Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced a key leadership appointment effective July 15, 2025, subject to shareholder approval. Manisha Chandra, Joint Secretary (Aerospace) in the Department of Defence Production, has been appointed as Part-time Official Director (Government Nominee Director), replacing Amit Satija.
Joining the HAL Board, Manisha Chandra, an IAS officer from the 2004 Gujarat cadre, brings extensive administrative experience. Currently serving as Joint Secretary (Aerospace) in the Ministry of Defence, she has held leadership roles across three districts and five departments in Gujarat. Notably, she served as Secretary, Expenditure Department of Finance, where she represented the government on the boards of key state PSUs such as GUVNL, GETCO, and GSFS.
Chandra is widely recognized for driving technology-enabled and citizen-centric governance initiatives, several of which have earned accolades from national institutions including NITI Aayog. She holds dual master’s degrees—one in Public Policy and Management from King’s College London, and another in Political Science from the University of Allahabad.
