Former Kearney India Head Vikas Kaushal Named CMD Of Hindustan Petroleum

In what comes as a big surprise in Public Sector Undertakings of the country, Former Kearney India head Vikas Kaushal, has been selected to lead HPCL.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Friday named Vikas Kaushal, global leader for energy and process industries at Kearney, as the new chairman and managing director (CMD) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). Kaushal will be the first lateral entry from the private sector into a top role at any public sector oil and gas firm.

Who is Vikas Kaushal?

Mr. Vikas Kaushal has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). A seasoned global leader, he brings over three decades of experience in the energy, oil & gas and power sectors.

Educational Background & Global Leadership

• A chemical engineering graduate from Panjab University and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad.
• Twice elected to Kearney’s Global Board of Directors, completing two full terms—the maximum allowed under Kearney’s governance structure.
• Served as Chair of the Finance, Audit, and Governance Committees at Kearney (formerly A.T. Kearney), a global management consulting firm with an annual revenue of USD 1.6 billion.
• The only Indian to be considered competent for Kearney’s Global Board selection.
• Former Global Leader for Energy and Process Industries at Kearney, advising major global oil & gas companies.
• Served as Managing Director & Country Head of Kearney India for five years.

Major Contributions in the Oil & Gas Sector

Mr. Kaushal has been a long-term advisor and consultant to the leadership of Indian and global energy companies, including HPCL, IndianOil, BPCL, and GAIL.

IndianOil (IOCL)

• Led a five-year digital transformation program, positioning IndianOil as a consistent award-winner for Best Digital Oil Company.
• Spearheaded multiple strategic projects in Petrochemicals and Gas, contributing to the establishment of IndianOil’s Petchem & Gas divisions.
• Led refinery maintenance transformation at IOCL.
• Drove Dhruva retail transformation and cost optimization in IndianOil’s lubricants business.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)

• Spearheaded the establishment of HPCL’s Centralized Procurement Office, driving operational efficiencies and cost savings.
• Led HPCL’s petrochemical diversification strategy and its implementation.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)

• Led BPCL’s Net Zero planning and Petchem strategy.

Contributions to the Power Sector

Thermal Power

• Led corporate plan implementation for NTPC.
• Implemented Reliability-Centered Maintenance for Tata Power.
• Built O&M processes (over four phases, ~4 years) and developed an Analytical Centre of Excellence for a major power sector firm.

Renewable Energy

• Designed and executed the Commercial & Industrial power sales business for a global renewable energy company in India, resulting in a 2GW+ business expansion.

Thought Leadership & Mentorship

• A recognized expert in energy transition, frequently contributing to global industry conferences and thought leadership discussions.
• Passionate about mentorship and leadership development, playing a key role in shaping the careers of future industry leaders.

A Bold Decision
Mr. Kaushal, a global management professional, has taken an 80% pay cut to assume his leadership role at HPCL, demonstrating his commitment to India’s energy sector and public sector leadership.