Gautam Adani Steps Down As APSEZ Executive Chairman

Gautam S. Adani, one of India’s most well-known business leaders and the founder of the Adani Group, has officially stepped down from his position as Executive Chairman of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ). This move is effective from 5th August 2025, as confirmed by the company on Tuesday.

With his resignation from the executive role, Gautam Adani will no longer be classified as Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) in the company. His exit from this specific role marks a new phase in leadership at APSEZ, although he continues to remain a significant figure in the broader Adani Group.

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Who Is Gautam Adani?

Gautam Adani is the founder of the Adani Group, one of India's largest business conglomerates. He is widely recognized for transforming a small trading firm into a global infrastructure and energy powerhouse. Over the years, Adani has expanded the group’s presence across various sectors, including ports, power, airports, renewable energy, logistics, and more.

Under his leadership, APSEZ became the biggest private port operator in India and a vital part of India’s economic infrastructure. Even though he is stepping down as the executive chairman of APSEZ, his vision and legacy continue to drive the group’s future plans and developments.

Leadership Change: Manish Kejriwal Joins the Board

Along with Gautam Adani’s resignation, APSEZ also announced a significant new appointment. Mr. Manish Kejriwal has been named as an Additional Director (Non-Executive, Independent) on the company’s board. His appointment is also effective from 5th August 2025 and is for an initial term of three years.

Manish Kejriwal is known for his vast experience in finance and investment. His role will be independent, which means he will not be involved in the daily management of the company but will provide guidance and oversight to ensure good governance and strategic planning.

However, his appointment is still subject to shareholder approval, which the company plans to secure within the next three months. Until then, he will serve as an additional director under company law provisions.

Why These Changes Matter

Changes in top leadership roles at large companies like APSEZ are always significant. Gautam Adani stepping down from the executive chairman role shows that the company is transitioning to a more professionally-managed structure. This is common in companies that have grown to a large size and operate in global markets.

At the same time, the appointment of a well-respected financial expert like Manish Kejriwal is seen as a positive move by market observers. It suggests that the company is focusing more on strong governance, transparency, and long-term growth planning.

APSEZ Reports Strong Financial Growth

The leadership changes came at the same time the company shared its quarterly earnings report. According to the update, APSEZ recorded a 21% year-on-year increase in revenue, which means the company made more money this quarter compared to the same time last year.

This growth has mainly been driven by the logistics and marine services segments of the business. These are important parts of the company’s operations that deal with moving goods, managing cargo, and providing support services at the ports.

The strong financial performance shows that APSEZ is not just holding its position as India’s leading port operator—it is growing steadily.

APSEZ: A Giant in Port Operations

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) is the flagship company of the Adani Group. It is the largest private port operator in India, playing a major role in the country’s shipping and logistics industry.

Here are some key facts about APSEZ:

• It handles about 28% of India’s total port cargo.

• The company manages 15 ports and terminals across India.

• These are located on:

  • The West Coast (6 ports)

  • The South Coast (5 ports)

  • The East Coast (4 ports)

Thanks to its wide presence and efficient operations, APSEZ has become crucial for import and export activities in India. It ensures that goods from around the world can smoothly enter and exit the country.

Adani Group’s Growing Footprint

Even though Gautam Adani is stepping away from this particular executive role, the Adani Group continues to expand both in India and globally. The group is involved in various sectors such as:

• Resources (like coal and mining)

• Logistics (like transport and warehousing)

• Energy (including solar and thermal power)

• Airports

• Data centers

• Green energy initiatives

The group’s goal is to be a global player in integrated infrastructure—a company that builds and manages the systems that power modern economies, from electricity to transportation to digital connectivity.

Recent Developments Boost Confidence

The news of Adani’s resignation and Kejriwal’s appointment came alongside other positive developments in the group. For instance:

• The Vizhinjam Port project in Kerala, which is managed by Adani, is reviving the real estate market in the region.

• The Adani Group continues to feature in Forbes' list of India's richest individuals, with Gautam Adani holding the second position, just behind Mukesh Ambani, who is currently the richest Indian with a net worth of $84.5 billion.

These signs show that despite leadership changes, the Adani Group remains strong, ambitious, and focused on long-term success.

What’s Next for APSEZ?

As the company moves forward:

• It will continue to expand its port operations, both within India and possibly abroad.

• With the support of professionals like Manish Kejriwal, APSEZ is likely to focus more on corporate governance, risk management, and sustainable growth.

• The leadership reshuffle could also mean more streamlined operations, better decision-making, and improved financial performance.

The resignation of Gautam Adani from the executive chairmanship of APSEZ is a major milestone in the company’s journey. It signals a move toward a more structured and possibly more globally-aligned leadership style.

At the same time, the strong performance numbers and strategic appointments show that the company is in good hands and is ready for its next phase of growth. With an experienced leader like Manish Kejriwal joining the board, and with Gautam Adani still involved in the larger Adani Group, APSEZ is set to remain a major force in India’s infrastructure and logistics sector for years to come.