AYODHYA, September 2 2026: The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has named retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as the full-time Chief Executive Officer of the Ram Temple Trust. This move signals a shift in how the Trust will be managed. Mishra, who retired from the Indian Air Force in April this year will now lead the Trust’s growing operational needs.
The decision was made during a Trust meeting held in Ayodhya on Wednesday. Mishra was chosen from a list of three candidates. The Trust received 5,585 applications for the CEO post. A three-member search committee reviewed all the applications before recommending the candidates to the Trust leadership.
Who is Jeetendra Mishra?
Jeetendra Mishra brings forty years of experience in the Indian Air Force. He retired on April 30 2026 after serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command. That is one of the important operational units in the Indian Air Force. Before that he was the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) among top leadership roles.
His career included leading units, planning operations managing large organisations and working with different units. He played a role in Operation Sindoor, where he led the Western Air Command. His skills in running organisations and coordinating complex tasks are seen as very useful for the Ram Temple Trust as it builds a more professional and structured management system.
Mishra has earned military awards during his service. These include the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. He joined the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in December 1986. After that he held a number of command and staff positions.
A careful selection process
The appointment was the result of an detailed hiring process. The Trust formed a search committee. It was headed by retired Justice Pramod Kohli. The other members were retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and former scientist Suresh Haware. They looked through thousands of applications before shortlisting the suitable candidates.
The selection process used AI to screen applications. It also included checks, online interviews and in-person meetings. Reports say that 16 candidates went through interviews in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12. The candidates were judged on leadership skills, management experience, personal integrity and their vision for running an institution of international importance.
Why the CEO appointment matters
The creation of a full-time CEO comes at a time when the Ram Temple Trust is handling new challenges. These include managing the temple’s operations, infrastructure development and financial responsibilities. The move also comes after a controversy involving alleged misuse of temple donations. In that case eight people were arrested. The former Trust general secretary, Champat Rai resigned.
Because of these events the Trust is expected to focus on professional management, transparency and accountability. The appointment of Jeetendra Mishra is seen as a step in that direction. It shows a commitment to building systems as the temple continues to draw large crowds of devotees and visitors from across the country and the world.
Three new trustees also appointed
Along with the CEO appointment the Trust announced three trustees: Mahesh Bhagchandka from Delhi former additional advocate general Madan Mohan Pandey from Ayodhya and Nirmala Yadav. Their appointments are part of an effort to reshape the Trust’s leadership and administrative setup.
With Jeetendra Mishra taking charge as the first full-time CEO the Ram Temple Trust is entering a new phase. His immediate task will be to use his experience, in leadership, administration and coordination to manage one of India’s important religious institutions. He will also help strengthen systems that support the temple’s growing operations and future plans.
