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Bank News Updated Sep 30, 2025

Govt appoints new chiefs for Union Bank, Central Bank of India

The government has cleared major leadership changes in public sector banking. Asheesh Pandey will take over as MD and CEO of Union Bank of India, while Kalyan Kumar will head Central Bank of India. Both appointments were approved by the cabinet committee chaired by Prime Minister Modi for three-year terms. Additionally, Shirish Murmu has been appointed as the new RBI Deputy Governor effective October 9.

New Delhi, Sep 30

The government has cleared the appointment of Asheesh Pandey as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of India, and Kalyan Kumar as the new head of Central Bank of India. Both appointments are for a period of three years.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the appointments.

Pandey, who is currently serving as Executive Director of Bank of Maharashtra, will take charge as MD and CEO of Union Bank of India for a three-year term from the date he assumes office.

Similarly, Kalyan Kumar, Executive Director of Punjab National Bank, will step in as MD and CEO of Central Bank of India after the superannuation of incumbent M.V. Rao in July.

The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) had recommended Pandey and Kumar for these top positions on May 30. The bureau is headed by former Department of Personnel and Training Secretary, Bhanu Pratap Sharma.

Earlier, the government appointed Shirish Chandra Murmu as a Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India for a tenure of three years.

Murmu's appointment was also approved by the Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet and would come into effect from October 9. He will replace M. Rajeshwar Rao, whose extended service is set to end on October 8.

Currently, he is serving as Executive Director at the RBI, looking after the Department of Supervision.

According to the law, the RBI should have four Deputy Governors: one from the commercial banking system, two from within the bank, and an economist.

The other Deputy Governors are Swaminathan J, Poonam Gupta, and T. Rabi Sankar.

Rao has been in the position for five years. In 2020, he was appointed Deputy Governor for a three-year term. In 2023 and 2024, he was given two one-year extensions.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Priya S

These appointments come at a crucial time when banks need to focus on financial inclusion and supporting small businesses. Hope they prioritize these areas.

Arjun K

While I appreciate the government's efforts, I hope these appointments are based purely on merit and not political considerations. Our banking sector needs the best talent.

Sarah B

As someone who banks with Union Bank, I'm looking forward to seeing improvements in digital services and faster loan processing. The current systems need upgrading.

Karthik V

Both appointees have solid experience in public sector banking. This continuity is good for stability. Hope they address NPA issues effectively. 👍

Michael C

The RBI deputy governor appointments also seem well-planned with the right mix of expertise. Good to see systematic approach to banking leadership.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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