Deepak Sharma heads Kotak Mahindra Bank’s digital initiatives where he drives digital channels, payments, transformation, business model innovation and future-ready initiatives of the bank. He is responsible for efficiency, productivity, customer experience and growth of the business through digital intervention across consumer and SME segments. Deepak also leads the Mass & Millennial customer segment, Innovation Lab, Design Studio, India Stack, Fintech partnerships, and the start-up ecosystem participation for the bank.
With close to three decades of experience, Deepak’s professional tenure spans across banking, telecom and consumer services industries. Under his leadership, Kotak has launched several innovative and global-first products such as 811, Jifi, Hashtag Banking, KayMall, WhatsApp Banking and Cherry – the investment super app, apart from new initiatives like API platforms, Open & Connected Banking, Conversational Banking Bot ‘Keya’, Biometric Banking, Cross-border remittances on Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and OCEN (Open Credit Enabled Network), among others.
Deepak actively works with big techs, VCs, start-ups & the global fintech community to bring best-in-class products and solutions in the financial service space. Deepak has worked across various international markets and brings a global perspective to business.
In his previous role, he was responsible for setting up the Bank’s Non-Resident Indian (NRI) & International Remittances businesses. He also played a key role in launching the Bank’s affluent banking programme – Privy League.
Prior to joining Kotak, he was part of the leadership team of Consumer Banking at Standard Chartered from 2003 to 2008. Thereafter, as National Head for Corporate Business at Standard Chartered, he was responsible for building the corporate payroll and Wealth Management business.
Deepak has completed an advanced programme in Strategy from IIM Calcutta as well as the Stanford LEAD Certificate in Corporate Innovation. He is a member of Airtel Customer Advisory Board, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Digital Transformation Committee, FICCI National Committee on Fintech, and a number of start-up industry forums. He regularly participates in various trade and Government initiatives on the Digital India roadmap and mentors fintech and start-up ecosystems on a regular basis.