Karan Adani takes helm as MD of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest ports and logistics company, part of the globally diversified Adani Group, has witnessed a significant leadership transition. The company has promoted CEO Mr. Karan Adani to the role of Managing Director, a position previously held by Mr. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. In this reshuffle, Mr. Gautam Adani assumes the role of ‘Executive Chairman’ of APSEZ, emphasizing the company’s status as one of the fastest-growing integrated transport utilities globally.

Under Mr. Karan Adani’s leadership as CEO, APSEZ has seen a period of unprecedented growth, contributing immensely to the nation’s infrastructure development. Since joining the Adani Group in 2009 at Mundra Port and ascending to CEO in 2016, Mr. Karan Adani has overseen APSEZ’s rapid portfolio expansion. This includes adding four ports and terminals in India, one in Sri Lanka, and one in Israel, establishing APSEZ as India’s fastest-growing and largest private sector port developer and operator. The company now boasts 14 ports along India’s coastline and two international ports, further solidifying its position in the market. Additionally, through its subsidiary Adani Logistics Ltd, APSEZ has become India’s largest and most diversified private rail operator, with significant stakes in logistics and the harbor & dredging business.

In another strategic move, APSEZ’s board has approved the appointment of Mr. Ashwani Gupta, former global Chief Operating Officer at Nissan Motors, as the new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Karan Adani, now the Managing Director of APSEZ, expressed enthusiasm about Mr. Gupta’s appointment, anticipating that his global expertise and leadership skills will drive significant growth and foster international partnerships. This aligns with the Adani Group’s vision for expansion and innovation.

Mr. Ashwani Gupta brings nearly three decades of global experience from the automotive, retail, and manufacturing sectors. Recognized for his leadership in electrification, autonomous driving, and digital transformation technologies, Mr. Gupta has been instrumental in driving sustainability and customer-centric innovations in the industry.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd has evolved from a mere port company to an Integrated Transport Utility, providing end-to-end solutions from port gate to customer gate. APSEZ is the largest port developer and operator in India, with a strategic spread across both the West and East coasts, accounting for 26% of the country’s total port volumes. This includes operations in strategic locations like Mundra, Tuna, Dahej, and Hazira in Gujarat, Mormugao in Goa, Dighi in Maharashtra, Vizhinjam in Kerala, Haldia in West Bengal, Dhamra in Odisha, and multiple ports in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Additionally, APSEZ is developing a transshipment port in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and operates the Haifa Port in Israel, marking its significant global footprint.

The leadership changes at APSEZ signify a new chapter in the company’s journey, highlighting its commitment to playing a pivotal role in India’s infrastructure development while expanding its global reach.