Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Personal Information
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

George John

Thrissur

Summary

  • Instrumental in the evolution of ESAF Group institutions headquartered in Kerala, serving as the first employee. The career journey spans from ESAF NGO's program coordinator to the Executive Vice President (EVP) of ESAF Small Finance Bank, a publicly listed scheduled commercial bank with operations expanded into 23 states & Union Territory.
  • Over three decades in the Financial Services, Banking, Development sector, and Microfinance, provided transformative leadership, involving strategic decision-making and oversight of various functions. Expertise extends to managing critical business verticals, including Finance, Treasury, IT, Operations, Strategy and Planning, Third Party Products, Sustainability banking, MIS, and Digital & Alternative Banking.
  • Driven by a commitment to the organization's DNA, conceptualized "integrated Microfinance," addressing development gaps in Education, Health, Water and sanitation, Environment, Energy efficiency, Public space, and Housing.
  • Proficient in strategic planning and management, the ESAF SFB’s IPO resulted in an oversubscription of 77 times and a 19% premium listing. Currently overseeing and demonstrating capability in managing control and support functions at ESAF.
  • Extensive pan-India exposure and experience collaborating with regulatory bodies, government financial institutions, and industry forums bring a comprehensive understanding of the sector. Serving as a Board Member at MFIN (SRO for Microfinance institutions), contributes necessary experience in policy advocacy, regulatory compliance, and governance.
  • Skillful in managing large teams and mentoring future leaders, emphasizes the importance of professional growth and development within the organization.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Vice President (IT & Ops)

ESAF Small Finance Bank -HQ
06.2022 - Current
  • Overseeing and providing strategic directions to Bank’s all vertical including in financial management and business expansion.
  • Oversaw ESAF Bank's successful listing with a 77-fold subscription and a 19% listing premium.
  • Spearheading IT and digital transformation of the bank,

Executive Vice President (Business)

ESAF Small Finance Bank -HQ
06.2018 - 01.2022
  • Spearheaded all Bank Business products & Channels, Strategy, Credit, and treasury operations, significantly expanding banking outlets from 109 to 600 across 22 states.
  • Instrumental in growth of total business from Rs. 6,970 Crs to Rs. 26,600 Crs.
  • Launched and operationalised Agri, Gold Loan and MSME, contributing to diversification and growth.
  • Developed and implemented digital automation in Retail Assets and introduced Tab banking for efficient account opening, aligning with digital transformation strategy.
  • Successfully launched e Agency Banking model to provide door step services to banking customers, leveraging in-built technology solutions.
  • Established separate Credit Monitoring and Administration department, enhancing overall risk management.
  • Started functioning of separate Collections team that has helped bank to maintain portfolio quality significantly.
  • Guided overall business strategy process of bank and successfully drafted business strategy document.
  • Streamlined organizational structure by separating product and channel verticals.
  • Separate BC channel was created that has been critical in scaling bank’s business across geographies.
  • Successfully implemented branch score card across branches that rate branches on business performance, risk and compliance, customer service and sustainability.
  • Successfully launched gold loan portfolio for bank and as on date, portfolio currently stands at 13% of overall asset portfolio.
  • Provided strategic guidance during global pandemic, ensuring seamless operations.
  • Oversaw HR, Marketing, and Credit departments.

Senior Vice President & Head Micro Banking

ESAF Small Finance Bank -HQ
03.2017 - 06.2018
  • As founder member of bank’s transformation project, successfully started ESAF Bank’s operations in March 2017.
  • As Head of Micro Banking Business pan India, significantly grew Micro Banking portfolio from INR 2400 Crs to INR 4100 Crs, and increased number of borrowers from 10 lakhs to 17 lakhs. The vertical also successfully opened 24 lakh Jandhan SB accounts.
  • Developed and implemented mobility solution linked with ekyc based on boarding for Micro Banking segments for efficient client on-boarding and loan processing & Disbursement.
  • Conceptualized and established Business Correspondent model, strategic initiative for bank, and designed a successful Micro RD and Agent Banking models. This approach significantly contributed to achieving INR 125 Crs CASA within first 12 months through micro-banking customers.
  • Managed a portfolio of INR 41 billion with a remarkable repayment rate of 98.80% post-demonetization, demonstrating strong risk management and compliance skills.

General Manager (Micro Finance Business)

ESAF Micro Finance & Investment (P) Ltd- HQ
06.2013 - 03.2017
  • ed transformation and restructuring of ESAF Micro Finance process. Expanded business from 160 branches in 7 states to 309 in 11 states, significantly growing portfolio from INR 6 billion to INR 23 billion, Borrowers grew from 0.38 million (March 14) to 1.11 million (March 17).
  • Handled additional responsibility of ESAF IT department for 2 years.
  • Re-engineered business processes, including establishing centralised loan processing centre and implementing Br.Net core LMS solution.
  • Designed and launched new loan products focused on water sanitation and renewable energy, contributing to environmental sustainability, and earning carbon credits.
  • Maintained high portfolio quality with 99.70% repayment rate and reduced Principle at Risk to 0.20% pre-demonetization.
  • Designed and launched loan products for water sanitation and renewable energy
  • Promoted non-conventional energy products (Solar and smokeless stove) through Microfinance platforms and saved 3.45 lakh Tons of carbon, thus earning INR 2.80 Crs as carbon credit.

