Unnikrishnan Janardhanan has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer at Asirvad Microfinance Limited, bringing with him nearly three decades of experience in financial services, rural banking, and microfinance operations. His new role, which began in June 2025 following a successful stint as Joint COO, places him at the helm of one of India’s fastest-growing microfinance institutions, where he will oversee business operations, drive process excellence, and lead digital and human capital initiatives across the company.
Prior to joining Asirvad Microfinance, Unnikrishnan served as Director at Navachetana Livelihood Private Limited and CEO at Navachetana Microfin Services Pvt Ltd, where he was instrumental in scaling JLG, MSME, housing finance, and two-wheeler lending portfolios. At Navachetana, he led business strategy, HR, operations, and IT, transforming the institution into a well-structured, digitally enabled and field-efficient MFI over a five-year period.
His deep-rooted experience in inclusive banking was sharpened through leadership roles at organizations such as NextRu Livelihoods, DCB Bank, IndusInd Bank, and ICICI Bank, where he held senior roles ranging from State Head – Agri and Inclusive Banking to Regional Head – Government Business and SME Liabilities. His consistent focus on empowering rural and semi-urban financial ecosystems has made him a respected voice in India’s microfinance and livelihood development space.
At Asirvad Microfinance, Unnikrishnan will be responsible for optimizing field operations, strengthening organizational governance, and accelerating the institution’s digital transformation journey. His appointment is expected to bring a sharp focus on operational efficiency, scalability, and people development, aligning with Asirvad’s mission to promote financial inclusion across underserved communities.
Asirvad Microfinance, a subsidiary of Manappuram Finance, has welcomed Unnikrishnan’s appointment as a strategic step toward future-ready leadership. With his vast industry experience and passion for building sustainable livelihood models, Unnikrishnan is well-positioned to lead the company into its next phase of growth and impact.