Gujarat Narmada Valley Fert & Chem (GNFC) has announced a significant change in its leadership. The company has appointed Shri Manoj Kumar Das, IAS, as its new Chairman and Director, effective November 1, 2025. This appointment comes as a result of a decision made by the Government of Gujarat's Energy & Petrochemicals Department.

Key Details of the Appointment

About Shri Manoj Kumar Das

Shri Manoj Kumar Das brings extensive experience to his new role at GNFC:

• Currently serves as the Chief Secretary to the Government of Gujarat
• Senior IAS Officer of the 1990 batch
• Holds a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT-Kharagpur
• Specializes in Revenue administration, Urban Management & Civic Issues, Law & Order, and Disaster Management

Professional Background

Shri Das has held several key positions in his career:

• Additional Chief Secretary to the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Gujarat
• District Development Officer, Junagadh
• District Collector in Porbandar, Palanpur & Surat
• Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Ahmedabad
• Municipal Commissioner in Surat & Vadodara
• Worked in the District (J&K Affairs), Home Ministry, Government of India
• Principal Secretary in various departments including Industries and Mines, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs

Corporate Experience

His experience extends to the corporate sector:

• Served as Joint Managing Director at Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Limited (GSPC)
• Held directorships on the boards of Gujarat State Petronet Limited, GSPC LNG Limited, and Gujarat State Police Housing Corporation Limited

Appointment Process and Next Steps

The appointment of Shri Manoj Kumar Das is subject to several approvals:

1. Nomination and Remuneration Committee
2. Board of Directors
3. Shareholders of the Company

GNFC has confirmed that Shri Das is not debarred from holding the office of Director by any order of SEBI or any other authority.

This change in leadership comes at a time when GNFC continues to play a crucial role in the fertilizer and chemical industry. The extensive experience and diverse background of Shri Manoj Kumar Das are expected to bring new perspectives to the company's operations and strategic direction.

Gujarat Narmada Valley Fert & Chem (GNFC) has announced a significant change in its leadership. Shri Pankaj Joshi, IAS (Retd.) (DIN: 01532892) has resigned from his position as Director and Chairman of the company, effective October 31, 2025. This move comes as a result of his superannuation from his role as Chief Secretary to the Government of Gujarat.

Details of the Resignation

The company received Joshi's resignation letter on November 1, 2025, a day after his official departure. The resignation marks the end of his tenure not only at GNFC but also at several other Gujarat state-owned enterprises where he held key positions.

Impact on Multiple State-Owned Companies

Joshi's departure affects several prominent Gujarat state-owned companies where he held various leadership roles. The table below outlines the companies and his respective positions:

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

In accordance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, GNFC has formally notified the stock exchanges about this change in the company's directorate. The notification includes all necessary details as mandated by the regulatory guidelines.

Looking Ahead

While the company has not yet announced a successor, this change in leadership may signal a new chapter for GNFC and the other affected state-owned enterprises. Stakeholders will be keenly watching for any subsequent appointments and their potential impact on the strategic direction of these companies.

The resignation of a key figure like Shri Pankaj Joshi, who held multiple influential positions across various state-owned companies, underscores the interconnected nature of leadership in Gujarat's public sector enterprises. As these companies navigate this transition, it will be crucial to monitor how they maintain continuity in their operations and strategic initiatives.