Ajay Bhadoo Appointed CEO of Government e Marketplace (GeM)

The Government of India has appointed Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government e Marketplace (GeM), effective March 3, 2025. He will assume this role alongside his existing responsibilities. His appointment comes as GeM transitions into a next-generation digital marketplace powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Bhadoo, a 1999-batch IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, has an extensive career in governance, urban infrastructure development, and policy implementation.

Key Highlights

Appointment and Responsibilities

• Ajay Bhadoo appointed as CEO of GeM, effective March 3, 2025.
• Continues as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce.

Professional Background

• 1999-batch IAS officer from Gujarat cadre.
• Over two decades of experience in policy formulation and implementation.
• Served as Deputy Election Commissioner at the Election Commission of India.
• Former Joint Secretary to ex-President Ram Nath Kovind.
• CEO of Gujarat Maritime Board and Commissioner of Rajkot & Vadodara Municipal Corporations.

Educational Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering.
• Master’s in Business Law from National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.

GeM Platform Growth and Impact

• India’s largest e-marketplace for government procurement.
• Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of Rs 4.58 lakh crore, with 28.65% YoY growth.
• Startups have fulfilled orders worth Rs 35,950 crore.
• Women entrepreneurs make up 8% of the seller base.
• 1,77,786 Udyam-verified women MSEs have completed orders worth Rs 46,615 crore.

Strategic Transition of GeM

• Moving towards a next-generation digital marketplace with TCS.
• Aims to enhance accessibility for startups, small businesses, and government buyers.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the new?	Ajay Bhadoo Appointed CEO of Government e Marketplace (GeM)
Current Position	Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce
New Role	CEO of Government e Marketplace (GeM)
Effective Date	March 3, 2025
IAS Batch & Cadre	1999, Gujarat
Educational Background	Civil Engineering, Master’s in Business Law
Past Key Roles	Deputy Election Commissioner, Joint Secretary to President, CEO of Gujarat Maritime Board
GeM Gross Merchandise Value	Rs 4.58 lakh crore
Women Entrepreneurs on GeM	8% of total sellers
Startups’ Order Fulfillment	Rs 35,950 crore
Women MSEs Order Fulfillment	Rs 46,615 crore