Air Marshal (retd) Jeetendra Mishra named as Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust's new CEO

Lucknow: Following the success of Operation Sindoor, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as the inaugural CEO of the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Mishra, a retired officer from the Indian Air Force, assumed his new role after being informed of his appointment through news media. The Trust's general secretary, Govind Dev Giri, stated that the standard operating procedures for the CEO's appointment and duties are yet to be determined.

Mishra served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command when the operation was initiated on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He was responsible for managing the air operations, including the deployment of aircraft and air defense systems, during the four-day military response. Mishra was honored with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal by President Droupadi Murmu for his distinguished leadership during the operation.

With his appointment, Mishra brings a wealth of experience in operational planning, coordination, logistics, and managing large military formations to the trust. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Mishra held various key positions in the Indian Air Force, including serving as the chief test pilot of both the Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and commanding the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment in Bengaluru.

The CEO selection process commenced with a record-breaking 5,585 applications, which were screened and evaluated by a committee led by retired Justice Permod Kohli, including Lieutenant General V.K. Chaturvedi and nuclear scientist Dr Suresh Haware. The shortlisted candidates were interviewed in Ayodhya, and on September 1, the panel submitted a final list of three names to the trust, with Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra being chosen as the CEO.