Key takeaways:
U.S. Bank CEO Gunjan Kedia ranked No. 2 on American Banker's 2026 Most Powerful Women in Banking list — her ninth consecutive recognition — following a landmark year that included record revenue, the acquisition of BTIG and a new NFL partnership.
Chief Risk Officer Jodi Richard (No. 13) and payments leader Courtney Kelso (Women to Watch) were also recognized, reflecting the depth of female leadership across U.S. Bank.
Now in its 24th year, the program highlights women navigating simultaneous pressures — economic uncertainty, AI advancement and operational reinvention — without established playbooks to guide them.
Gunjan Kedia, Jodi Richard and Courtney Kelso recognized by the publication
American Banker has named three U.S. Bank leaders to its 2026 Most Powerful Women in Banking rankings: Chairman and CEO Gunjan Kedia, who lands at the No. 2 on the list; Vice Chair and Chief Risk Officer Jodi Richard, who ranks No. 13; and Courtney Kelso, head of Payments: Consumer and Small Business, was named to the Women to Watch list.
“I am honored to be recognized by American Banker alongside Jodi, Courtney and so many accomplished women across our industry,” Kedia said. "Their talent, perspective and dedication help drive meaningful outcomes for our clients, employees and communities. Together, we are shaping the future of banking, elevating how we serve and creating long-term value for our shareholders."
U.S. Bank leaders have been recognized by the Most Powerful Women in Banking program throughout its 24-year history.
Kedia recognized for ninth consecutive year
Kedia became CEO in April 2025 and was named Chairman of the company's Board of Directors earlier this year. She is responsible for U.S. Bank's day-to-day management, financial performance and long-term growth strategy, while reinforcing its culture of ethics and integrity.
Since she became CEO, Kedia has led the bank to record revenue while completing an acquisition of investment bank BTIG, winning the Amazon small business credit card business and entering into a partnership with the National Football League.
Previously, as president, she led the company's revenue lines and oversaw how U.S. Bank delivered products and services and built relationships with millions of customers across North America and Europe. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles across Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking and served as vice chair of Wealth Management and Investment Services. This marks the ninth consecutive year Kedia has been recognized by American Banker.
Richard honored for risk leadership
Richard has served as chief risk officer since 2018 after joining U.S. Bank in 2014 as chief operational risk officer. She oversees enterprise risk management, including credit, market, operational, compliance, technology, fraud and model risk. Richard also serves as the company's primary representative with government regulators and related stakeholders. This is her fourth individual recognition from American Banker.
Kelso named to Women to Watch list
Kelso joined U.S. Bank in 2025 as senior executive vice president and head of Payments: Consumer and Small Business. She oversees personal and small business debit and credit cards, Elan, cobrand programs and related credit risk and collections functions. Before joining U.S. Bank, Kelso spent more than 17 years at American Express in leadership roles across consumer and small business payments.
About the Most Powerful Women in Banking program
Now in its 24th year, the Most Powerful Women in Banking™ program recognizes leaders who are driving transformation within their organizations and helping shape the future of financial services.
"What's striking about 2025 and coming into 2026 was the sheer number of things leaders had to get right at the same time — without a playbook. Women at the highest levels — and those quickly on the rise — were making vital decisions amid economic uncertainty, advances in AI and enormous pressure to rethink how their businesses operate," said Holly Sraeel, founder of The Most Powerful Women in Banking™ and senior vice president, strategy and content, at American Banker Live Media. "These leaders were willing to make hard calls, change course if necessary, and bring people along faster to meet the moment. These women have earned their recognition.”
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About American Banker
American Banker is the trusted source that senior executives rely on to lead through change. Through independent journalism, expert analysis, proprietary research, and benchmarking, American Banker delivers the insight financial leaders need to navigate critical opportunities and risks — AI and technology innovation, policy and regulation, M&A, and risk and resilience. American Banker connects a financial services community of more than 950,000 professionals both in person and online. Learn more at americanbanker.com.
About U.S. Bank
Headquartered in Minneapolis, U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. Our three major business lines serve 15 million clients globally, and our team of nearly 70,000 people invest our hearts and minds to power human potential every day. Ranked 110th on the Fortune 500, we are deeply respected for our culture and long-term stewardship and admired for our diversified business mix and product capabilities.
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