Benares Hotels appointed Mr. Thomas Kunjukunju as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) effective July 14, 2026. The Board of Directors approved the appointment based on the recommendations of the Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Nomination & Remuneration Committee. The disclosure was made under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

Mr. Kunjukunju brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality sector, specializing in finance, treasury, and hotel operational management. He holds a Master of Business Administration (PGDBM), a Master of Commerce, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Kerala University. His previous roles include leadership positions at The Claridges, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in Goa, and Taj Cochin International Airport.

The Board meeting commenced at 04:00 pm and concluded at 05:05 pm on July 14, 2026. The company stated that the term of appointment is as per the terms of employment of the company. Prior to his tenure in hospitality, Mr. Kunjukunju gained experience with Essilor and Chemline in Delhi.

Appointment Details

Benares Hotels Limited has fixed Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the record date to determine shareholder eligibility for a final dividend of ₹25 per equity share. The dividend, recommended by the Board of Directors, is subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). If approved, the payout will be made on and from Monday, August 3, 2026, subject to tax deduction at source.

The 55th AGM is scheduled to be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 3.00 p.m. IST via video conferencing. The meeting will transact business including the consideration of financial results for the year ended March 31, 2026, and the re-appointment of directors. Remote e-voting facilities will be available to members from Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 9.00 a.m. IST until Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 5.00 p.m. IST.

Financial Performance

For the financial year ended March 31, 2026, the company reported a total income of ₹14,490.33 lakhs, compared to ₹14,066.82 lakhs in the previous year. Profit after tax for FY26 stood at ₹4,323.89 lakhs, slightly lower than the ₹4,324.95 lakhs recorded in FY25. The company's Gross Operating Profit (EBIDTA) increased to ₹6,543 lakhs from ₹6,452 lakhs in the prior year. Capital expenditure for the year rose significantly to ₹6,009.81 lakhs, primarily due to the addition of 100 new rooms at Taj Ganges, Varanasi.

Board and Governance Updates

Shareholders will vote on the re-appointment of Dr. Anant Narain Singh, who retires by rotation. The meeting will also consider the appointment of Mr. Rajendra Misra as a Non-Executive Director and Mr. Anupam Chaturvedi as an Independent Director for a term of five years from April 29, 2026, to April 28, 2031. A special resolution proposes to pay commission to directors not exceeding three percent per annum of the net profits. Mr. Arvind Kohli, Practising Company Secretary, has been appointed as the scrutinizer for the e-voting process.