Slice Appoints Samir Sawhney, Ramesh Kumar in Leadership Roles
Slice, India's AI-driven digital bank, has designated Samir Sawhney as Executive Director and Ramesh Kumar as Independent Director to its board. The slice board has approved the appointments, and Sawhney’s role as Executive Director has been authorized by the Reserve Bank of India as well.
The appointments arrive as Slice embarks on its next growth phase, contributing significant expertise in banking, treasury, technology, digital transformation, and corporate governance to the company’s board.
Sawhney has over thirty years of banking expertise in both India and global markets. His professional experience includes treasury and investment management, retail operations, marketing, and human resources. Until recently, he held the position of Chief Executive at RMBS Development Company, which was created by the National Housing Bank to aid the growth of India’s residential mortgage-backed securities market.
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Before that, Sawhney worked for over 34 years at State Bank of India. In his role as Chief General Manager for Global Markets, he led the bank's treasury activities, managing a domestic portfolio exceeding Rs. 16.5 lakh crore and overseas assets surpassing $10 billion. He also held the position of Chairman of the Foreign Exchange Dealers’ Association of India (FEDAI), representing banks in foreign exchange issues during their interactions with the Reserve Bank of India.
Commenting on his appointment, Samir Sawhney, Executive Director, slice says, “slice is building a bank for a new India, one where technology brings banking to more people at a fraction of the traditional cost. I have spent my career in banking and treasury across cycles and am excited to bring that experience to a young institution that is thinking about banking in a fresh way. I look forward to working with Rajan and the team as slice builds for the long term.”
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Ramesh Kumar has over 30 years of leadership expertise in banking, financial services, technology, and digital innovation. Over his twenty years at ICICI Bank, he held the position of Head of the Technology Management Group and Software Development, overseeing technology strategy, infrastructure, and mobile and digital banking platforms for millions of customers.
Kumar previously directed core banking implementation at the State Bank of India and possesses expertise in technology governance, cybersecurity, operational resilience, and digital transformation. He had earlier served as an advisor for slice during its merger and integration with North East Small Finance Bank.
Ramesh Kumar, Independent Director, slice, said, “I have watched slice closely, including during its merger with North East Small Finance Bank, and how it is using technology to reimagine banking. Strong technology governance and operational resilience are the foundation of trust in banking, and I look forward to contributing to slice’s journey as it builds a modern, safe and customer-first bank.”
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Rajan Bajaj, MD & CEO of slice, stated that the new appointments would fortify the bank’s board with seasoned leaders from various phases of the banking sector and technology-driven financial services.
Rajan Bajaj, MD & CEO, slice says, “To have two board members of this experience, and rarer still to find it together, means a great deal to us.
We are a young bank earning its place among the best-run institutions in India. Having people on our board who have seen banking across cycles, and who believe in what technology can do for the customer, makes us stronger. We are very early in what is possible, and I am glad to have them with us for the journey ahead.”
Slice announced it will maintain its emphasis on responsible underwriting and consistent growth while investing in technology designed to simplify and enhance banking for customers.