Canara Bank Names Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia as Interim MD & CEO from January 2026
Public sector lender Canara Bank has appointed Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia as its Interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO), effective January 2026. The appointment follows the completion of the tenure of the bank’s previous MD & CEO and is aimed at ensuring leadership continuity during the transition period.
Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia, who was serving as an Executive Director at Canara Bank, brings with him decades of experience in the Indian banking sector. Over the years, he has handled critical portfolios including corporate banking, risk management, credit operations, and governance, making him a seasoned choice to lead the bank at a crucial juncture.
As Interim MD & CEO, Ahluwalia will be responsible for overseeing the bank’s strategic priorities, operational stability, and regulatory compliance. His immediate focus is expected to be on maintaining business momentum, strengthening asset quality, improving digital banking initiatives, and ensuring effective risk management in a challenging economic environment.
Canara Bank, one of India’s largest public sector banks, has been actively working on improving profitability, reducing non-performing assets, and enhancing customer-centric digital services. The interim leadership is expected to play a key role in sustaining these efforts while supporting long-term growth objectives.
From an HR and leadership perspective, the appointment reflects the government and board’s preference for experienced internal leaders during transition phases. Ahluwalia’s elevation is also seen as a morale booster for senior leadership within the bank, reinforcing internal talent development and succession planning.
The bank has clarified that the appointment is interim in nature until a regular MD & CEO is appointed through the prescribed selection process. During this period, stakeholders will closely watch how the leadership navigates regulatory expectations, workforce management, and strategic execution.
With his strong institutional knowledge and operational expertise, Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia is well-positioned to steer Canara Bank through this interim phase, ensuring stability and continuity in leadership as the bank prepares for its next chapter.
