Anitha Hareesh

With over two decades of dynamic experience in the Banking and Financial sector, I bring a strategic and self-driven approach to leadership, business development, and team management. My expertise spans across various domains including Business Acquisition, Revenue Generation, Branch Operations, Risk Management, and Compliance. In the realm of Business Acquisition, I have meticulously reviewed commercial negotiations in Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) procurement and conceptualized strategic plans to drive positive brand image and operational efficiency.

My adeptness in People Management has been demonstrated through successful leadership, motivation, and mentorship of large teams, coupled with the implementation of integrated reporting processes to enhance financial performance and controls. Building robust Business Infrastructure has been a cornerstone of my career, where I've expanded market penetration, orchestrated new business development initiatives, and cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders. My proficiency in People Management extends from startups to multi-billion-dollar companies, encompassing diverse areas such as Customer Care, Sales & Marketing, and Fraud Management.

In the domain of Business Finance, I have been instrumental in crafting commercial proposals and negotiating large and complex deals, while my expertise in Risk and Compliance ensures adherence to regulatory requirements and the successful implementation of enterprise risk management frameworks. My track record speaks volumes about my ability to drive business insights, develop new ventures globally, and effectively manage diverse stakeholders across geographies.

Vice President - Axis Bank Pvt Ltd.

(2011)

Since joining Axis Bank Pvt Ltd. in 2011, I have embarked on a dynamic career trajectory that has seen me take on various leadership roles and contribute significantly to the organization's growth. As an Assistant Vice President at Axis Bank, I've navigated through a spectrum of pivotal roles, each contributing significantly to the bank's operational efficiency and growth trajectory. Through these diverse roles, I have honed a comprehensive skill set and a deep understanding of various facets of banking operations, fraud management, and sales leadership.

