Suryoday Small Finance Bank has appointed Pankaj Gulati as its new chief people officer and head – corporate social responsibility (CSR). In this dual role, Gulati will also oversee the bank’s marketing and communications functions, leading strategic initiatives to strengthen employee engagement, brand visibility and social impact.
With more than two decades of experience in the banking and financial-services sector, Gulati brings deep expertise in human resources, marketing, and operations.
Before joining Suryoday, Pankaj Gulati served as executive president and head – centre of excellence (CoE) & shared services at AU Small Finance Bank. In this role, he led end-to-end HR operations for more than 50,000 employees across India, supported by a 90-member team. His mandate spanned the entire employee lifecycle—from onboarding and benefits to experience management, performance and rewards. He also oversaw critical verticals such as HR technology, quality & governance, reporting & analytics, employee engagement & communication, and employee relations, ensuring seamless integration and excellence across all people processes.
He has also held key leadership roles at Fincare Small Finance Bank, including CPO, chief marketing officer, and chief operating officer–corporate services. He joined the bank in 2010.
His earlier stints include positions at MetLife India Insurance and HSBC. His experience in employee lifecycle management, HR technology, and performance systems is expected to enhance the bank’s talent strategy and operational efficiency.
An alumnus of IIM Bangalore, Gulati holds a BSc in computer science from St Stephens College. Gulati’s appointment marks a significant step in Suryoday’s journey toward strengthening its human capital and sustainability agenda.
