Birthday Special: The rise of women in the male dominated banking sector, the story of a CEO during whose tenure ICICI touched new heights.

Obnews Desk: Chanda Kochhar is a reputed name in the Indian banking sector. Chanda Kochhar has become a symbol of Indian women's power and leadership. Born on 17 November 1961 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Chanda started her career as a general management trainee, but her hard work and dedication made her the CEO of ICICI Bank, one of the largest banks in the country.

Chanda Kochhar was born in a Sindhi family. Her father, Roopchand Advani, was the principal of an engineering college in Jaipur, providing Chanda with an educational environment throughout her childhood. He received his early education from St. Angela Sophia School, Jaipur and then obtained a B.Com degree from Jai Hind College, Mumbai. Subsequently, he studied Cost Accountancy from the Institute of Cost Accountants and obtained an MMS degree from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies. During this time he also received a gold medal for excellence.

How was Chanda Kochhar's career journey?

In 1984, Chanda Kochhar started her career with ICICI Bank as a management trainee. While working at ICICI, she proved herself and became a part of the bank's core team in just ten years. His contribution to the development of the bank was significant, especially in making ICICI a leading private sector bank. In 1996, Chanda Kochhar was appointed to lead the Key Customers Group of ICICI Bank. He then took over as Executive Director in 2001 and handled the corporate business of the bank. In 2009, he was made the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of the bank. Under the leadership of Chanda Kochhar, ICICI Bank achieved success in retail banking and promoted retail business in the banking sector. Under his leadership the bank touched many new heights. In view of his contribution, the Government of India honored him with the prestigious award like Padma Bhushan in 2011.

How was Chanda Kochhar's personal life?

Chanda Kochhar is married to her business school sweetheart Deepak Kochhar, and they have two children. Chanda's journey has emerged not only as a banker but also as an inspiring woman. Her story teaches us that with hard work and honesty anything can be achieved, be it a male-dominated field or any other. However, Chanda Kochhar's career took a serious turn when she had to resign from the post of ICICI Bank in 2018. He was accused of giving high value loans to Videocon Group. Subsequently, he was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in December 2022. Although this controversy came as a tough chapter in her life, it is a part of Chanda Kochhar's entire journey, which is seen as a successful and struggling career.

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