Fresh Faces at the Top: New CEOs Take Charge of Nepal’s Leading Banks

Nepal’s commercial banking sector is witnessing a significant wave of leadership transitions, with several top-tier institutions appointing new Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) over the past year and continuing into 2025. These appointments reflect strategic shifts within the sector as banks adapt to evolving market demands, regulatory changes, and increased competition in the financial landscape.

At Nabil Bank, Manoj Gyawali was appointed CEO in June 2025, marking a new chapter for one of Nepal’s largest commercial banks. Known for his extensive experience in retail and digital banking, Gyawali’s leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the institution’s innovation and customer engagement strategies.

Similarly, Standard Chartered Bank Nepal brought in Gorakh Rana as its new CEO, also in June 2025. With a strong background in risk management and international banking, Rana’s appointment signals the bank’s focus on consolidating its global banking standards while expanding its local market footprint.

Earlier in the year, Govinda Ghimire took over the reins at NMB Bank in April 2025. Ghimire is widely regarded for his expertise in sustainable banking and green finance, aligning well with NMB’s ongoing push toward environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-focused banking practices.

Looking slightly back, Surendra Raj Regmi was appointed CEO of Global IME Bank in August 2024. His appointment is considered crucial as the bank seeks to further integrate its services following recent mergers and expansions. Regmi’s experience in corporate finance and operations is expected to help streamline the bank’s broadening portfolio.

Devendra Khanal assumed the top position at Rastriya Banijya Bank in May 2024. With a strong government backing, Khanal’s leadership is projected to drive reforms aimed at increasing efficiency in the state-owned bank’s operations, digital transformation, and financial inclusion efforts.

At Nepal Bank Limited, one of the oldest banking institutions in the country, Tilak Raj Pandeya was appointed CEO in December 2023. Pandeya brings decades of experience in public banking administration and is tasked with modernizing the institution while preserving its traditional service values.

These leadership changes come at a time when Nepal’s banking industry is undergoing transformation, with increased digitalization, regulatory tightening, and a renewed emphasis on sustainability and governance. The appointments underscore the growing importance of adaptive and visionary leadership in steering the sector toward resilience and growth in a rapidly changing economic environment.