The Indian investment banker who played a key role in the development of Cairn Energy's business in the country is leaving the operation to pursue his entreprenurial interests.
Cairn India said Rahul Dhir would step down as managing director and chief executive with effect from August 31.
News of his planned departure comes eight months after Edinburgh-based Cairn Energy completed the sale of a controlling stake in Cairn India to Vedanta Resources for $5.5 billion (£3.5bn).
Cairn India controls the acreage on which Cairn made a series of bumper finds beneath the desert in Rajasthan state.
The company produced 175,000 barrels oil equivalent per day from the Rajasthan assets in the second quarter, making it one of India's leading oil and gas firms.
After selling a further 3.5% holding in Cairn India in June for $360m, Cairn Energy retained a 18.3% stake in the company.
Mr Dhir joined Cairn India in 2006 ahead of the company's flotation on the BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in January 2007.
He provided important help to a company that was controlled by a Scottish business in dealing with the challenges involved in operating in India.
A spokesman for Cairn Energy said: "Rahul Dhir's appointment was very much about the IPO and getting (Rajasthan) production up to 175,000 barrels a day. He has done both of them very well. He has done a great job as far as we are concerned."
Mr Dhir said, "With the completion of Vedanta's acquisition, this is the right transition point for me to pursue my entrepreneurial interests."
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