RBI clears appointment of R Vijay Anandh as City Union Bank’s new CEO

The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of R Vijay Anandh as the next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of City Union Bank, paving the way for a leadership transition at the private sector lender from May 1.

City Union Bank said in an exchange filing that the central bank, through a letter dated February 9, 2026, cleared Anandh’s appointment for a three-year term beginning May 1, 2026. The appointment remains subject to shareholder approval.

According to businessline, which reviewed the RBI’s approval letter, Anandh will receive a fixed annual remuneration of ₹2.50 crore, including perquisites.

Anandh currently serves as Executive Director at City Union Bank. He joined the lender as Executive President in 2023 and was elevated to the board as Executive Director in 2024.

He brings more than 28 years of experience in banking, spanning risk management, portfolio analysis, credit appraisal and retail asset businesses.

Before joining City Union Bank, Anandh was Business and Collections Head for retail asset products at RBL Bank, where he worked closely with the top leadership team.

He will succeed N Kamakodi, who has led City Union Bank as Managing Director and CEO since May 2011. Kamakodi’s term ends on April 30, 2026, marking the close of a 15-year tenure during which the bank expanded its footprint in retail and small business lending.

The regulatory clearance comes at a time when mid-sized private banks are navigating tighter supervision, rising competition for deposits and a more demanding credit environment. Leadership continuity and risk oversight have become central themes for investors assessing the stability of such institutions.

City Union Bank, headquartered in Tamil Nadu, has historically maintained a conservative lending profile, focusing on MSMEs, traders and retail customers. The incoming chief executive is expected to steer the lender through the next phase of growth while balancing asset quality and profitability.

The transition signals an internal succession plan, with the board opting for continuity by elevating an existing executive rather than appointing an external candidate.

Market participants will watch closely how Anandh shapes strategy in a sector facing evolving regulatory expectations, digital disruption and increasing competition from larger private and fintech players.