thrived. The bank has achieved milestone after milestone throughout the years. The bank has consistently expanded under Kochhar’s leadership. Primarily, the bank is more focused on leveraging technology to bring further value to its customers.
Due to her success in the industry, Chanda Kochhar is an inspiration for many girls and women. Not only is she an influence and role model for girls in India, but she’s also an inspiration worldwide. This has led to Kochhar being recognized by many different organizations and has also led to her receiving many different awards.
Chanda Kochhar won the Padma Bhushan, one of the most prestigious awards that India gives out to civilians. Forbes has recognized Kochhar as one of the most powerful women in the world. Time Magazine recognized her as one of the most influential people in the entire world. She even received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Canada’s Carleton University.
Under Kochhar’s leadership, ICICI Bank has won various different awards. The bank won the “Best Retail Bank in India” award several different years. ICICI also won the “Excellence in Retail Banking Award” in 2002. Not only has Kochhar herself been recognized multiple times, but also the company she leads has. Chanda Kochhar has been regularly featured in Forbes’ list of the most powerful women in business for many years.
Kochhar is also a member of various different organizations. She was the president of the International Monetary Conference, an organization that brings together a large amount of leadership from the financial industry. She is also a member of the US-India CEO forum as well as the India–Russia Business Leaders Forum. Kochhar also holds the position of deputy chairman of the Indian Banks Association.