• Current Role: Circle Business and Planning Manager – Retail Business Division
• As the Circle Business and Planning Manager within the Retail Business division at Axis Bank, I am entrusted with the critical responsibility of driving business targets and growth strategies across the circle. Branches play a pivotal role as the primary interface for millions of retail customers, thereby underscoring their significance in realizing the bank's overarching strategic objectives. My role involves orchestrating frameworks to empower branch resources, optimizing productivity, and ove
• Establishing Budgets and Targets: Providing strategic guidance to branch resources in formulating business plans aligned with predefined budgets and targets.
• Monitoring Branch Performance: Vigilantly monitoring branch performance metrics to ensure alignment with targets, productivity, quality, and compliance standards.
• Branch Expansion Planning: Planning and executing branch expansion initiatives and upgrades in accordance with the bank's growth trajectory and market demands.
• Rural Branch Objectives: Successfully achieving predefined objectives and targets for rural branches, fostering financial inclusion and community engagement.
• Customer Engagement Initiatives: Developing and executing innovative campaigns and initiatives to enhance customer engagement and stimulate business growth.
• Branch Resource Activation: Activating branch resources through strategically designed contests, broadcasts, and campaigns to maximize productivity and performance.
• Resource Productivity Enhancement: Identifying deficiencies in resource productivity and providing targeted guidance and training to uplift performance levels.
• Interdepartmental Liaison: Establishing effective communication channels and liaising with various business unit heads to ensure seamless service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Compliance Oversight: Rigorously reviewing and ensuring compliance with all operational processes and regulatory guidelines in accordance with the bank's policies.
• Branch Head
• In my role as Branch Head, I assumed responsibility for orchestrating the seamless functioning of the branch, ensuring impeccable service delivery while adhering to regulatory standards. This encompassed:
• Leading and motivating a team of banking professionals to consistently surpass branch targets and KPIs.
• Spearheading strategic initiatives aimed at elevating customer experience and satisfaction levels.
• Upholding stringent risk management protocols to safeguard the bank's assets and reputation.
• Driving staff training and development programs to bolster productivity and service quality.
• Manager Fraud Investigations
• Transitioning into the role of Manager Fraud Investigations, I undertook the crucial task of fortifying the bank's defenses against fraudulent activities. My responsibilities included:
• Formulating and executing robust fraud prevention strategies and protocols to preemptively thwart potential threats.
• Conducting comprehensive investigations into suspected fraudulent transactions or activities, ensuring swift and decisive action.
• Collaborating seamlessly with internal stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to mitigate fraud risks and preserve the bank's integrity.
• Delivering training and awareness sessions to equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and prevent fraud effectively.
• Branch Sales Manager
• In my capacity as Branch Sales Manager, I played a pivotal role in propelling revenue generation and business growth through strategic sales initiatives and relationship management. Noteworthy accomplishments include:
• Leading a dynamic and high-performing sales team to consistently exceed sales targets and objectives.
• Crafting and executing sales plans tailored to capitalize on emerging market opportunities and expand the customer base.
• Cultivating and nurturing robust relationships with clients and stakeholders, thereby maximizing cross-selling and upselling opportunities.
• Conducting thorough market analyses to discern trends and competitor activities, thereby informing strategic business development decisions.
• Business Acquisition:
• Orchestrated commercial negotiations in CAPEX procurement and business acquisition, resulting in substantial cost savings and revenue enhancement.
• Conceptualized and executed strategic plans for branch development, aligning resources with performance targets, and bolstering the bank's image.
• Exceeded sales targets by aligning team goals and individual objectives, contributing to long-term corporate growth.
• Formulated end-to-end sales solutions, driving rapid revenue and pipeline growth through strategic alliances.
• Successfully managed profit center operations, achieving pre-planned sales and revenue targets.
• People Management:
• Led and mentored a team of 50-100 members, driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of high performance.
• Implemented integrated reporting processes to enhance financial performance and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Business Infrastructure:
• Established a robust business infrastructure, expanding market penetration and driving immediate business results.
• Directed business development efforts, organized deals, and cultivated relationships with stakeholders to drive business growth.
• Expertise in Banking Segment:
• Delivered exceptional business insights, leading to the development of new businesses in a global context.
• Managed subsidiary companies, customer relationships, and regulatory compliance across diverse geographies.
• Business Finance:
• Successfully negotiated large and complex deals, ensuring customer satisfaction and risk mitigation.
• Played a key role in commercial proposal development and risk analysis, driving revenue growth and profitability.
• Operations, Risk & Compliance:
• Ensured operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, maintaining audit readiness and seamless service delivery.
• Managed customer service operations, enhancing digital banking penetration, and monitoring cash retention limits.
• Spearheaded branch administration, conducting regular audits and reviews to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Implemented an enterprise risk management framework, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and fostering a culture of risk awareness.
• Drove risk identification, analysis, and mitigation strategies, safeguarding the bank's interests and reputation.
• Core Banking:
• Managed client base CASA value up to INR 1000 Cr and asset base up to INR 500 Cr, contributing to significant business growth and stability.
• Spearheaded revenue generation through third-party products, with annual revenue ranging from INR 50 lakhs to INR 1.5 Cr.
• Fraud Investigations:
• Conducted thorough fraud investigations, identifying root causes, analyzing risks, and implementing preventive measures.
• Developed risk management strategies, benchmarking against industry standards, and providing insights to senior management.
• Product Retailing:
• Infused up to 37 banking products into the client base, enhancing product penetration and customer engagement.
• Honors:
• Received the Axis Bank Operational Service Excellence Award in 2022 for driving business turnaround across various products.
• Recognized as the Best Sales Manager for TPP business at Dhanlaxmi Bank in 2010 and received the Best Employee Award at ICICI Bank in 2007 for operational and business performance excellence.

Senior Manager - Dhanlaxmi Bank Pvt Ltd

(2009 - 2011)

• Recognized as the Best Sales Manager for TPP business at Dhanlaxmi Bank in 2010.

Manager II - ICICI Bank Pvt Ltd

(2006 - 2008)

• Received the Best Employee Award at ICICI Bank in 2007 for operational and business performance excellence.

Manager - ADT Electronic System (Tyco Engineering India Pvt Ltd)

(2001 - 2006)

Computers in Computing - Symbiosis University

Bachelor of Arts - Economics, Political Science & Sociology - APS College | Bangalore University