PV Ananthakrishnan

Executive Director -Country Head - India
United Overseas Bank Ltd.

Ananthakrishnan (Ananth) is Currently the Executive Director and Country Head United Overseas Bank(UOB), India. UOB is Singapore Head quartered bank and is Globally rated as AA-. Bank in India focus on Global financing for Corporates including Corporate Lending, Treasury, Trade products. Globally Bank is very active in Sustainability financing for Corporates and has done various deals across the SE Asian region. Bank focusses on ASEAN Connectivity and has a large presence in ASEAN countries.

At the Group level UOB has a large Retail franchise having recently acquired Citi Bank retail operations in 4 countries. 

Ananth has been instrumental in rolling out the India branch way back in 2012 and it continues to focus on the Wholesale banking business with large Corporates/MNCs  as its targeted customers. Bank also has a Financial Institutions desk which focusses on NBFIs and Banks for lending. 

Ananth is a seasoned banker having worked with various foreign banks Asian and European as well as with large private sector banks. He was a Group Head at HDFC Bank Ltd and was with them for nearly 13 years heading various Business verticals in the Wholesale banking group, having been associated with HDFC Bank in its formative years. During his stint in HDFC bank which he joined in 1996, apart from being associated with Wholesale banking business , he created and headed different business groups like Capital Markets/ Commodity Financing business/Rural Banking and  Business Banking. All of these businesses have done extremely well and in many of them HDFC bank continues to be Market Leaders . 

Ananth also served in various committees in the financial sector during his over 4 decades of experience  and was also represented as a elected member  to the Managing Committee of Indian Bank’s association (IBA) representing foreign banks.  

The Next Gen: DISRUPTION

Economic Disruption: We live in an era of disruption in which powerful global forces are changing how we live and work. Powerful disruptions are changing our world. The gig economy, remote work, and the sharing economy have disrupted traditional employment models. The new generation is often at the forefront of these economic changes, seeking flexibility and independence in their careers.

Technological Disruption: The new generation is witnessing rapid technological advancements and digital transformation. They are at the forefront of embracing and driving these changes, leading to disruptions in various industries. Examples include the rise of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the gig economy. Frontier technologies such as the Internet of Things, smart robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are boosting productivity growth, raising prosperity, and replacing mundane or dangerous tasks. They have the potential to do good across a wide range of domains, from healthcare to education

Cultural Disruption: Social movements and changing cultural norms are disrupting traditional societal structures. The new generation is actively involved in advocating for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice, challenging the status quo and pushing for more inclusive societies. The connection between resilience, equity and inclusion is widely accepted by policymakers: evidence has shown that creating more equitable and inclusive societies is a crucial part of any economic strategy focused on resilience and recovery.

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The Next Gen: DEVELOPMENT

Skill Development: The new generation places a strong emphasis on personal growth and development. They prioritize continuous learning, self-improvement, and mental well-being. Tools like online courses, self-help apps, and social networks play a significant role in their development journey. It is important to have a conversation about how to begin closing the gap between what our students are learning and what the demands of the workforce will be once they enter. Half of us will need to reskill in the next five years, as the "double disruption" of the economic impacts of the pandemic and increasing automation transforming jobs takes hold.

Sustainable Development: This generation of leaders bears the responsibility of preserving and advancing the legacies of their businesses while actively championing sustainable practices across businesses, governments, local communities, and personal lifestyle changes to secure a brighter future for the planet. Sustainability, the buzzword across the world today, will have to take on a new avatar and become the soul of every organization - business or otherwise. Businesses cannot succeed in societies that fail.

Social Development: The next generation is deeply rooted in creating positive change in society by incorporating CSR, promoting digital literacy, improving access to quality education, and supporting public health initiatives. Smart living is about adapting the fruits of technology through models that are scalable, profitable and, importantly, ecologically and socially more sustainable.

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The Next Gen: DIVERSIFICATION

Geographical Diversification: The prime focus of the new-gen leaders will be on a geographic diversification strategy, either domestically or internationally, aiming to integrate its products and services as a routine in consumers’ lifestyles. This will mitigate the risks associated with regional economic fluctuations. In an interconnected world, diversity, shaped by globalization and technological advances, forms the fabric of modern society.

Business Diversification: The strategic expansion and diversification of businesses with investments in newer business avenues, will enhance the return on investment, reflecting the forward-thinking approach of the next-generation leaders' eagerness to innovate. Companies are discovering that, by supporting and promoting diverse products and services, they are gaining benefits that go beyond the optics.

Workforce Diversification: To achieve geographical and business diversification, the next generation of leaders will aim at prioritizing workforce diversity, to boost job growth and create together a multitude of ideas and perspectives, igniting innovation and creativity. In times of increasing disruption and uncertainty, companies need to continue to prioritize diversity and inclusiveness (D&I) for the benefit of their culture — and their bottom line.

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