American Banker names U.S. Bank leaders to 2026 Most Powerful Women in Banking

American Banker has named three U.S. Bank leaders to its 2026 Most Powerful Women in Banking rankings: Chairman and CEO Gunjan Kedia, who landsat 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.