On April 29, 2025, Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson and CEO of Salesforce South Asia, was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan. This accolade, one of India’s highest civilian honors, recognizes her transformative contributions to trade and industry, spanning a remarkable career in banking and technology.
Bhattacharya’s journey began in 1977 when she joined the State Bank of India (SBI) as a probationary officer at age 22. In 2013, she shattered glass ceilings as the first woman to chair SBI in its over 200-year history, driving digital transformation and elevating the bank to the global top 50. Her leadership modernized services, particularly for rural customers, and earned her accolades as one of the world’s most powerful women by Forbes and Fortune.
Since 2020, Bhattacharya has steered Salesforce South Asia to new heights, growing its India workforce nearly fivefold to 9,000 and positioning the region as a critical hub for innovation. Under her leadership, Salesforce India has embraced AI, with Bhattacharya emphasizing its potential to enhance data-driven solutions and reduce human errors. She remains optimistic about tech investments, noting no budget cuts despite global uncertainties, and champions customer experience as a cornerstone of long-term value.
Reflecting on the Padma Shri, Bhattacharya said, “I am deeply humbled to receive this honor, which reflects the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to India’s trade and industry. This award acknowledges the role of public sector banks in nation-building.” She also serves as an independent director at Reliance Industries Limited, further shaping India’s corporate landscape.
As Salesforce South Asia continues to drive digital transformation, Bhattacharya’s Padma Shri underscores her legacy as a trailblazer inspiring innovation and inclusivity. Stay tuned for more updates on her visionary leadership!
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