SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Bay Area-based Bank of the West has tapped the services of Indian-American Nandita Bakhshi, naming her as the institutions next president and chief executive officer. Additionally, the $75.7 billion-asset unit of the French banking giant BNP Paribas announced outgoing CEO Michael Shepherd will take up a new role as chairman of BNP Paribas USA.
Bakhshi will join as the bank’s president and CEO-designate on April 1, and officially take control of the role beginning June 1. Previously, she held several key roles at TD Bank, most recently serving as executive vice president and head of North American direct channels. Before that she had been head of consumer banking in the U.S., overseeing a network of more than 1,300 branches stretching from Maine to Florida. Her 28-year career in the banking world has spanned across multiple institutions, including top posts at Washington Mutual, FleetBoston and First Data.
Stefaan Decraene, head of international retail banking for BNP Paribas, extended his congratulations to Bakhshi in a press release.
“We are pleased to welcome Nandita Bakhshi to Bank of the West. Her extensive experience in product and distribution, coupled with her visionary thinking, relentless customer focus and values-driven philosophy will serve us well in taking Bank of the West to greater heights,” Decraene said.
Shepherd extended a similar sentiment, describing his pleasure with the announcement.
“I am very pleased that Nandita Bakhshi is joining Bank of the West. Her energy, innovative ideas and proven record of accomplishments are a great combination with our strong franchise and corporate culture,” he said.
Bakhshi, in a statement, shared her excitement to become a part of the BNP Paribas family.
“I am excited to join Bank of the West, one of America’s most reputable banks,” Bakhshi said in a statement. “Bank of the West is well positioned in the U.S. market, and I’m thrilled at the prospect of leading an organization with such a strong focus on customer service.”
She earned her bachelor’s in history at the University of Calcutta and a master’s in international relations and affairs at Jadavpur University. In 2002, she was honored by receiving the New England News’ “Woman of the Year” award. In 2015, Bakhshi was named as one of the “25 Women to Watch” by American Banker. She also serves on the board of the Consumer Bankers Association.
