ARUNDHATI BHATTACHARYA HONOURED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO of Salesforce South Asia, has received the Lifetime Achievement award at BT India’s Best CEOs. Celebrated for her transformative leadership at State Bank of India and her current role at Salesforce, she embodies resilience, adaptability and vision, setting benchmarks for future-ready corporate leadership in India.  

Arundhati Bhattacharya’s career has been defined by a rare combination of resilience, foresight and adaptability, qualities that have now been recognised with the Lifetime Achievement award at BT India’s Best CEOs. The honour celebrates her journey from the helm of India’s largest bank to her current role leading Salesforce in South Asia, underscoring her ability to navigate change while shaping institutions for the future.  

As the first woman to chair the State Bank of India, Bhattacharya oversaw one of the most significant periods of transformation in the bank’s history. She championed digital modernisation, streamlined operations, and introduced customer-centric reforms that positioned SBI as a forward-looking institution in an era of rapid technological disruption. Her tenure was marked by decisive leadership during challenging times, including steering the bank through regulatory changes and economic shifts, while ensuring that SBI remained a trusted pillar of India’s financial system.  

Her transition to Salesforce in 2020 signalled a new chapter in her career, one that demonstrated her adaptability and global outlook. At Salesforce, Bhattacharya has been instrumental in expanding the company’s footprint across South Asia, advocating for digital-first strategies and empowering businesses to embrace cloud technologies. Her leadership reflects a deep understanding of how technology can drive growth, innovation and inclusivity in a region that is rapidly redefining its economic and digital landscape.  

The Lifetime Achievement award is not merely a recognition of past accomplishments but a testament to Bhattacharya’s enduring influence on India’s corporate and financial sectors. She embodies the qualities of a leader who is both disciplined and visionary, capable of balancing tradition with innovation. Her journey serves as an inspiration for future leaders, particularly women aspiring to break barriers in industries historically dominated by men.  

By honouring Bhattacharya, BT India’s Best CEOs spotlight the importance of leadership that is not only effective in the present but also anticipates the needs of tomorrow. Her legacy is one of transformation, resilience and future readiness—qualities that continue to shape the evolving narrative of Indian business and global corporate leadership.