APB Sri Lanka hosts session on transformative leadership by Dr. Anil K. Khandelwal

The Association of Professional Bankers (APB) hosted a noteworthy evening event on 2 August at The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Auditorium, focusing on the pivotal topic of leadership and professional development. The gathering featured Dr. Anil K. Khandelwal, former Chairman and Managing Director of the Bank of Baroda and Dena Bank, as the distinguished keynote speaker.

Dr. Khandelwal, renowned for his transformative leadership in India’s banking sector, notably elevated the Bank of Baroda into one of the most formidable public sector banks during his tenure from 2005 to 2008. 

His leadership prowess is further exemplified by his acclaimed books, “Dare to Lead” and “CEO, Chess Master or Gardener,” and his receipt of multiple lifetime achievement awards. These accolades include the ‘Asian Banker Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership’ in the Financial Sector, the National HRD Network’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, and the ‘Dr. Pritam Singh Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award’. He has also been recognised by the Economic Times as one of India’s 100 Most Powerful CEOs for three consecutive years.

The event attracted a diverse audience of professionals from both the banking and non-banking sectors. Among the attendees were APB President Halin Hettigoda, Senior Vice President Anton Arumugam, and other APB council members.

Hettigoda, in his opening remarks, underscored the importance of leadership in setting direction, inspiring collaboration, and ensuring effective communication. He emphasised that such workshops are vital for nurturing future leaders and enhancing the skills of current ones.

Dr. Khandelwal’s session provided valuable insights into leadership, banking, HR practices, professionalism, and organisational culture. The interactive nature of the program fostered engaging discussions, with participants actively posing thought-provoking questions.

This successful event was organised in collaboration with 360tf of India, represented by Co-Founder and Chairman C.A. Pankaj Mundra, who elaborated on 360tf’s role. 

The program, part of the Continuous Professional Development Committee (CPDC) of the APB’s second event for the year, proved to be a resounding success, offering essential perspectives to the banking community.