Puneet Sharma resigns as Axis Bank CFO after 6-year stint
Mumbai, June 29
Axis Bank, the country's third-largest private sector lender, on Monday announced the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer Puneet Sharma, who has decided to step down to pursue the next phase of his professional career.
According to a regulatory filing by the bank, Sharma submitted his resignation on June 28, 2026.
He will continue in his role until the close of business on August 31, 2026, after which he will cease to be the bank's Chief Financial Officer, key managerial personnel and member of the senior management team.
Sharma has served as the CFO of Axis Bank since March 2020 and brings more than 23 years of experience across banking, financial services and consulting sectors. During his tenure, he played a key role in overseeing the bank's financial operations and strategic planning.
Before joining Axis Bank, Sharma spent nearly 12 years at Tata Capital, where he held several senior leadership positions. He served as Group Chief Financial Officer from 2014 and was responsible for financial control, financial planning, accounting and taxation functions.
An alumnus of the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, Sharma has also worked with Citibank in various capacities, handling areas such as structured cash solutions, treasury operations and risk monitoring.
The bank stated that Sharma's resignation is aimed at pursuing the next phase of his professional journey. However, Axis Bank has not yet announced his successor.
Separately, the bank's board approved the reappointment of two directors based on the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
CH S S Mallikarjunarao has been reappointed as an Independent Director for a second term of four years, beginning February 1, 2027 and ending January 31, 2031, subject to shareholder approval.
The board also approved the reappointment of Munish Sharda as Whole-Time Director, designated as Executive Director, for a further term of three years from February 27, 2027 to February 26, 2030. The reappointment remains subject to approvals from the Reserve Bank of India and the bank's shareholders.
Shares of Axis Bank ended the day at Rs 1,357.70 on the BSE, declining by 1.37 per cent from the previous close.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Is this part of a larger trend? First HDFC Bank's CFO left last year, now Axis Bank's. Private banks need stable leadership, especially with all the regulatory changes. Puneet Sharma has good credentials from Tata Capital and ISB though, he'll land on his feet somewhere bigger probably.
The stock dropping 1.37% on this news shows the market's jitters. But honestly, with 23 years of experience, maybe he's going for a CEO role somewhere else? The banking sector needs more Indian talent in top positions, and ISB grads are making us proud. 👏
Respectfully, the article mentions "pursuing the next phase of his professional career" – which usually means either a competitor or a startup. Axis Bank should announce a successor quickly, otherwise it might affect quarterly results. Banks cannot afford uncertainty in the CFO role.
The positive side: Tata Capital boys are doing well! From Tata to Axis, and now wherever he goes, Puneet Sharma will bring great experience. India's banking sector is maturing and professionals like him are proof. But I hope the board isn't rushing in selecting a replacement. 🤔
Doesn't this seem like he saw something coming? Not trying to spread rumors, but CFOs leaving just before potential bad quarters is a known pattern. Axis Bank's NIMs have been under pressure. Hope I'm wrong and he's just going for a bigger role. 📉
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.