The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed Ravi Shankar as its new Executive Director (ED) on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Shankar, a career central banker with over three decades of experience at the RBI, previously served as adviser-in-charge of the department of statistics and information management.
Background and Expertise
Shankar holds a Master’s Degree in Statistics from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), a Diploma in Development Policy and Planning from the Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi, and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (CAIIB). His extensive experience spans corporate and banking statistics, government securities market operations, settlement systems, debt management, and surveys within the RBI.
Key Contributions and New Role
In his previous role, Shankar played a significant part in shaping data and policy-related initiatives at the central bank. He has also been a member of several committees and working groups focusing on macroeconomic statistics and policy issues. In his new capacity as Executive Director, Shankar will oversee the department of statistics and information management, continuing to drive the RBI's data and analytical functions.
Impact and Significance
This appointment underscores the RBI's emphasis on strengthening its statistical and information management capabilities. Shankar's long tenure and deep expertise are expected to enhance the bank's policy formulation and data-driven decision-making processes.
