The Indian Oil Ministry has launched a fresh search for the next chairman and managing director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), one of India's leading oil and gas companies. This move comes after the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) failed to identify a suitable candidate for the top position at the state-owned oil major.

Application Deadline and Selection Committee

The ministry has set an October 21 deadline for applications, signaling urgency in filling this crucial leadership role. A three-member search-cum-selection committee, headed by PESB chairperson Mallika Srinivasan, was constituted in March to oversee the selection process.

Previous Selection Attempts

The need for a new selection process arose after the PESB's initial efforts proved unsuccessful. The board interviewed a dozen applicants, including high-ranking BPCL officials such as:

• Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta, Director (Finance)
• Sanjay Khanna, Director (Refineries)

Despite these interviews, no suitable candidate was identified, leading to the current open call for applications.

Current Leadership Situation

The chairman position at BPCL has been vacant since April 30, when G Krishnakumar retired from the role. In the interim, Sanjay Khanna, the Director of Refineries, has taken on additional responsibilities to manage the company's operations.

Eligibility Criteria

The ministry has outlined specific eligibility criteria for potential candidates:

• Internal candidates must have at least two years of residual service
• External candidates are required to have a minimum of three years before reaching the superannuation age of 60

Broader Industry Context

This situation at BPCL is not unique in India's oil sector. Since 2021, three other major oil companies have faced similar challenges in identifying suitable leadership candidates:

1. Indian Oil Corporation
2. Hindustan Petroleum
3. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

These recurring difficulties in finding appropriate leaders for top positions in state-owned oil companies highlight the complexities and challenges in the sector's executive recruitment process.

Recent Changes in BPCL's Senior Management

While not directly related to the chairman search, BPCL recently announced changes in its senior management:

• Shri Syed Abbas Akhtar, Executive Director (PR & Brand), superannuated on September 30
• Shri Raman Malik, previously Chief General Manager (PR & Brand), has taken over as Head (PR & Brand) effective October 1

These changes, disclosed in compliance with SEBI regulations, indicate ongoing transitions within BPCL's leadership structure.

As the search for BPCL's new chairman continues, the oil industry and investors will be watching closely to see who will take the helm of this critical player in India's energy sector.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a leading Indian oil and gas company, has announced significant changes in its senior management, specifically in the Public Relations (PR) and Brand division.

Leadership Transition

Syed Abbas Akhtar, who served as the Executive Director (PR & Brand), has superannuated from the services of the company on September 30, 2025. Following this transition, Raman Malik, previously the Chief General Manager (PR & Brand), has taken over as the new Head of PR & Brand effective October 1, 2025.

New Leadership Profile

Raman Malik brings a wealth of experience and education to his new role:

• Educational Background:

  • B.E. in Chemical Engineering from the Department of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Punjab
  • Diploma in Management in Business Administration from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai

• Professional Experience: Malik has handled various roles across Human Resource Services (HRS) and Retail divisions within BPCL, contributing to his comprehensive understanding of the company's operations.

Corporate Governance

In compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, BPCL has officially informed the BSE Ltd. and the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. about these changes in senior management. This transparent communication underscores BPCL's commitment to corporate governance and timely disclosure of material information to its stakeholders.

The management changes come at a time when the oil and gas sector is navigating through global challenges and opportunities. Malik's diverse experience within BPCL positions him well to lead the PR and Brand division, which plays a crucial role in shaping the company's public image and stakeholder communications.

As BPCL continues to evolve in a dynamic energy landscape, the new leadership in its PR and Brand division is expected to play a pivotal role in communicating the company's strategies, achievements, and corporate values to both internal and external stakeholders.