Info Edge, the parent company of Naukri.com, is set for a major leadership transition, with managing director and chief executive Hitesh Oberoi stepping down from his full-time operating role after nearly 27 years at the company. Co-founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani will take charge as executive vice chairman, managing director and group CEO from December 3, 2026.
The company announced the changes on October 28, following a board meeting that approved the appointments, subject to shareholder approval. Oberoi will cease to be managing director and CEO at the close of business on December 2 and will transition to the role of non-executive, non-independent director from December 3.
The announcement marks the end of an extended leadership chapter at one of India’s prominent internet businesses, even as Oberoi is expected to remain associated with the company through its board.
Credits: Yourstory
Sanjeev Bikhchandani To Return As Group CEO
Bikhchandani, who founded Info Edge and has worked alongside Oberoi for more than 27 years, will assume the company’s top executive responsibilities from December 3. His appointment is scheduled to continue until April 26, 2031, coinciding with his existing term as a director, subject to shareholder approval.
The transition brings the company’s co-founder into the executive leadership role as Info Edge continues to manage a portfolio of digital businesses across recruitment, real estate, matrimony and education.
Its flagship platforms include Naukri, which operates in online recruitment, 99acres in real estate, Jeevansathi in matchmaking and Shiksha in education. These businesses have helped establish Info Edge’s presence across several major consumer internet categories in India.
The leadership change comes at a time when digital platforms continue to compete for users, businesses and revenue across increasingly crowded online markets. Bikhchandani’s return to an executive position will place him at the centre of the company’s next phase of operations and strategy.
Hitesh Oberoi To Focus On Education, Entrepreneurship And Family
Oberoi’s decision to step back from his full-time operating responsibilities follows what Info Edge described as careful consideration. He plans to devote more time to higher education, entrepreneurship, institution building, investing and philanthropy, while also spending more time with his family.
In his statement, Oberoi described the decision as the right time to step back after nearly three decades with the company. He also expressed his willingness to continue serving on the board, subject to shareholder approval, and remain available to assist whenever required.
“I will miss working with the many colleagues and teams who have made these 27 years so special,” Oberoi said, reflecting on his time at the company.
The board acknowledged his contribution to Info Edge, crediting him with helping build and strengthen its businesses and leadership team. His move to a non-executive position will allow him to maintain a formal association with the company without continuing in the day-to-day leadership role of managing director and CEO.
Bikhchandani Pays Tribute To Longtime Business Partner
Bikhchandani’s statement highlighted the professional partnership and personal friendship he shared with Oberoi throughout their time at Info Edge.
“Hitesh and I have built Info Edge together for more than 27 years. He has been an extraordinary partner and much of what Info Edge is today reflects his leadership, judgement and the exceptional team he has built,” Bikhchandani said.
He described Oberoi as a close friend, colleague and business leader, also recalling his enthusiasm for Amitabh Bachchan and his talent for storytelling and humour.
The tribute underlined the significance of the transition for a company whose development has been closely associated with both leaders. While Bikhchandani prepares to take over executive responsibilities, Oberoi’s continued presence on the board could help maintain continuity during the changeover.
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Credits: BestMediaInfo
What The Leadership Change Means For Info Edge
The transition formalises a change in responsibilities at the top of Info Edge, with Bikhchandani returning to an operational leadership position and Oberoi moving into a non-executive role.
For the company, the immediate focus will be on ensuring continuity across its recruitment, property, matrimony and education businesses while navigating the next stage of its growth.
Both appointments remain subject to shareholder approval. According to the regulatory filing, the board meeting on October 28 began at 10:30 am and concluded at 1:45 pm.
As Oberoi prepares to step away from full-time operations, his departure closes a nearly 27-year chapter in Info Edge’s leadership. Bikhchandani’s appointment, meanwhile, signals a new phase for the internet company, with its co-founder set to lead the group into the coming years.
