In a major leadership development in India’s fertilizer industry, the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Shri S. Sakthimani for the FACT CMD appointment.
This decision positions him as the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of The Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT), a leading public sector fertilizer company under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
The selection was finalized during the PESB meeting held on October 3, 2025, marking an important milestone in FACT’s leadership transition.
Who is S. Sakthimani?
Shri S. Sakthimani currently serves as Director (Finance) at FACT. He brings decades of experience in public sector finance, management, and fertilizer operations.
Over the years, Sakthimani has been instrumental in strengthening FACT’s financial health, improving cost efficiency, and driving modernization initiatives.
Before joining FACT, he held senior positions across various Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) and contributed to improving financial governance and transparency in the fertilizer sector.
His tenure as Director (Finance) is marked by profit growth, better working capital management, and strategic project expansion.
FACT CMD Selection Process
According to PESB records, the selection committee interviewed several high-level candidates for the post of FACT CMD, including:
Shri S. Sakthimani – Director (Finance), FACT
Shri Satyender Rai – Executive Director (Digital Transformation), NMDC Limited
Shri Abhijit Chakraborty – Executive Director (Projects), Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Dr. Ajit Kumar Thakur – Executive Director (Alternate Energy), Indian Oil Corporation Limited
After a detailed evaluation of their leadership capabilities, industry experience, and strategic vision, PESB recommended S. Sakthimani for the top leadership role at FACT.
About FACT – India’s First Fertilizer Company
Founded in 1943, The Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) is India’s first large-scale fertilizer manufacturing company, headquartered in Udyogamandal, Kerala.
FACT operates under the Department of Fertilizers, Government of India, and is engaged in producing Ammonium Sulphate and Complex NPK fertilizers.
The company also has a strong presence in engineering and chemical manufacturing.
For decades, FACT has supported farmers across southern India and continues to upgrade its operations with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Significance of S Sakthimani’s FACT CMD Appointment
The PESB’s recommendation of S. Sakthimani as FACT CMD is expected to strengthen the company’s financial and operational stability.
As the fertilizer industry faces challenges like volatile raw material prices, subsidy reforms, and green ammonia transitions, FACT will benefit from Sakthimani’s deep expertise and leadership experience.
Under his guidance, FACT is expected to:
Enhance long-term profitability
Accelerate capacity expansion and modernization
Drive digital transformation and smart manufacturing
Strengthen working capital and supply chain efficiency
Expand export and trading operations
Industry Response
Industry experts have welcomed the S Sakthimani FACT CMD appointment, noting that it ensures continuity and strong internal leadership.
A senior fertilizer analyst commented:
“FACT has shown steady growth in recent years. With S. Sakthimani at the helm, who understands the company’s core operations, FACT is set to move forward with stability and faster decision-making.”
Conclusion
The PESB’s recommendation of S. Sakthimani as CMD of FACT marks a new chapter in India’s fertilizer industry.
With decades of experience in finance and management, Sakthimani is expected to lead FACT toward sustainable growth, modernization, and strategic transformation.
Once approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), Shri S. Sakthimani will officially take charge as the CMD of FACT, continuing the proud legacy of India’s pioneering fertilizer company.
