N. Murali has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited (THGPPL) for a three-year term. His appointment follows the resignation of Dr. Nirmala Lakshman, who concluded her tenure during a Board meeting on June 18,2026,after completing her own three-year term.
The decision to appoint Murali was made unanimously by the Board's Nomination and Remuneration Committee,led by Senior Advocate Mr. Krishna Srinivasan. This leadership change comes at a time when the news media faces significant challenges,making Murali's extensive background in the industry particularly relevant.
With over 56 years of experience in the newspaper sector, Murali's journey began in 1969 when he joined the family business of The Hindu . He quickly ascended through the ranks, becoming General Manager in 1977 and Joint Managing Director in 1995. By 2006, he had taken on the role of Managing Director of Kasturi & Sons Limited, the parent company of The Hindu and its affiliated publications. His long-standing involvement with THGPPL and KSL has equipped him with a deep understanding of the industry.
Throughout his career,Murali has held numerous prestigious positions in various industry organizations. He served as President of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) and chaired several councils,including the Audit Bureau of Circulations and National Readership Studies Council. His influence extended internationally as he became first Board Member from South Asia for the International Federation of Newspaper Publishers (IFRA) from 1998 to 2004 and was a Board Member of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) from 2005 to 2006.
In addition to his roles in publishing, Murali is a Trustee of the Media Development Foundation in Chennai,which oversees the Asian College of Journalism. He also serves as the President of The Music Academy in Madras, further showcasing his diverse interests and leadership capabilities.
The Board of Directors expressed gratitude for Dr. Lakshman's leadership and contributions to the Group,acknowledging her effective management of Board proceedings. As Murali steps into his new role, Board members and employees are optimistic about his ability to navigate complexities of the media landscape. His wealth of experience and insights are expected to guide THGPPL toward new opportunities and successes in an evolving industry.
