India's IIFL Home Finance names veteran Girish Kousgi as CEO, MD
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Who is Girish Kousgi?
Girish Kousgi joins IIFL Home Finance from a long and successful career at HDFC Mortgage, where he served as the Head of Retail and Corporate Banking. He has more than 25 years of experience in the housing finance industry, having overseen the development of digital mortgage platforms, risk management frameworks, and cross‑border expansion initiatives. In his new role, Kousgi will be responsible for steering the company’s growth agenda, overseeing risk, compliance, and technology functions, and driving its ESG commitments.
Strategic Objectives for the New Era
Digital Transformation
IIFL Home Finance is poised to expand its digital footprint. Kousgi’s background in fintech and data‑driven underwriting will help the company enhance its online application portals, integrate AI‑based credit scoring, and accelerate the launch of a fully digital mortgage platform. The board expects a 15‑20 % increase in digital loan origination within the first two years of his tenure.Product Diversification
The company will widen its product suite to include new repayment‑flexible loan schemes, refinancing options, and green‑home financing packages that meet the growing demand for environmentally conscious living. Kousgi’s experience at HDFC’s green‑mortgage program will guide the design of these new products.Geographic Expansion
While IIFL Home Finance has a strong presence in metro and tier‑II cities, the new MD/CEO plans to deepen penetration in tier‑III and rural markets. The strategy includes partnering with local real‑estate developers, leveraging regional banks for distribution, and tailoring products to the income profiles of rural borrowers.ESG and Sustainability
The appointment comes at a time when IIFL Home Finance is reinforcing its sustainability agenda. Under Kousgi’s leadership, the company will build on its existing ESG framework, which includes a target to reduce its carbon footprint by 20 % by 2030, increase renewable energy usage, and offer green mortgage incentives to borrowers who adopt energy‑efficient appliances and home‑automation solutions. The board expects the company to publish a consolidated sustainability report in 2026, outlining progress on key environmental, social, and governance metrics.
Board’s Vision and Governance
The article highlights the board’s commitment to transparent governance and robust risk oversight. The new MD/CEO will work closely with the board’s Risk and Compliance committees to ensure that the company’s risk appetite remains aligned with regulatory expectations from the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The board also reiterated its focus on strengthening internal audit processes and maintaining a strong compliance culture.
Investor and Stakeholder Reactions
Shareholders welcomed the appointment, noting Kousgi’s track record of delivering growth while maintaining prudent risk management. Analysts predicted that his appointment would enhance investor confidence and potentially lift the company’s valuation multiples, given the expected acceleration in digital channel adoption and profitability.
Follow‑Up Links and Additional Context
The article links to IIFL Home Finance’s sustainability page (https://www.iiflhf.com/sustainability), which details the company’s ESG strategy, carbon‑neutral targets, and community outreach programs. The page confirms that IIFL Home Finance is one of the few housing finance firms in India that has committed to a net‑zero carbon footprint by 2050. It also outlines specific initiatives such as:
- Green Home Loans: Offering lower interest rates to borrowers who install solar panels or achieve energy‑efficiency certifications.
- Community Development: Supporting affordable housing projects in underserved regions.
- Circular Economy: Partnering with waste‑management firms to reduce packaging waste in the loan origination process.
By integrating these sustainability goals with its core business strategy, IIFL Home Finance aims to position itself as a responsible lender that not only serves financial needs but also contributes to broader environmental and social objectives.
Conclusion
Girish Kousgi’s appointment marks a significant milestone for IIFL Home Finance. His blend of experience, digital acumen, and commitment to sustainable practices aligns with the company’s ambition to become a market leader in housing finance. With a clear roadmap that prioritizes digital innovation, product expansion, geographic reach, and ESG stewardship, the firm is poised to deliver value to its customers, investors, and the communities it serves. The board’s proactive governance stance, coupled with Kousgi’s leadership, sets the stage for a new chapter of growth, resilience, and responsible lending in the Indian housing finance sector.
Read the Full reuters.com Article at:
[ https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/iifl-home-finance-appoints-girish-kousgi-md-ceo-2025-10-30/ ]