HDFC Bank Limited has elevated Sameer Ratolikar to the position of Group Head, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), with effect from December 1, 2025. The Board of Directors approved this elevation following recommendations from the Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, underscoring the Bank’s emphasis on strengthening its cybersecurity leadership at a time of increasing digital risk.
Ratolikar, a widely respected figure in the cybersecurity community, has been instrumental in shaping the Bank’s information security roadmap over the years. Known for his strategic vision, he has led the transformation of the Bank’s digital defence posture, implemented advanced protection frameworks, and fostered a strong culture of cyber awareness within the organization. Under his leadership, the Bank has maintained a robust defence system with zero major vulnerabilities, a testament to the maturity of its security operations.
His role has extended beyond technical oversight, focusing also on regulatory compliance, enterprise-wide security governance, and integration of emerging technologies to safeguard digital assets. Ratolikar has championed several initiatives to strengthen threat detection, prevent cyber incidents, and enhance resilience across the Bank’s rapidly expanding digital footprint.
As Group Head and CISO, Ratolikar will continue to oversee information security strategy while scaling the Bank’s capabilities to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. With financial institutions facing heightened risk from malware, phishing campaigns, advanced persistent threats, and third-party vulnerabilities, his leadership will play a crucial role in ensuring customer trust and operational continuity.
HDFC Bank highlighted that this appointment aligns with its broader strategy to reinforce leadership depth, drive organizational excellence, and strengthen critical functions that support secure digital growth. The Bank reaffirmed that cybersecurity remains a core priority, and Ratolikar’s expanded mandate will enable deeper focus on resilience, governance, and innovation in security.
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