American Banker names U.S. Bank leaders to 2024 Most Powerful Women in Banking

The publication recognized Gunjan Kedia and Jodi Richard

American Banker has recognized two U.S. Bank leaders for its 2024 Most Powerful Women in Banking awards, naming President Gunjan Kedia and Vice Chair and Chief Risk Officer Jodi Richard among individual honorees.

Kedia has taken on greater responsibility throughout her nearly eight years at U.S. Bank and was named president in May 2024. Last year, she helped bring together two complementary revenue areas into one revenue line: Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking (WCIB). Prior to leading WCIB, she was vice chair of Wealth Management and Investment Services and helped guide the division through the pandemic and the banking crisis in spring of 2023. Kedia now leads the company's three revenue lines, guiding how U.S. Bank delivers products and services and creates meaningful relationships with millions of customers across North America and Europe. This is the seventh consecutive year she has been honored by American Banker.

Richard oversees the company's Risk Management and Compliance organization, which sets the strategy for how the company navigates risk, compliance and credit matters proactively and addresses emerging threats. Her role has evolved continuously since she became chief risk officer in 2018.

Richard's steady leadership helped U.S. Bank successfully manage new risks created by rapid technology advancements and changing customer expectations - and successfully manage through unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the regional banking crisis in 2023 and the rise of increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats. This year, Richard launched the company's Fusion Center, an operating model designed to maximize U.S. Bank's ability to detect, prevent, investigate and respond to existing and emerging risks. Previously recognized by American Banker as an honorable mention for her efforts during COVID-19, this is Richard's first appearance on the banking list.

"Gunjan and Jodi are outstanding executives who are setting the standard for excellence and helping to pave the way for future generations of leaders," said Andy Cecere, chairman and CEO of U.S. Bank. "We appreciate their contributions not only to our company but also to the financial services industry overall, and we are proud to honor them as they are recognized among the most powerful women in banking and finance."

U.S. Bank leaders have been consistently recognized in the Most Powerful program since its inception more than 20 years ago.

"This year's rankings feature longtime honorees ascending to new heights, showcasing the advancement that this program has celebrated for over two decades," says Chana Schoenberger, editor-in-chief of American Banker. "We're also welcoming newcomers, which proves that with perseverance comes progress. It hasn't been an easy year for banks and financial institutions, but progress continues - not by chance, but through the determined efforts of these women."