Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers has announced comprehensive leadership changes effective January 1, 2026, with Ms. Nazhat J. Shaikh formally assuming the role of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD). According to the company's latest regulatory disclosure, this appointment follows the cessation of the previous CMD, Shri S.C. Mudgerikar, on January 1, 2026. Ms. Shaikh, who holds DIN: 07348075, had been serving as Director (Finance) and was entrusted with additional charge of the CMD position before formally assuming the role. Alongside this top-level appointment, the company has also strengthened its senior management with two new General Manager appointments - Shri T. Charles for TS/Lab/PHS/F&S at Thal unit and Shri Parag Ashok Dandekar for Purchase department, both effective from the same date.
Ms. Shaikh brings over 30 years of experience in the fertilizer industry to her new role as CMD. As reported by the company, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Mumbai University and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. Additionally, she is a certified SAP FI Consultant. Her career with RCF began in 1989 when she joined as Accounts Officer, progressing through various finance-related responsibilities across different divisions including Trombay, Fertilizer Marketing & Corporate divisions. During her tenure at RCF, she was also entrusted with IT responsibilities during the crucial period of SAP ERP implementation and upgrade.
Shri T. Charles has been appointed as General Manager for TS/Lab/PHS/F&S at the Thal unit, bringing over 32 years of comprehensive experience since joining as Management Trainee in 1993. According to company reports, he holds an M.Tech degree in Chemical Engineering from A.C.Tech, Anna University, Chennai and has worked across multiple departments including Heavy Water Plant, Technical Services, Central Chemical Laboratory, Fire & Safety, and Plant Health Services. Shri Parag Ashok Dandekar assumes the General Manager (Purchase) position with equally impressive credentials. He holds a B.E. in Instrumentation Engineering from V.E.S.I.T. Engineering College, Mumbai and a Master's in Financial Management from JBIMS, Mumbai. Since joining RCF in January 1993 as Management Trainee (Instrumentation), he has gained diverse experience across departments including Acid Group Plant, Purchase, Commercial, Hospital Administration, Corporate Communication & CSR, and Vigilance.
Ms. Shaikh was selected as Director (Finance) at National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), a CPSE under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and joined on November 24, 2015, after taking lien from Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited. During her NFDC tenure, she briefly held additional charge as Managing Director, gaining exposure to media & production business, film festivals, and administrative functions. She rejoined RCF as Executive Director (Finance) on August 1, 2019, taking responsibility for finance, accounting, taxation, reporting, compliances, and treasury functions. From February 4, 2022, to February 8, 2024, she also held additional charge as Director (Finance) at Projects & Development India Limited (PDIL), a Government of India Undertaking under Department of Fertilizers.
The leadership changes reflect RCF's strategic succession planning, with two senior executives retiring through superannuation - Shri Devendra D. Dafe (General Manager, HSE/SGP/GTG/EES) and Shri Dharmendra M. Ramteke (General Manager, HRD). According to company disclosures, these management transitions ensure operational continuity while leveraging internal talent development. Both new General Manager appointees have demonstrated their capabilities through decades of service within the organization, ensuring seamless transitions in critical operational areas including technical services, laboratory operations, plant health services, and procurement functions. Ms. Shaikh's professional excellence has been recognized through the Best Woman Employee Award in Executive Category (3rd place) by Forum of Woman in Public Sector under SCOPE aegis in February 2014 and the CFO100 Next Award 2013.
The company has confirmed that all appointments comply with Regulation 30 of SEBI Listing Regulations and related circulars. As reported in the regulatory filing, Ms. Shaikh is not debarred from holding the office of Director pursuant to any SEBI order or order of any other authority. The company has also disclosed that there are no relationships between directors, ensuring transparency in the appointment process. These comprehensive leadership changes mark a significant milestone for Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers as it strengthens both top-level and operational management while maintaining continuity through internal promotions and extensive organizational experience across all new appointees.
