Axis Bank has appointed Rahul Shukla, a former senior executive at HDFC Bank, as group head of its Commercial and Bharat Banking business.

Shukla, who will assume his new role from 19 October, is expected to give a push to Axis Bank’s small businesses and rural and semi-urban markets.

Shukla, 57, has more than three decades of experience in wholesale, corporate, investment, commercial and rural banking in India and elsewhere in Asia. 

At HDFC Bank, he headed the commercial and rural banking group, having previously led its wholesale banking division.

Before joining HDFC Bank, he held senior positions at Citi, including head of the South Asia Corporate Bank and head of Asia-Pacific technology, media and telecom investment banking.

Shukla brings expertise in managing large banking franchises, business strategy and franchise building, with a track record of scaling businesses, improving returns and establishing leading market positions, Axis Bank said in a regulatory filing.