Hitesh Oberoi steps down as MD & CEO of Info Edge India, Sanjeev Bikhchandani to take over

Info Edge India has announced a leadership transition following decisions taken by its Board of Directors.

Hitesh Oberoi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Info Edge, will step down from his full-time executive role with effect from the close of business on December 2, 2026, after nearly 27 years with the Company, including over 16 years as MD & CEO.

Subject to shareholders’ approval, Oberoi will continue his association with Info Edge as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director with effect from December 3, 2026.

The Board has approved the appointment of Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder and Vice Chairman of Info Edge, as Executive Vice Chairman, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, with effect from December 3, 2026, subject to shareholders’ approval.

Hitesh Oberoi on his transition, said, “After nearly 27 years at Info Edge, I feel this is the right time for me to begin transitioning out of my full-time operating role. It has not been an easy decision. Info Edge has been a defining part of my life, and I feel enormous gratitude and pride when I look back at what we have built together.

There were a few things I wanted to see through before stepping back. Today, Naukri has a clear AI and Data strategy which is playing out well and will help power its next phase of growth. 99acres has established strong market leadership over the last couple of years and is now a fast growing, robust cash generating business. Jeevansathi and Aisle continue to gain market share and are now profitable and Jobhai has built a credible monetisation engine and laid the foundations for a much larger business.

More importantly, together, we have built a much stronger institution. We have senior leaders who have been with Info Edge for over 20 years and understand our businesses deeply, alongside a younger generation of leaders who are ambitious and ready to take on greater responsibility. If there is one thing I am most proud of, it is the quality of our leadership team and the culture we have built. Our businesses generate substantial cash, allowing Info Edge to evolve into an important investor in, and supporter of, India’s startup ecosystem.

In the next phase of my life, I now want to make more time for higher education, entrepreneurship, investing and my family. I will miss working with the many colleagues and teams who have made these 27 years so special.

I therefore feel this is the right time for me to step back. Subject to shareholder approval, I will be happy to continue to serve on the Board as a Non-Executive Director, and I will remain available to help whenever needed.

I am deeply grateful to my current and former Board members, to my colleagues past and present, and to Sanjeev for this long and exciting partnership of more than 27 years. I carry with me fond memories of the many early battles for survival we fought together and the fun times we had when we had nothing. I will miss our bets and debates at Election time and our common interest in conspiracy theories long before social media took them to every home. I am also very pleased that I will continue my association with Info Edge as a Non-Executive Director and look forward to contributing to the Company in that capacity.”

Kapil Kapoor, Chairman of Info Edge, added,“Hitesh has had a remarkable innings at Info Edge, which I have had the privilege of watching up close for almost 24 years. Together with Sanjeev, he helped build a company that achieved many firsts, including becoming the first Indian internet company to go public.

Hitesh’s contribution, first as COO and subsequently as CEO, has been exceptional. His relentless focus on execution, and the ability to provide strategic direction through multiple competitive and macroeconomic cycles have been important drivers of Info Edge’s growth.

Equally important, Hitesh has helped build a strong leadership team and institution for the future. We are confident that the Company is well prepared for this transition and the opportunities ahead.

We fully understand and respect his decision to transition out of his full-time operating role and are delighted that he will continue to contribute as a Non-Executive Director. His experience, judgement and institutional knowledge will remain valuable to the Board and the Company.”

Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder and Vice Chairman of Info Edge, shared, “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.

I shall dearly miss Hitesh - a comrade in arms, a torchbearer for the Company and the Internet industry, a close friend and colleague, an exceptional business leader, an Amitabh Bachchan fan, a superb raconteur with a large pitara of stories and, above all, a wicked sense of humour.

But then, he isn’t really going. He will still be on the Board and will always be available for advice and consultation to all business managers. I know I shall rely a lot on his guidance.

I am grateful to the Board for its confidence as I take on this expanded role.”

Kapil Kapoor, Chairman of Info Edge, on Sanjeev Bikhchandani’s appointment, said, “We are pleased that Sanjeev, the Founder and Vice Chairman, has agreed to take on expanded responsibilities as Executive Vice Chairman, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer.

As Founder, Sanjeev brings a deep understanding of Info Edge’s businesses, culture and values, together with a strong entrepreneurial orientation and a long-term perspective on value creation.

Sanjeev has played a leading role in shaping Info Edge since its inception, including in building the Company’s investment portfolio, several investments from which have subsequently grown into independent listed companies.

We are confident that his experience, energy and long-term perspective will be valuable as Info Edge enters its next phase of growth and continues to build businesses and investments that can create significant long-term value.”

The Board and management of Info Edge place on record their appreciation for Mr. Hitesh Oberoi’s contribution to the Company over nearly 27 years.

The Company looks forward to his continued association as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director, subject to shareholders’ approval, and to benefiting from his experience and institutional knowledge as Info Edge enters its next phase.