In a major administrative move, the Gujarat government has appointed Mr. Sanjay Kaul, a 2001-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This strategic urban project in Gandhinagar, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is among his top five national priorities and aims to establish India’s first international financial services and smart city hub.
Mr. Kaul takes over from Mr. Tapan Ray, who has retired. However, as per the Gujarat General Administration Department, Mr. Ray will continue to serve in a transitional, caretaker role until Mr. Kaul formally assumes office. His tenure will initially be for a period of three years.
A Return to Gujarat for a Seasoned Administrator
This is not Mr. Kaul’s first assignment in Gujarat. Between February 2011 and May 2016, he served in the state on inter-state deputation, holding key posts such as:
Managing Director of Gujarat Tourism Corporation, and
Managing Director of Gujarat Informatics Ltd.
During that time, he was also associated with critical departments like Home, Finance, Industries, and Science & Technology. Adding to his connection with the state, Mr. Kaul was born and raised in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The Gujarat government had formally requested the Centre last month for Mr. Kaul’s appointment, citing his familiarity with the region and his strong governance background as ideal assets for leading GIFT City’s strategic transformation into a global fintech destination.
Distinguished Career Across Kerala, Gujarat & Central Government
Mr. Kaul brings with him over two decades of wide-ranging administrative experience across state and central levels.
In Kerala, his home cadre, he has held significant roles including:
District Collector of Thiruvananthapuram
Head of critical departments like Home & Vigilance, Finance (Expenditure), Industries & Commerce, Ports, Power, Tax & Registration, and Food & Civil Supplies
Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, overseeing large-scale electoral operations
He has also chaired major public sector enterprises such as:
Kerala Financial Corporation
KSIDC
KELTRON
Travancore-Cochin Chemicals Ltd.
At the central level, Mr. Kaul was appointed Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Culture in September 2024, where he handled:
International cultural diplomacy
Coordination with UNESCO
Oversight of institutions like The Asiatic Society and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies
A New Chapter for GIFT City
As MD & CEO of GIFT City, Mr. Kaul is expected to provide visionary leadership to this landmark initiative. Notably, GIFT City is the only area in Gujarat where alcohol consumption is legally permitted with a license, following amendments in December 2023 aimed at attracting global investors and creating an international business environment.
With his unique blend of Gujarat roots, Kerala cadre administrative strength, and central government experience, Sanjay Kaul is well-positioned to steer GIFT City into its next phase of global integration, financial innovation, and urban transformation.
