Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Previous Assignments
Accomplishments
Professional Memberships
Personal Information
Timeline
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RAJ GARG

Senior Vice President, Head Business Planning and Innovation - Retail Trade and Forex

Summary

Results driven banking professional with over 20 years of experience in leading strategic planning and innovation initiatives with the country's largest private sector bank. Adept at designing and implementing tech-oriented customer service and experience solutions and drive business growth. Proven expertise in business and market share growth for the bank as Branch Manager and Cluster Head across geographies and markets. Known for customer centric approach and business leadership skills.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Head: Business Planning, Innovation and Strategic Alliances

HDFC Bank Ltd
06.2022 - Current

Leading Business Planning for Retail Trade and Forex (RTFX) Division, managing strategic initiatives, innovation, and customer experience optimization. Key responsibilities include:

  • Business Strategy & Enablement: Designing and implementing strategic business plans, identifying new revenue streams, and forming impactful business partnerships.
  • Performance Management: Enhancing efficiency through advanced MIS tools, scorecards, and resource productivity tracking for over 1,000 Trade Specialists generating revenue exceeding ₹4,000 Crores.
  • Innovation & Market Development: Introducing new internal processes, exploring untapped market segments, and improving customer journey frameworks.
  • Sales Process Optimization: Developing and monitoring sales workflows to ensure scalability and operational excellence.
  • Competitive Analysis: Conducting market research and competition analysis to improve market share and drive growth.

Cluster Head: Retail Branch Banking

HDFC Bank Ltd
04.2019 - 06.2022

Managed and scaled operations across 14 branches in Faridkot and Ludhiana districts of Punjab. Key contributions include:

  • Achieved consistent top-10 rankings as Cluster Head (PAN India) through strategic business development, team capability building, and market expansion.
  • Delivered growth in CASA, assets, third-party products, and cross-sell opportunities, increasing market share in key geographies.
  • Championed Best-in-Class Customer Experience, maintaining high service quality standards.
  • Oversaw a ₹5,000 Crore portfolio while fostering a highly motivated and productive team culture.
  • Ensured compliance with audit and regulatory requirements while maintaining top-tier service quality metrics.

Branch Head: Retail Branch Banking

HDFC Bank Ltd
04.2011 - 03.2019

Spearheaded operations for high-performing branches, delivering both financial and service excellence. Key responsibilities included:

  • Achieved business targets across multiple products, including CASA, TPP, assets, and retail forex.
  • Led new branch profitability and ensured efficient break-even timelines while maintaining stringent compliance with audit guidelines and regulatory frameworks.
  • Enhanced service quality through proactive complaint management and customer-centric operations.
  • Built and mentored high-performing teams, fostering leadership and skill development.
  • Headed largest Industrial branches (Ludhiana Millerganj, Sunder Nagar, Focal Point and SURU branch, Amargarh)

Branch Ops Manager: RBB

HDFC Bank Ltd
03.2007 - 04.2011
  • Managed end-to-end branch operations, including customer service, audit, and compliance.
  • Ensured excellence in service delivery and operational efficiency to drive business growth.

Education

MBA - Finance

Kurukshetra University
01.2002 - 01.2005

Bachelor in Commerce -

Govt. Bikram College of Commerce
01.1997 - 01.2000

Skills

Previous Assignments

  • Foodspeed Ltd, London (UK), Sep 2006 - Jan 2007, Accounts Administrator
  • Eastman Cast and Forge Ltd, Ludhiana, Apr 2006 – Aug 2006, Executive Finance
  • IICSS P Ltd, Patiala, May 2000 – Jun 2004, Manager

Accomplishments

  • Launched Tradexpress Newsletter—the industry's first hyper-personalized newsletter featuring insights on market trends, currency forecasts, government schemes, and trade shows. This was recognized by senior management and the Government of India (Ministry of Commerce & Industry).
  • Conducted extensive market scoping and research using tech tools, increasing the bank's market share in the export-import segment to a level way above the organic growth rates.
  • As Cluster Head, led HDFC Bank to achieve the #1 Market Share in Faridkot and Working Capital leadership in Ludhiana.
  • Headed Sunder Nagar Branch, achieving #1 PAN India status in Working Capital Limits for three consecutive years.
  • Gold Awards for exceptional contribution towards Current Account acquisition in Ludhiana's hosiery market.
  • Personal commendations from Mr. Aditya Puri (Founding MD) and Mr. Navin Puri (Country Head) for outstanding contributions.

Professional Memberships

Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI), Kolkata

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 05/27/79
  • Gender: Male

Timeline

Head: Business Planning, Innovation and Strategic Alliances

HDFC Bank Ltd
06.2022 - Current

Cluster Head: Retail Branch Banking

HDFC Bank Ltd
04.2019 - 06.2022

Branch Head: Retail Branch Banking

HDFC Bank Ltd
04.2011 - 03.2019

Branch Ops Manager: RBB

HDFC Bank Ltd
03.2007 - 04.2011

MBA - Finance

Kurukshetra University
01.2002 - 01.2005

Bachelor in Commerce -

Govt. Bikram College of Commerce
01.1997 - 01.2000
RAJ GARGSenior Vice President, Head Business Planning and Innovation - Retail Trade and Forex