New Delhi, Aug 29 (UNI) President of India Droupadi Murmu today conferred the ‘SCOPE Eminence Award’ for Outstanding Women Leadership to A Manimekhalai, former managing director and CEO of union Bank of India.
Manimekhalai, who made history in June 2022 by becoming the first woman to head union Bank of India since its inception in 1919, was also the only woman at the time leading a public sector bank in the country.
She assumed charge during a critical transition following the amalgamation of Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank, tasked with stabilising operations, integrating systems, and restoring stakeholder confidence.
Under her leadership, a strong emphasis was placed on digital transformation, with the launch of AI-driven systems, integration of Central Bank Digital Currency, and the rapid expansion of the Vyom Super App to more than three crore users.
At the same time, people-centric initiatives such as performance-linked incentives, diversity and inclusion policies, and the EmpowerHER programme were introduced to mentor women leaders and promote women-led financial inclusion.
Union Bank also made advances in governance and sustainability, financing over ₹28,000 crore in renewable energy projects, joining the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials, and constructing India’s first net-zero energy and water commercial building in Bengaluru.
Speaking after receiving the award, Manimekhalai expressed gratitude to the President, the SCOPE jury, and Deloitte for the recognition.
She emphasised that her leadership philosophy was rooted in resilience and humility, crediting union Bank’s 73,000 employees as the true drivers of change.
