Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chair, State Bank of India

Appointed as the 24th Chairperson of the State Bank of India in October 2013, Arundhati Bhattacharya (pictured) has worked within the country’s banking industry since joining the company as a probationary officer in 1977. Throughout her 36-year career at the State Bank of India, Bhattacharya has gained experience across the company’s various divisions. A leading reformer, her appointment made her the first woman to lead an India-based Fortune 500 company, and has seen her recognised as one of the world’s most powerful women. Her commitment to women’s rights has led her to introduce a progressive two-year sabbatical policy for women with children.