Axis Bank has appointed Rajeev Mantri as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with effect from September 28, 2026, marking a key leadership transition at the private sector lender. The appointment, announced through a regulatory filing, remains subject to the necessary regulatory and statutory approvals.
Mantri joins Axis Bank from Bandhan Bank, where he served as CFO and led the lender's financial strategy, capital management and investor engagement.
Leadership transition at the finance function
Mantri will succeed Puneet Sharma, who resigned in June 2026 to pursue opportunities outside the bank.
According to Axis Bank's regulatory filing:
- Rajeev Mantri will assume office on September 28, 2026.
- His appointment has been approved by the bank's board.
- The appointment is subject to approvals from the Reserve Bank of India and shareholders, where applicable.
- Puneet Sharma, who has served as CFO since March 2020, will be relieved from the close of business on August 31, 2026.
The appointment ensures continuity in the bank's finance leadership following Sharma's departure.
More than two decades in banking and finance
Mantri brings over 20 years of experience across banking and financial services. At Bandhan Bank, he was responsible for several critical functions, including:
- Financial strategy
- Capital management
- Business finance
- Investor relations
- Regulatory engagement
His experience spans financial planning, capital allocation and stakeholder management across listed banking institutions.
Career built across leading financial institutions
Before joining Bandhan Bank, Mantri spent more than 15 years at ICICI Bank, where he held senior leadership positions across finance, business planning, analytics and corporate strategy.
His career has included responsibilities covering financial management, business performance and strategic planning, providing broad experience across multiple areas of banking operations.
Appointment comes during growth phase
The leadership change comes as Axis Bank, India's third-largest private sector lender, continues to focus on strengthening profitability, maintaining asset quality and expanding its retail and corporate banking businesses.
With Mantri set to take charge later this year, the bank will add an experienced finance executive with deep expertise in capital management, regulatory engagement and financial strategy as it continues executing its long-term growth priorities.