A. Manimekhalai, Former MD&CEO of Union Bank, Featured Among India’s Most Inspiring Women Leaders
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A. Manimekhalai, former Managing Director and CEO of Union Bank of India, has been recognized as one of India’s most inspiring women leaders on the Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List 2025.
This award honors India’s visionary women who are transforming industries, driving growth, and inspiring the next generation.
The recognition follows another prestigious honor she received from President Droupadi Murmu for her outstanding contributions to the Indian banking sector, marking another milestone in her journey of resilience, leadership, and purpose.
Manimekhalai said, “When a woman is empowered, a family is empowered, and through that, a nation is strengthened. This recognition is not just mine. It belongs to every woman who dares to dream, every colleague who believes in teamwork, and every young professional who chooses integrity over shortcuts. Leadership, for me, has always been about responsibility, not position.”
During her time at Union Bank of India, she led a major transformation. The bank’s net profit grew by 243%, rising from Rs 5,232 crore to nearly Rs 18,000 crore in a short period.
Her journey—from a humble upbringing and education in a government school to leading one of India’s largest banks—inspires professionals across India. It shows the power of perseverance, purpose, and self-belief.
She said- “We are all children of India. Our duty is to serve her with integrity, courage, and faith. Every honest act, however small, helps build a stronger nation.”
Controversy of Book Purchase
She was also involved in a big controversy of Book Purchase. During her tenure, Union Bank purchased nearly two lakh copies of a Book of at a cost of ₹7.25 crore. This book is of Shri K.V. Subramanian, the former Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) to the Government of India and former Executive Director (ED) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He was also removed from his service as ED (India) at IMF before completion of tenure.
A lot of questions were raised – Why Union Bank wasted public money in purchasing books. General Manager (GM) of Union Bank was suspended amidst investigation. Click here to read details.
