Namita Vikas

Group President & Global Head – Climate Strategy & Responsible Banking at YES BANK

My experience and deep interests:

• Sustainability

I am based in: Mumbai

Other projects and organizations include: International WBCSD Leading Women Award 2017

As a senior business leader with 28 years of diverse global experience in Banking, Technology & Consumer Goods, I particularly focus on Sustainable Finance, Climate Action, ESG Risk Management, Public Policy & Corporate Citizenship.

In 2017, I received global recognition as “Leading Women in Business Sustainability" by World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and was also recognised as "Sustainability Leader of the Year" by Ethical Corporation, UK.

With a deep understanding of innovation, green banking & mainstreaming sustainability, I have been able to demonstrate large-scale impact through institution building & innovative products. A strong track record of transformational leadership & experienced in running large business units has enabled me to create sustained stakeholder value.

A certified independent director, I have been instrumental in maintaining gender diversity in my current business role. With domain expertise & specialisation in climate strategy, responsible banking, SDGs & blended finance & ESG in my current role, I have been able to create large-scale positive impact & sustainable development projects, incubating social enterprises, public policy, research and triple bottom line accounting.

Elected as Chairperson of UN Natural Capital Finance Alliance, Chairperson of UNGC, West, I also serve on boards of YES FOUNDATION, Asia Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), UNEP-FI Banking Commission, World Resource Institute - India GHG Program, and Indian Centre for CSR (ICCSR). I am an active member of key Indian industry associations like BIS, CII, FICCI, IMC & BCCI. I am also a regular speaker at the United Nations, national & international platforms and academic institutions.

Proficient in building, leading brands & public institutions, throughout my management positions with Marico, Microsoft Corporation and CII, I have served as Jury member on prestigious awards including World Bank''s Development Marketplace, TATA Innovista & Americares Social Entrepreneurship Awards.

Through this program, I believe I would be able to share these unique experiences that may be utilized within peer organizations to establish a business case for sustainability and emerging with cohesive models that contribute to the triple bottom line, i.e. economic and social development, a healthy environment and stable society.