There is one quality, which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it. And SC Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, Punjab National Bank, belongs to that rare group of professionals who have choreographed their career graph through hard work, dedication and perseverance. Known for his out-of-box thinking and innovative ideas, Gupta who joined Punjab National Bank in May 2005, is not a new name to those familiar with the banking industry. And the reason for his popularity is not far to seek.

He has left a trail of achievements and built brand equities wherever he has worked. His new posting at Punjab National Bank, no doubt, has added another feather to his cap. Known to serve over 3.5 crore customers through 4497 offices, the PNB is sure to provide Gupta a wider canvass to showcase his talent. Few people know that PNB was recently ranked 38 th amongst top 500 companies and is positioned at 9 th among India's Most Trusted top 50 service brands in Economic Times-AC Nielson Survey. PNB is also ranked 313 amongst the top 1000 banks in the world according to "The Banker" of London.

Managing such a mammoth institution will not only provide a great opportunity to Gupta, but will also help the Bank capitalise on his talent. A man who has today become almost synonymous with banking, Gupta worked his way upward gradually and steadily. An M Com and CAIIB, Gupta began his banking career from State Bank of India in 1966. After brief stints at State Bank of India and Syndicate Bank, he later joined Oriental Bank of Commerce where he made significant contributions by giving a fillip to the Bank's profitability.

It was in 1994 that he was promoted as a General Manager and headed important portfolios from credit to international banking to priority credit and recoveries. A man who is restless to take up fresh challenges, Gupta later joined Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) as Executive Director in 1999 and worked with zeal for the success of the bank's maiden public issue. He was appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of the IOB in 2001 and continued on the post till his new assignment. In fact, under his leadership, IOB registered record growth in business and profits. A Director in United India Insurance Co Ltd and Chairman of IBA's Committee on Credit Management, Gupta is the man who would stay to lead PNB to new frontier of growth and a bright future.