Gautam Thapar is Bilt MD

The board of Ballarpur Industries Ltd (Bilt) has appointed Gautam Thapar as managing director of the company. The appointment is valid for a period of five years. Lalit Mohan Thapar, the new MD's uncle, will continue as chairman of this company, which is referred to as the group's flagship company.

Gautam Thapar, a chemical engineer, was until now joint MD of Ballarpur Industries, and MD of APR Ltd, the group's chemical company. The chemicals business of Bilt was transferred to APR as part of the group's restructuring, leaving Bilt with the main paper business.

Vikram Thapar, another nephew of chairman L.M. Thapar, who was also considered to be in the running for the MD's position at Bilt, will head his father I.M. Thapar's company, KCT Coal Sales.