BIM DAA 2024
BIM Distinguished Alumni Awards
Praveen Achuthan Kutty
The BIM Distinguished Alumnus Award venerates the extraordinary accomplishments of BIM’s illustrious alumni, a distinguished global network exceeding 4,500 professionals, encompassing influential CXOs, visionary entrepreneurs, and esteemed academics. These accolades pay tribute to individuals who have left an indelible mark on both industry and society, while serving as pivotal figures in BIM’s ascent through their invaluable academic mentorship.
Mr. Praveen Achuthan Kutty, Managing Director & CEO of DCB Bank, & an alumna of BIM 6th Batch; was conferred with this award.
With over 33 years in banking, Mr. Praveen Achuthan Kutty, currently the Managing Director & CEO of DCB Bank, has led pivotal divisions like Retail, Agri, and SME Banking. Prior to his 17 years at DCB, he had a successful career at Citibank India and North America, managing diverse consumer banking businesses. He notably transformed the Suvidha remote banking model into a profitable venture and directed Citibank’s NRI Business in New York. He holds a B.Com and an MBA.
Kabir Ahmed Shakir
Honouring the profound contributions of its renowned alumni, the BIM Distinguished Alumnus Award acknowledges a global cadre of over 4,500 distinguished professionals, including high-ranking executives, pioneering entrepreneurs, and accomplished scholars. This prestigious recognition salutes those who have made transformative impacts on the industry and society, while significantly shaping BIM’s legacy through dedicated scholarly engagement.
Mr. Kabir Ahmed Shakir, Chief Financial Officer of Tata Communications, Mumbai, & an alumna of BIM 8th Batch; was conferred with this award.
Kabir Ahmed Shakir, Chief Financial Officer at Tata Communications, brings 30 years of experience in driving business growth and operational excellence across industries. He previously led finance for Microsoft India and spent 23 years at Unilever, holding global roles including CFO of the Skin Care category. He currently serves on multiple boards and is a tech enthusiast, angel investor, and startup mentor.
Kalpana Ajayan
The BIM Distinguished Alumnus Award extols the remarkable achievements of its revered alumni, a prestigious network of over 4,500 global professionals, comprising influential CXOs, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and distinguished academics. These awards celebrate those whose exceptional influence has reverberated through industry and society, while playing a formative role in BIM’s academic enrichment and institutional advancement.
Ms. Kalpana Ajayan, Regional Head, South Asia, Women’s World Banking, & an alumna of BIM 6th Batch; was conferred with this award.
Ms. Kalpana Ajayan, Regional Head for South Asia at Women’s World Banking, has over 25 years in financial services. She has held leadership roles in Citibank, HSBC, and Edelweiss, with expertise in strategy, HR, and customer experience. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, she is also a certified mental health counselor and advisor to key non-profits in India.