UTI MF identifies Rahman as interim chief if Puri exits

UTI MF has identified Imtaiyazur Rahman to take over as the interim chief if current managing director Leo Puri doesn’t get an extension, said two people with direct knowledge of the development. Rahman is currently working at UTI MF in the capacity of chief financial officer and is responsible for global operations.

UTI MF couldn't be reached immediately. “We have no comment on the report about Mr. Rahman,” said a T Rowe Price spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court on Thursday admitted a writ petition by T Rowe Price, seeking an extension of Puri and set the next hearing for Monday, the same day Puri's five-year term comes to an end. Appearing for T Rowe Price, senior counsel Iqbal Chagla argued before the court that UTI MF's trustees should extend the term of Puri for smooth functioning

of affairs.

Last time, it took the company around 30 months to find a new MD and the court should extend Puri's tenure by 12 months or any other period as it deems fit, said Chagla.

He emphasised on the urgency of the matter, given Puri's five-year term ends on Monday. A bench comprising Justice R M Borde and Justice P K Chavan will hear the matter on Monday. Sources said top officials of the fund house held a meeting on Thursday, where they decided Rahman would be the right choice to take over if Puri's extension doesn't go through. Previously, Rahman had acted as interim CEO of UTI MF in 2012, when shareholders had contested the appointment of the next chief following U K Sinha's departure to Sebi. "As all the stakeholders haven't been on the same page on whether Puri should continue, the new CEO appointment process was never initiated. Rahman's interim appointment is seen as an acceptable solution for all parties involved," said a source privy to the development.

Meanwhile, T Rowe Price is throwing its weight behind Puri's extension by moving court. The Finance Ministry, Securities and Exchange Board of India, UTI AMC, UTI Trustee Company, and the four stateowned shareholders — LIC, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank have been named respondents in the petition filed by T Rowe Price, which is the only private sector shareholder in UTI MF.