Karnataka Bank Limited, a leading private sector bank headquartered in Mangaluru, has announced a significant leadership development with the appointment of Mr. Raja B S as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the bank. The appointment was made under Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, and the disclosure has been shared with both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on September 4, 2025.

As per the official communication, Mr. Raja B S has been appointed as COO in the rank of Chief General Manager (CGM) for a period of two years on a contract basis, effective from September 4, 2025. His appointment comes after he opted for Voluntary Retirement from the services of the bank on September 3, 2025, making a seamless transition into his new role.

This announcement marks an important milestone in Karnataka Bank’s leadership structure, as the position of COO carries responsibility for streamlining operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, enhancing efficiency, and driving strategic initiatives across the bank’s vast network.

Professional Journey of Raja B S

Mr. Raja B S has had a long-standing and illustrious career spanning more than 35 years at Karnataka Bank. He joined the institution as a Probationary Officer in 1990 and steadily rose through the ranks due to his strong leadership skills, deep understanding of banking operations, and commitment to the bank’s growth.

Over the decades, he has served in multiple key roles:

• Branch Head (Scale I, II, III) at Hindupur, Turuvekere, Kakinada, Tadapatri, and Vishakapatnam.

• Chief Manager (Scale IV) in critical departments including Vigilance, Human Resources, and Industrial Relations at the Head Office.

• Regional Head (Scale V and VI) at Regional Offices in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, managing branch operations and business expansion.

• Department Head (Scale VI) in strategic divisions like Planning and Development, New Business, Transformation Cell, and Credit Sales Department (Large and Mid-Corporates).

He was promoted to the cadre of General Manager (Scale VII) in March 2021, following which he handled several major portfolios, including:

• Branch Banking Department

• Human Resources and Industrial Relations (CLO role)

• Credit Marketing Department

• Legal and Recovery Department

• Inspection and Audit (HIA role)

• IS Audit Department

• Operations Department

Most recently, he served as General Manager in charge of Branch Banking Department from March 1, 2025, until September 3, 2025, and also took additional charge of the Operations Department from August 5, 2025, till September 3, 2025.

His diverse leadership roles and extensive banking expertise positioned him as the right choice for the role of COO, enabling Karnataka Bank to leverage his experience in driving the institution’s operational excellence and digital transformation.

Strategic Importance of the Appointment

The role of Chief Operating Officer in a bank is vital for ensuring smooth business continuity, enhancing customer experience, and implementing effective risk management systems. For Karnataka Bank, which has been working to strengthen its presence in both retail and corporate banking while advancing its digital initiatives, the appointment of a seasoned professional like Raja B S reflects its commitment to stability and growth.

The decision also aligns with SEBI’s emphasis on transparency and governance, as reflected in the disclosure under the SEBI circulars and master circulars. By making this announcement to both NSE and BSE, Karnataka Bank reinforces its adherence to regulatory obligations while keeping investors and stakeholders informed.

Impact on Karnataka Bank’s Future

This leadership change comes at a time when Indian banks are rapidly adapting to evolving technologies, stricter regulatory requirements, and increasing competition. With Raja B S stepping into the role of COO, Karnataka Bank is expected to strengthen:

• Operational efficiency through better process management and resource allocation.

• Digital adoption by accelerating the use of technology in banking services.

• Customer-centric services by enhancing branch-level and digital experiences.

• Credit and risk management through his prior expertise in handling credit portfolios and recovery processes.

Given his wide-ranging exposure in both operational and strategic areas, he is likely to contribute significantly to Karnataka Bank’s transformation journey, helping it achieve sustainable growth in the coming years.

Market and Investor Perspective

From an investor standpoint, leadership appointments such as this are closely monitored, as they often signal continuity, stability, and strategic direction. Karnataka Bank shares, traded under the symbol KTKBANK on NSE and 532652 on BSE, may see renewed investor confidence with this development, as leadership stability often strengthens a company’s growth outlook.

Conclusion

The appointment of Raja B S as the Chief Operating Officer of Karnataka Bank marks not just a leadership transition but also highlights the bank’s focus on operational excellence, strategic growth, and regulatory compliance. With over three decades of service, his elevation to the COO role is a testament to the bank’s commitment to rewarding internal talent and leveraging their vast experience for institutional progress.

As Karnataka Bank continues to strengthen its retail, corporate, and digital banking strategies, stakeholders can expect his leadership to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the institution. The move reflects the bank’s broader ambition of consolidating its position as a trusted family bank across India, while embracing innovation and efficiency under the guidance of experienced leaders like Raja B S.

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