Axis Capital Appoints Atul Mehra as MD and CEO

Axis Capital has appointed Atul Mehra as the managing director and CEO (designate), subject to receipt of requisite approvals, said a statement issued by the investment bank on Monday.

Mehra will oversee both the investment banking and institutional equities businesses of the company, Axis Capital said, adding that the appointment underscores its commitment to fortifying its leadership team and reinforcing its position as a preferred investment banking partner.

Salil Pitale, who served as the MD and co-CEO for five years, has decided to move on, it said.


Mehra has previously served as joint MD at JM Financial. He has more than 32 years of experience across leading Indian companies, and has led some marquee equity capital markets (ECM) and mergers and acquisitions transactions in both domestic and international markets.

In conjunction with his appointment, the firm has brought on board Parag Gude, a former Morgan Stanley executive, as the chief operating officer-institutional equities and Dhaval Desai as head of cash equities.

“Over the past decade, Axis Capital has led the ECM and advisory league tables, increased market share in equities and derivatives and built a strong research team,” said Amitabh Chaudhry, chairperson, Axis Capital. “In line with Axis Bank’s stated objective of strengthening the investment banking and institutional equities businesses, I am delighted to welcome Atul to Axis Capital. I am confident that he will strengthen the business and further cement its leadership position.”

Mehra said, “The Indian investment banking landscape is at an inflection point with the India story finding resonance across the globe. Leading an investment bank like Axis Capital is a very exciting proposition.”