Zonal Head (Central & North Zone)

ESAF Micro Finance & Investment (P) Ltd
03.2008 - 03.2013
  • Led strategic transformation of ESAF from an NGO to an NBFC.
  • Managed comprehensive zonal responsibilities, including Business, Finance, Administration, HR, Internal Audit, and MIS.
  • Established new processes and systems for microfinance operations, enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery.
  • Expanded ESAF’s microfinance business into new regions including Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Introduced ground breaking programs integrating microfinance with water and sanitation, renewable energy, and slum rehabilitation, a first in India’s microfinance sector.
  • Launched solar program for slum dwellers and street vendors.

Associate Director

ESAF Foundation
06.2004 - 03.2008
  • Spearheaded ESAF’s expansion into new states, establishing operations in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
  • Concentrated on rural penetration especially to rural and tribal districts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
  • Bridged microfinance with key development areas such as community health, education, WASH, gender issues, and public space advocacy, demonstrating a holistic approach to rural and tribal district penetration.
  • Launched "Street Bank," a unique loan product tailored for street vendors.
  • Implemented impactful development programs through partnerships with government bodies and international agencies like Water.org, Health Bridge Foundation of Canada, CHF International, ILO, etc.

Senior Manager

ESAF Foundation
04.2002 - 05.2004
  • Headed the Micro Enterprise Development program & expansion of business
  • Introduced Entrepreneurship Development Programmes for clients.
  • Reengineered MIS and Microfinance process based on Joint Liability Group model.
  • Headed the Jalandhi (water & sanitation project funded by Government of Kerala) project and successfully completed in Pazhaynur Panchayat
  • Initiated linking of Health, Entrepreneurship programs with micro-credit programs.

Program Manager

ESAF Foundation
07.1998 - 03.2000
  • Expanded Microfinance program to Palakkad, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Idukki districts in Kerala
  • Established branches and experimented with microfinance for different client groups- High range, coastal areas, etc.
  • Managed all other social development programmes like career guidance and health education. - Got trained under Prof. Muhammad Yunus at Grameen Bank, Bangladesh.

Program Coordinator

ESAF Foundation - Thrissur
08.1994 - 04.1996
  • Initiated ESAF Micro Enterprise Development program by forming 1st Microfinance group
  • Undertaken the community development programs, finance, and administration.
  • Co-ordinated natural disaster management, Career Guidance Programs, and Health Education.
  • Initiated Financial literacy programs and HIV AIDS awareness programs.

Education

MBA - Fintech

BITS
Pilani, RJ
01.2022

Master of Arts - Social Work

Karve Institute of Social Services Pune, University of Poona
Pune, MH
01.1998

Graduation - B Com - Commerce

CMS College, Mahatma Gandhi University
Kottayam, KL
01.1994

Skills

  • Strategic Leadership in Banking Operations
  • Microfinance and Financial inclusion with focus on rural penetration
  • Digital Transformation and Technology Integration
  • Business expansion & Diversification
  • Risk Management and Compliance
  • Data driven decision making
  • People Leadership and Team Development
  • Policy Advocacy and Governance:
  • Business Process Re-engineering

Languages

English, Malayalam, Hindi

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 09/08/1973
  • Gender: Male
  • Nationality: Indian
  • Marital Status: Married

Accomplishments

  • A remarkable journey from ESAF NGO's ‘program coordinator’ to the Executive Vice President (EVP)
  • Successful listing of ESAF SFB’s IPO, resulting in an oversubscription of 77 times and a 19% premium listing.
  • Instrumental in leading ESAF Bank to its highest profit since inception in FY 23
  • Successfully introduced e-signatures for microloan disbursal's, making the entire journey paperless for the customers.
  • ESAF SFB successfully bagged the best banking initiative in the social sector under the BFSI Excellence Awards 2023 and Inclusive Finance Indian Awards 2022 for the bank’s contributions in advancing the goal of financial inclusion and inclusive growth.
  • Successfully launched the Agency Banking model to provide door step services to the banking customers
  • Successfully launched the gold loan for the bank
  • The bank has won the Outstanding Marketing Initiative of the Year under the ETBFSI Excellent Awards 2023
  • Established a centralised loan processing centre and implementing Br.Net core LMS solution.
  • Maintained a high portfolio quality with a 99.70% repayment rate and reduced Principle at Risk to 0.20% pre-demonetization.

Timeline

Executive Vice President (IT & Ops)

ESAF Small Finance Bank -HQ
06.2022 - Current

Executive Vice President (Business)

ESAF Small Finance Bank -HQ
06.2018 - 01.2022

Senior Vice President & Head Micro Banking

ESAF Small Finance Bank -HQ
03.2017 - 06.2018

General Manager (Micro Finance Business)

ESAF Micro Finance & Investment (P) Ltd- HQ
06.2013 - 03.2017

Zonal Head (Central & North Zone)

ESAF Micro Finance & Investment (P) Ltd
03.2008 - 03.2013

Associate Director

ESAF Foundation
06.2004 - 03.2008

Senior Manager

ESAF Foundation
04.2002 - 05.2004

Program Manager

ESAF Foundation
07.1998 - 03.2000

Program Coordinator

ESAF Foundation - Thrissur
08.1994 - 04.1996

MBA - Fintech

BITS

Master of Arts - Social Work

Karve Institute of Social Services Pune, University of Poona

Graduation - B Com - Commerce

CMS College, Mahatma Gandhi University

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