The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, approved the appointment of Jayathilak as the 50th Chief Secretary of the state. Currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), Jayathilak will take over from Sarada Muraleedharan, who is set to retire on April 30.
A 1991 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Jayathilak holds a postgraduate degree in medicine. He is expected to serve as Chief Secretary until his retirement in June 2026.
Jayathilak began his civil service career as Subcollector of Mananthavady. Over the years, he has held several key positions, including Managing Director of the Industries Department and Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, District Collector of Kollam and Kozhikode, Chairman of the Spices Board, Secretary of Water Resources, and Additional Chief Secretary (Disaster Management).
Manoj Joshi, currently serving as Secretary of Land Resources under central deputation, was considered a contender for the top post.
Jayathilak was an accomplished student, having consistently secured first place in the state-level wildlife quiz competition organised by the Forests and Wildlife Department. He also won several accolades in quiz competitions during his school and college years.
Speaking to the media, Jayathilak said that his focus as Chief Secretary will be on completing critical ongoing infrastructure projects, including the National Highway development and the Vizhinjam port expansion.
Suspended IAS officer Prashant Nair had recently accused Jayathilak of fabricating documents to cover up wrongdoing. The government has not commented further on the matter.