Ayodhya Shock: Ram Temple CEO Appointed as Ayodhya Trust Makes First Full-Time Executive Move
AYODHYA: Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed the first full-time Ram Temple CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, marking a major administrative change for the body overseeing the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The Ayodhya Trust made the appointment at its meeting on September 2, selecting Mishra after a nearly two-month process that began with 5,585 applications. The final decision followed multiple screening stages, online interactions and face-to-face meetings in Ayodhya, according to The Times of India.
From 5,585 applicants to the first CEO
The Ram Temple CEO was chosen from a shortlist of three candidates recommended by a search committee. The process began after the Trust decided in July to create a dedicated executive leadership position to oversee the temple’s management.
Earlier reports had said more than 5,200 applications had been received. However, the final verified figure was 5,585 applications, making that the latest confirmed total, The New Indian Express and The Times of India reported.
The appointment brings the Ayodhya Trust a full-time executive for the first time since it was formed to oversee the construction and management of the Ram temple.
Jeetendra Mishra brings military leadership experience
Mishra retired from the Indian Air Force in April 2026 after serving as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command. He was among the senior military officers associated with the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor.
The Ram Temple CEO role now places a former top military commander at the centre of the temple’s administrative structure. He will oversee the management and operations of the complex while working under the authority of the Trust, according to DD News and The New Indian Express.
Appointment follows major Trust reshuffle
The Ayodhya Trust also made several other important changes at the September 2 meeting. Former treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri was appointed general secretary, while Mahesh Bhagchandka became treasurer.
Three new trustees were also appointed: Dr Nirmala Yadav, Ayodhya-based lawyer Madan Mohan Pandey and Delhi businessman Mahesh Bhagchandka, according to The Indian Express.
The changes follow months of scrutiny over the Trust’s administration, including a donation-related controversy that led to resignations and police action. Rediff reported that the CEO appointment came after the controversy involving alleged misappropriation of temple donations.
A new administrative phase for the temple
The Ayodhya Trust now has a dedicated executive structure as it moves from the main construction phase toward the long-term management of the temple complex.
The newly appointed Ram Temple CEO will face the task of overseeing daily operations and administrative coordination at one of India’s most prominent religious sites.
For the Trust, the decision represents a significant shift towards a more formal executive management structure at a time when the administration of the temple continues to attract intense public attention.
