Renu Sud Karnad, 

As head of India’s largest home financing company, she grew HDFC’s individual loan book by 31% in the past year, taking profits for the year up by 17% and negating concerns about the economic slowdown affecting consumer appetite. Widening its footprint has been a key mantra for HDFC in the recent past. After the 2009 investment in Credila to push education loans, the company launched HDFC Education and Development Services, which will set up centres across the country to provide vocational training and career-enhancement programmes for graduates. Karnad has also pushed HDFC’s reach across unserved markets, opening 15 new offices in smaller towns and cities.