Former SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash Joins Hindustan Zinc as CEO
Prakash resigned from SAIL, effective April 1, 2026, much before his scheduled superannuation
Amarendu Prakash has joined Hindustan Zinc Limited as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Prakash succeeds Arun Mishra, who recently assumed charge as Group CEO of Vedanta Limited.
Amarendu Prakash had taken over as SAIL Chairman on May 31, 2023. In January 2026, Prakash resigned from the post, effective April 1, 2026, much before his scheduled superannuation.
Headquartered in Udaipur, Hindustan Zinc is India’s only integrated producer of zinc, lead and silver. The company is recognized as the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer globally. As a key subsidiary of Vedanta, Hindustan Zinc plays a critical role in meeting India’s industrial and infrastructure requirements while contributing significantly to the country’s mineral and metal production ecosystem.
Since Amarendu Prakash resigned as Chairman of SAIL effective April 1, 2026 and has joined Hindustan Zinc, questions may arise regarding:
- Whether he obtained the necessary approvals from the competent authority.
- Whether the applicable DPE guidelines permit such an appointment immediately after leaving a CPSU.
- Whether any specific exemption or clearance was granted.
The exact answer would depend on the terms of his appointment, resignation acceptance order, and approvals issued by the Government of India.
While SAIL and Hindustan Zinc are not direct competitors, both operate within India’s broader metals and mining ecosystem, raising questions in some quarters about potential conflict-of-interest considerations arising from Amarendu Prakash’s move from a government-owned steel major to a private-sector metals company.
Industry experts note that such transitions are typically governed by applicable post-employment and commercial engagement guidelines, including any approvals required from the competent authorities. It remains to be seen whether all necessary clearances and regulatory requirements relating to his appointment have been duly complied with.
