IOCL – Race Hots Up For The Post Of Director (Marketing)

As the superannuation date of V. Satish Kumar, Director (Marketing) at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), draws near, the race for one of the most prestigious and high-profile board-level positions in the country’s energy sector has intensified. A number of seasoned professionals have thrown their hats in the ring, but only a handful are seen as serious contenders for the coveted role.

Here’s a look at the frontrunners:

From IOCL (Internal Candidates):

Mr. V.C. Ashokan – Executive Director & State Head – Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
A veteran who has appeared in interviews for board-level positions several times. While well-experienced, he has limited residual service left, which could work against him.

Mr. Jitender Kumar – Executive Director & State Head – West Bengal
Known for his effective tenure as State Head of Punjab, he brings strong field-level experience, though he too is nearing superannuation.

Mr. Sumitpriya Shrivastava – Executive Director – Corporate Strategy
Seen as close to the current IOCL Chairman, which could play to his advantage. However, like others, his limited remaining service period may be a drawback.

Mr. Hemant K. Rathore – Executive Director – Head, UPSO-II
A strong contender with extensive marketing experience and a proven track record, including handling the challenging Aviation Fuel Station (AFS) operations in the past.

Mr. Bibhuti Ranjan Pradhan – Executive Director – Coordination
Has a diverse administrative background with stints in CSR, training, institutional business, and coordination. However, his limited direct marketing exposure could be a limiting factor.

Mr. Mathew Verghese – Executive Director – Delhi State Office
With a career largely rooted in HR and the Chairman’s Secretariat, he lacks core marketing experience.

Mr. Rajesh Singh – Executive Director – Head, UPSO-I
Considered a dark horse in the race. Though not as visible in previous marketing roles, his proximity to a senior cabinet minister and strong political connections may work in his favor.

External Candidates (Non-IOCL):

Mr. Pushp Nayyar – Executive Director – BPCL
Brings external perspective and experience from another oil major, BPCL.

Mr. Biju Gopinath – Executive Director – BPCL
Another senior BPCL executive with the potential to bring fresh thinking into IOCL’s marketing strategies.

Mr. Alok Batkul – Executive Director – CONCOR
Though from the logistics sector, he brings valuable experience in cargo movement and supply chain efficiency.

Mr. Girja Shanker – Chief General Manager – GAIL
A senior GAIL officer who may add value from the gas marketing side but is less likely due to organizational background mismatch.

Mr. Jitenderjit Singh Mann – NTPC
A lesser-known contender in this context; his marketing credentials for this particular role are unclear.

Conclusion:

While several capable professionals have applied for the position, the selection will ultimately depend on a combination of factors – relevant experience, remaining service tenure, organizational needs, and at times, strategic or political considerations. The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is expected to hold interviews soon, after which clarity on the successor to V. Satish Kumar will emerge.