Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson and CEO of Salesforce India, has been awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for her game-changing work in trade, industry, and technology. This recognition is for her over four decades of digital innovation and leadership in banking and tech. From steering India’s largest public sector bank to driving Salesforce’s growth in the country, her story is one of resilience and visionary leadership.
Arundhati Bhattacharya made history in 2013 as the first woman Chairperson of the State Bank of India (SBI). During her tenure (2013-2017), she led several transformative initiatives:
- Digital Transformation: Launched YONO, an integrated digital banking platform, changing customer experiences and financial inclusion.
- Strategic Mergers: Merged SBI with five associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank, creating one of the world’s largest financial institutions.
- Navigating Challenges: Led SBI through critical reforms, including India’s 2016 demonetization, while enhancing employee welfare policies like extended maternity leave.
SBI was recognized as one of India’s best places to work, and she became known as a leader who blends tradition with innovation.
In 2020, Arundhati Bhattacharya took on a new challenge as CEO of Salesforce India, moving from banking to tech. Despite initial skepticism, her impact has been significant:
- Workforce Growth: Grew Salesforce India’s team from 2,500 to over 13,000 employees, with a fivefold increase in client-facing roles.
- Market Expansion: Boosted annual revenue to ₹6,000 crore (FY23) and achieved 50% year-on-year growth through CRM solutions and AI-driven tools.
- Community Building: Built a 2 million-strong Trailblazer community for tech upskilling and partnered with 2,500+ colleges to integrate Salesforce certifications into curricula.
India became Salesforce’s fastest-growing market globally for three years in a row.
The Padma Shri honors Bhattacharya’s dual legacy in banking and tech:
- Nation Building: She dedicated the award to public sector banks, emphasizing their role in India’s growth.
- Gender Advocacy: As a trailblazer in male-dominated industries, she has inspired women leaders through mentorship programs and corporate inclusivity policies.
Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, called it a recognition of her “innovation, resilience, and inclusivity,” which aligns with India’s rising global influence.
