PNB Housing Finance appoints Ajai Kumar Shukla as MD and CEO

NEW DELHI: PNB Housing Finance has a new hand on the tiller. The housing lender said Ajai Kumar Shukla has assumed charge as managing director and chief executive officer with effect from December 18, 2025, marking a leadership reset as the company charts its next growth cycle.

The appointment, approved by the board on the recommendation of the nomination and remuneration committee, is for a five-year term and follows receipt of regulatory clearances. The company had earlier informed stock exchanges of the decision.

Shukla brings more than three decades of experience in housing and mortgage lending. He joins from Tata Capital Housing Finance, where he spent 16 years in senior leadership roles spanning business growth, credit, risk management, valuation, digital transformation and affordable housing finance. Earlier stints include ICICI Bank and LIC Housing Finance.

D Surendran, chairperson and non-executive nominee director, said Shukla’s domain depth and execution track record would be critical as the lender strengthens its franchise and sharpens its focus on sustainable growth and customer trust.

Shukla called the role a timely opportunity, saying the company was well placed to align with India’s housing ambitions while pushing operational excellence, innovation and inclusive growth.

With a seasoned operator at the helm, PNB Housing Finance is signalling intent. In a tightening market, experience, it seems, is back in fashion.