M Maheshwar Rao, born on 20 August 1971, is a 1995 batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre. He holds a graduate degree and an M.A. from North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, and a master's from Harvard University. Currently, he serves as the Chief Commissioner at Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) since 3 May 2025. Throughout his career, he has held various positions including Managing Director, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Joint Secretary, Principal Secretary to Government, Commissioner, Secretary, Special Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and District Collector. He is proficient in English and Kannada. Rao remains in active service.