Veteran banker KV Kamath spoke to Hook at Fortune India’s event celebrating India’s Best CEOs 2025, where he reflected on receiving a lifetime achievement award, the biggest challenges of his career, why every leader today must think like a tech entrepreneur, and the simple “secret sauce” that keeps him motivated in a time of rapid change.
He describes the honour as deeply humbling
In a world full of challenges, Kamath says recognition feels even more meaningful today. Accepting such an award, he believes, requires humility and a moment to acknowledge the journey that brought him here.
Building ICICI: India vs. Global
Reflecting on his time building institutions in India and abroad, Kamath says both roles were challenging in different ways. In India, it meant building from the ground up during a period of rapid transformation. Globally, the challenge was managing five countries, multiple cultures and diverse working styles. For him, the core of institution-building comes down to the thought behind it and the speed of execution.
Why Every Banker Needs a Tech Mindset
Kamath has long been a strong advocate for technology in banking, well before it became the norm. His advice for young bankers today is clear: think like a tech entrepreneur. It’s not enough to simply understand technology. Leaders at every level must internalise global tech shifts and apply them within their institutions.
Navigating Decades of Change
Kamath calls his post-1996 career a series of continuous challenges. ICICI was stuck between the pre-1990 and post-1990 eras, and 1996 sat right in the middle of this shift. He had to understand rapid economic, structural and technological changes, and steer the organisation through them.
Instead of seeing challenges as burdens, he treated them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Staying Motivated After a Long Career
Despite decades in leadership roles, Kamath’s drive hasn’t faded. He credits the fast pace of change around us, especially in the current decade as his biggest source of motivation. Every morning, he says, is a reminder that there is still more to learn.
