In a major administrative development, Sanjay Kaul, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2001 batch from the Kerala cadre, has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar. The appointment was confirmed through a notification issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) of the Gujarat Government.
Kaul will serve in this capacity on deputation for three years, or until further orders. He succeeds Tapan Ray, who previously held the position. GIFT City, envisioned as India’s first operational smart city and international financial services centre, plays a pivotal role in the country’s financial and economic aspirations.
Currently, Kaul is serving as Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Culture, where he is responsible for important portfolios such as international cultural relations, UNESCO coordination, intangible cultural heritage, and oversight of institutions like the Asiatic Society and the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies. His central deputation began in September 2024.
Kaul brings with him over two decades of diverse administrative experience, spanning both central and state governments. Before his current role, he served as the Chief Electoral Officer in Kerala. Between 2016 and 2024, he held key positions across multiple departments in Kerala, including finance, home, industries, ports, power, tax and registration, and food and civil supplies.
This new appointment marks Kaul’s return to Gujarat, where he previously served on inter-state deputation from 2011 to 2016. During that tenure, he held significant leadership roles as the Managing Director of both the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited and Gujarat Informatics Limited. His earlier work in Gujarat was noted for contributing to the state’s tourism and digital governance initiatives.
Officials familiar with the matter have highlighted Kaul’s strong administrative acumen and familiarity with Gujarat’s governance ecosystem. He is also a native of Vadodara, which further strengthens his local connection and understanding of the regional dynamics.
The Gujarat Government had recently submitted a requisition to the central government seeking Kaul’s services for the leadership role at GIFT City, recognising the need for experienced and visionary leadership to guide the next phase of development for the strategically important financial hub.
With India aiming to establish GIFT City as a global financial services powerhouse, Kaul’s appointment is expected to bring in renewed strategic focus, administrative strength, and policy coordination necessary to accelerate its growth. His track record in managing large-scale initiatives, both at the state and national levels, positions him well to steer GIFT City through its next stage of expansion and internationalisation.