In a major leadership shift, Gautam Adani has officially stepped down as the Executive Chairman of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), effective August 5, 2025. The company announced the move on Tuesday, stating that Adani would also cease to be a key managerial personnel of the logistics giant.
The decision marks a significant moment for the ports-to-logistics arm of the Adani Group, which has grown into India’s largest private port operator under Gautam Adani’s leadership.
Leadership Reshuffle: A New Era at APSEZ
Alongside Adani’s transition to Non-Executive Chairman, the APSEZ board has approved the appointment of Manish Kejriwal as an Additional Director (Non-Executive, Independent) for a term of three years, starting August 5, 2025. His appointment remains subject to shareholder approval, which the company plans to obtain within the next three months.
This move is seen as part of a broader governance realignment, as the company matures and diversifies its leadership profile.
Business Booms Despite Market Reaction
The leadership announcement came on the same day the company released its Q1 FY26 financial results, which showcased strong year-on-year growth.
- Net Profit: ₹3,311 crore, up 7% from ₹3,107 crore in Q1 FY25
- Revenue: ₹9,126 crore, up 21% from ₹7,560 crore
- EBITDA: ₹5,495 crore, reflecting a 13% growth
Despite the robust financial performance, Adani Ports’ shares dipped 2.72%, hitting a day’s low of ₹1,352.70. Market analysts believe the drop may be due to investor uncertainty following the management shake-up.
Logistics and Marine Sectors Drive Growth
According to Ashwani Gupta, CEO and Whole-time Director of Adani Ports, the company’s stellar revenue growth was powered by explosive expansion in its logistics and marine verticals.
“This quarter’s 21% revenue growth is anchored by extraordinary momentum in our logistics and marine businesses, which grew 2x and 2.9x, respectively,” Gupta said, attributing the success to the firm’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its integrated transport utility model.
The company’s focus on providing end-to-end supply chain solutions has given it an edge in a competitive logistics landscape, and Gupta emphasized that this remains core to their future roadmap.
A Strategic Exit or a New Beginning?
Gautam Adani’s move to a non-executive role is being interpreted by some as a sign of the group’s institutional maturity, allowing for operational leadership to function independently. It also signals the group’s intent to attract global investors, enhance governance practices, and decentralize power across its vast empire.
While Adani remains the face of the group and retains his role as Chairman of the Adani Group, his exit from APSEZ’s executive leadership opens a new chapter for one of India’s most strategically important infrastructure companies.
The coming months will reveal how the market and stakeholders respond to the leadership change. However, with solid financial fundamentals, growing business momentum, and a clear strategic vision, Adani Ports seems poised to continue its upward trajectory.
Even as Gautam Adani steps back from day-to-day operations, his legacy in transforming India’s port infrastructure remains firmly intact—setting the stage for the next generation of leadership to take the helm.
