Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra appointed CEO of Ayodhya Ram Mandir

The Ram Temple Trust in Ayodhya has selected Air Marshal (Retired) Jeetendra Mishra as its first chief executive officer, bringing a former Indian Air Force commander into the top administrative role at the temple trust.

Mishra was chosen from 5,585 applications received for the post. His appointment comes as the trust undertakes structural changes following the donation theft controversy in Ayodhya earlier this year.

Mishra brings 38 years of IAF experience

Mishra was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force in December 1986 and retired in May 2026 after more than 38 years of service. During his career, he held several command positions and served as the chief of the IAF's Western Command during Operation Sindoor.

He studied at the National Defence Academy in Pune, the Air Force Test Pilots School in Bangalore, the Air Command and Staff College in the US and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK.

As CEO, Mishra will be responsible for strengthening the temple trust's management and financial accountability.

Selection followed a detailed evaluation

The recruitment process was overseen by a panel headed by retired judge Pramod Kohli. Retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and former scientist Suresh Haware were also part of the panel.

Applicants went through a 600-mark assessment covering areas considered important for leading an institution of national and international significance. The final round involved 16 candidates who appeared for interviews in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12.

A trust official told news agency PTI that "three highly qualified professionals" had been recommended. The candidates were assessed on institutional leadership, management expertise, integrity and vision.

Mishra ultimately emerged as the candidate who met the criteria laid down for the position.

His appointment follows the arrest of eight people, most of them linked to the counting of donations, in connection with the theft controversy. Trust general secretary Champat Rai also resigned following the row.