An ardent promoter of sustainable and green growth, Ali Reza Iftekhar has the rare distinction of being the longest serving Managing Director in Bangladesh banking industry. He has successfully introduced international best practices of Corporate Governance and Ethical Banking and transformed Eastern Bank PLC. (EBL) into a leading financial brand in the country.

He was honored with first Kotler CEO of the Year Award in 2023 for his remarkable strides in advancing the marketing and business landscape of Bangladesh.

Under his leadership, EBL has been awarded the Bank of the Year recognition by the Banker Magazine for 3 times, Best Retail Bank in Bangladesh award by The Asian Banker for 6 consecutive years 2013 – 2018, Euromoney Best Bank in Bangladesh for 3 consecutive years, Asiamoney Best Corporate and Investment Bank of Bangladesh for 4 consecutive years, FinanceAsia Best Bank of Bangladesh in 2017 and 2019, the IFC Global Award for the Best Partner for Working Capital Systemic Solution, ICSB National Award for Corporate Governance Excellence; the Best Financial Institution 2010 at the DHL-Daily Star Bangladesh Business Award.

He led the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB), a forum of Managing Directors of Bangladesh’s scheduled banks, for 2 terms 2020-2021 and 2014-2015.

A stellar performer throughout his career spanning over 3 decades, he was awarded CEO of the Year 2012 at Asian HR Leadership Award held in Dubai. In 2022, the World Business Outlook magazine awarded him the Best Banking CEO of the Year of Bangladesh.