UltraTech Cement Limited has reshaped its top leadership, announcing that K. K. Maheshwari will step down as Non-Executive Vice Chairman effective January 1, 2027. The board confirmed the transition during a meeting held on October 19, 2026.
Maheshwari cited ongoing commitments and personal obligations as reasons for his departure. His successor, Kailash Chandra Jhanwar, will take over the vice chairman role on the same date.
Jhanwar currently serves as UltraTech’s Managing Director, a position he will hold until December 31, 2026. The Nomination, Remuneration and Compensation Committee recommended his re-designation before the board finalized the move.
A Chartered Accountant by training, Jhanwar joined the Aditya Birla Group in 1981. Over four decades, he built expertise across finance, operations, and general management within the cement and chemicals industries. His resume includes large-scale project execution, manufacturing strategy, commercial planning, and merger integration.
Colleagues describe Jhanwar as a leader with sharp stakeholder focus and a track record of building high-performing teams. He has repeatedly strengthened business franchises under his watch, according to the company filing.
The board meeting ran from 12 noon to 1:40 p.m., with the leadership changes standing as the session’s central outcome. UltraTech framed the decision as part of its broader effort to reinforce governance and deliver long-term value.
The announcement stems from a regulatory filing submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India.
