Asirvad Microfinance Ltd announces senior management appointments Dr Roy Varghese appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Mr Unnikrishnan Janardanan, Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Asirvad Microfinance Limited, one of India’s leading microfinance institutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Roy Varghese as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Mr Unnikrishnan Janardanan, Chief Operating Officer (COO). These key leadership appointments underscore Asirvad’s commitment to inclusive growth, sound governance, and expanding access to financial services for underserved communities across India.
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.
Joining him on the leadership team is Mr Unnikrishnan Janardanan, who has been appointed COO. He brings over 30 years of experience in banking, financial services, and microfinance. Most recently, he served as CEO of Navachetana Microfin Services Pvt Ltd, 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, Mr Janardanan will focus on operational excellence, service delivery, and business integration across Asirvad.
Commenting on the appointments, 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.”
A subsidiary of Manappuram Finance Ltd, Asirvad Microfinance remains steadfast in its mission to provide financial services to underserved segments of society. With these appointments, the company reinforces its strategic focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and empowerment.
About Asirvad Microfinance Ltd:
Founded in 2007, Asirvad Microfinance Ltd is dedicated to fostering financial inclusion by providing income-generating loans to underserved and low-income communities. Initially focused on Tamil Nadu, today the company has expanded its presence across India. Since becoming a subsidiary of Manappuram Finance Ltd in 2015, Asirvad has experienced strong growth, diversifying its product offerings and deepening its outreach. The company remains committed to supporting entrepreneurial ambition and building sustainable financial stability across its customer base.
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Mr Unnikrishnan Janardanan, Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Dr Roy Varghese as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
