New Delhi, July 1 -- HDFC Bank's board has appointed former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar as its new part-time (non-executive) Chairman for a four-year term, months after the abrupt resignation of his predecessor Atanu Chakraborty.

He is best known for playing a key role in strengthening the country's public sector banks through major banking reforms and later serving as the poll panel chief, During this tenure as the CEC, he also oversaw the 2024 Lok Sabha polls that witnessed record voter participation.

Lenders in India often appoint retired bureaucrats or central bankers as board chairmen, relying on their expertise in public administration, policymaking and regulation to handle the country's complex institutional and...