Banking on Experience—Karnataka Bank Taps 38-Year Veteran Raghavendra Bhat as New CEO

In a strategic move to ensure operational continuity, Karnataka Bank Ltd. has appointed Raghavendra Srinivas Bhat as its interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 15, 2025, pending final approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The appointment follows the resignation of outgoing MD & CEO Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma and Executive Director Sekhar Rao, both citing personal reasons.

 

Who Is Raghavendra Srinivas Bhat?

Why the Change?

Chairman’s Assurance

“We have brought in a man with tremendous experience to steer the ship,” said P. Pradeep Kumar, Chairman of Karnataka Bank. “The bank is well-capitalized, stable, and has enough growth capital for the next 3–4 years,” he added.

 

What’s Next for Karnataka Bank?

Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, Economic Times, Business Today, Deccan Herald, NDTV Profit