Asirvad Microfinance, a microfinance institution and a subsidiary of Manappuram Finance, announced the appointment of Dr Roy Varghese as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Unnikrishnan Janardanan as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
With over 33 years of distinguished experience in the banking sector, Dr Varghese brings deep expertise in retail and corporate banking, foreign exchange, and financial inclusion. He has held senior leadership roles at institutions such as Axis Bank, IDBI Bank, Jana Small Finance Bank, and CSB Bank. His in-depth knowledge of rural credit, agri-finance, and micro-lending uniquely positions him to steer Asirvad’s strategic direction. As CEO, Dr Varghese will lead the organisation’s overall growth, enhance operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive nationwide business expansion.
Unnikrishnan Janardanan brings over 30 years of experience in banking, financial services, and microfinance. Most recently, he served as CEO of Navachetana Microfin Services, where he led the company’s expansion across multiple states over six years. His previous roles include leadership positions at ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, DCB Bank, and Bajaj Auto Finance. As COO, Janardanan will focus on operational excellence, service delivery, and business integration across Asirvad.
The Board of Asirvad Microfinance said, “We are delighted to welcome Dr Roy Varghese and Mr Unnikrishnan Janardanan to the Asirvad team. Their vast experience in financial services, deep understanding of rural markets, and commitment to inclusive finance will further our mission of transforming lives through responsible microfinance. We are confident that, under their leadership, Asirvad will continue to scale new heights and deepen its impact across the communities we serve.”
