TRI | India Rural Colloquy 2023

Dhruvi Shah

Dhruvi Shah

Executive Trustee and Chief Executive Officer, Axis Bank Foundation

Dhruvi Shah is the Executive Trustee and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Axis Bank Foundation. In her current role, she heads the Foundation’s programmes which aim to create sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities by bolstering and diversifying their streams of income. Before taking up the role of CEO in November 2020, Dhruvi had been the Head of Programs at Axis Bank Foundation since 2016.

Dhruvi has over 24 years of experience spanning banking, microfinance and rural development. Before joining Axis Bank Foundation, Dhruvi was with The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) N.V (Formerly known as ABN AMRO Bank N.V) for 18 years where she shaped their philanthropy and corporate citizenship engagement.

In 2008, Dhruvi took up the responsibility of ABN AMRO’s ‘Sustainable Development and Not-for-Profit Management’ vertical. She was instrumental in the establishment of the RBS Foundation India, where she used her deep understanding of banking and microfinance to lead their operations, systems and processes.

Dhruvi is also the curator and author of ‘The Book of Aspiration’ – a collection of inspirational memoirs from social leaders. She spends her time guiding emerging social entrepreneurs and youth who wish to make a difference. She likes to travel to the hinterlands of the country to understand rural communities and cultures. As an avid reader, she focuses on understanding the interconnectedness and influence of culture on people’s lives and interactions with nature & things.