Thiruvananthapuram: In a key administrative move, the Kerala government has appointed senior IAS officer A. Jayathilak as the state’s 50th Chief Secretary. The decision was finalized during the cabinet meeting held today, ahead of the upcoming retirement of current Chief Secretary Dr. Sarada Muraleedharan on April 30.
Jayathilak, currently the Additional Chief Secretary in the Finance Department, is set to steer Kerala’s top bureaucracy until June 2026. His appointment comes after senior IAS officer Manoj Joshi, who was also considered, opted out of contention.
A 1991 batch officer, Jayathilak brings a rare blend of medical and managerial expertise to the role, holding an MBBS from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and a postgraduate certificate from IIM. He began his administrative career as Sub Collector in Mananthavady and later served as District Collector in both Kollam and Kozhikode.
He has also played a crucial role in promoting Kerala tourism as the Managing Director of KTDC and held leadership roles in national institutions like the Spices Board and MPEDA during his central deputation.
Notably, Jayathilak has been at the center of some high-profile bureaucratic debates in the state, including a public standoff with fellow officer N. Prashanth — a sign of his assertive presence in administrative circles.
