Poonawalla Fincorp Promotes Hitesh Ruprela to Senior Vice President Information Technology

Hitesh Ruprela has been elevated to Senior Vice President Information Technology at Poonawalla Fincorp, moving up from Head Applications, the role he held before the promotion. Hrtoday reported the elevation, which comes nearly three years into his tenure with the company.

Ruprela's Path From Head Applications

As Head Applications, Ruprela worked on the company's digital transformation initiatives. His work included developing a super app for PFL Mobile, implementing a Gold Loan product, launching a co-brand credit card and integrating digital partnerships with major fintech companies.

Before joining Poonawalla Fincorp, Ruprela spent more than six years with AU Small Finance Bank, progressing through roles including Vice President Information Technology, Deputy Vice President – Information Technology and Assistant Vice President – Information Technology. At AU Small Finance Bank he led digital applications, internet and mobile banking, omnichannel experiences, WhatsApp Banking, chatbot solutions and customer-facing banking platforms.

Earlier, Ruprela served as Assistant Vice President – Solution Delivery Group at IndusInd Bank, working across mobile banking, digital banking and payments, including implementations involving UPI, Bharat QR and BBPS. He previously worked with FIS as Senior Business System Analyst and spent more than six years with ING Vysya Bank in IT change delivery and business analysis roles. His earlier career also includes a Management Trainee – Marketing assignment with ING Vysya Bank.

Earlier Leadership Moves at Poonawalla Fincorp

Poonawalla Fincorp appointed Ankit Gupta as Head - Digital and Transformation, exchange4media reported on November 7, 2026. Gupta leads product innovation and digital capabilities across consumer and commercial finance, and previously served as Head - Digital CX at Godrej Capital.

On November 2, 2026, Hrtoday reported that Pawan Nagla was elevated to Executive Vice President – Consumer Durable & PL Cross Sell at Poonawalla Fincorp, having previously served as Senior Vice President II – Consumer Durable Loans.

On October 16, 2026, ScanX reported that Poonawalla Fincorp initiated a postal ballot seeking shareholder approval for Kemisha Soni's re-appointment as Independent Director, for a three-year term starting January 30, 2027.

Leadership Changes Across Payments and Fintech

At Fino Payments Bank, the RBI approved Pratap Singh as MD & CEO on November 12, 2026, effective November 27, 2026, for a three-year tenure, ScanX reported. Singh brings 29 years of banking experience, including roles at ICICI and SBI, and the appointment is subject to shareholder approval.

FIS appointed Alexandra Brooks as interim CFO effective November 5, 2026, after James Kehoe's planned departure, Futurum reported on November 11, 2026. Kehoe remains a non-executive senior advisor through March 2027, and a permanent CFO search is underway.

Tariq Ahmed, Trade Nation's Head of Payments and Client Onboarding, has left the company, Fxnewsgroup reported on November 9, 2026. Ahmed joined in 2021 and previously worked at William Hill for six years.

Poonawalla Fincorp's November 16 Analyst Meeting

Poonawalla Fincorp will host one-on-one and group meetings with institutional investors and analysts on November 16, 2026, as part of JM Financial's India Xchange 2026 conference in Mumbai, ScanX reported on November 5, 2026.