Info Edge Founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani to Return as Group CEO From December 3 as Hitesh Oberoi Steps Down

Info Edge, the listed parent of Naukri.com, said on October 28, 2026 that founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani will become executive vice chairman, managing director and group CEO from December 3, subject to shareholder approval. He succeeds Hitesh Oberoi, who will step down as managing director and CEO at the close of business on December 2, according to Entrepreneur India. The announcement came with the company's second-quarter results for FY27.

The Transition

Oberoi joined Info Edge as chief operating officer and director in 2000 and has been managing director and CEO for more than 16 years, ending nearly 27 years in a full-time executive role. His resignation letter is dated October 27. He will stay on the board as a non-executive, non-independent director from December 3, subject to shareholder approval, and says he wants to spend more time on education, entrepreneurship, institution building, investing and philanthropy.

Bikhchandani had handed the CEO role to Oberoi in 2010 and moved to founder and executive vice chairman. He was reappointed executive vice chairman and whole-time director from April 27, 2026. Entrepreneur India quotes him saying the first priority will be to give internal people an opportunity to grow. The company has not decided its longer-term leadership structure, according to another report. Bikhchandani's term runs until April 26, 2031, according to the regulatory filing as reported by Moneylife, and Oberoi said there had been no board discussion of hiring an external CEO or of him serving as interim chief.

What Oberoi Cites

Oberoi said the company is ready for the transition. He pointed to Naukri's AI strategy now feeding revenue-generating products, 99acres becoming cash-generating, and Jeevansathi and Aisle turning profitable. Entrepreneur India reports that Info Edge's market capitalisation rose from about ₹2,500 crore to ₹80,000 crore during his time as CEO.

The Results

Reports differ on the quarter's numbers:

• Entrepreneur India: consolidated net profit up 87 percent to ₹649.8 crore from ₹347.5 crore, revenue from operations up 12.2 percent to ₹903.9 crore, and other income up 164.8 percent to ₹428.4 crore
• Other outlets: net profit up 36 percent, and revenue up 13 percent to ₹842 crore

Staffing Industry Analysts also reported revenue up 12.2 percent, which matches Entrepreneur India, so the 13 percent figure looks like rounding or a different basis. We could not reconcile the profit figures, which may reflect standalone versus consolidated numbers, so check the company's filing. The board declared an interim dividend of ₹3 per share with a record date of November 6. Shares closed 1.23 percent lower at ₹1,205 on the BSE, per Entrepreneur India.

The Business Behind the Change

Info Edge runs Naukri.com for jobs, 99acres for property, Jeevansathi and Aisle for matchmaking and dating, and invests in startups. Oberoi's remarks suggest the company sees these businesses as stable: Naukri uses AI in revenue products, 99acres produces cash and two others are profitable. One summary of the results said revenue rose 13 percent and operating profit rose 30 percent, so the handover comes with growing numbers and not a crisis. Whether the founder's return changes how the company invests in startups is not yet stated.

Why It Matters

Info Edge is also a major investor in Indian startups. Entrackr's weekly report shows it took part in Troovy's Series B this week. That makes the CEO change relevant to founders beyond job listings: a founder returning to run a listed group that backs startups may shape how it invests. We have not seen the company say this, so it is our reading and not a statement from Info Edge.

The Risk

A founder returning to the top job can bring clarity, but it also raises succession questions, and the company has not stated a long-term structure. Shareholder approval is still needed.

What This Means for Founders

First, plan succession early. Even a 16-year CEO eventually leaves, and a clear plan protects the company and its cap table from surprises.

Second, founders can return. Bikhchandani handed over in 2010 and now comes back, which shows that stepping aside does not close the door if the board and shareholders agree.

Third, if you list, leadership changes are market events. Plan how you will communicate them, and keep due diligencematerial and dilution history clean so investors can follow the change.

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