IIT (ISM) Dhanbad alumnus appointed ONGC chairman
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Dhanbad, October 22: Sunil Kumar, a 1991-batch alumnus of the Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad, has been…
Sunil Kumar
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dhanbad, October 22: Sunil Kumar, a 1991-batch alumnus of the Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad, has been appointed chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), becoming the first executive in the company’s history to rise directly from the rank of Executive Director to the top post, according to the appointment order.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas’s proposal following a recommendation by the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC).
According to the order dated October 21, 2026, Kumar will assume charge on or after December 7, 2026. His appointment is for a combined tenure of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, subject to the terms specified in the order. The order also provides for his continuation on a contractual basis after his superannuation on December 31, 2028.
Three Decades of Experience at ONGC
Kumar, a petroleum engineering graduate, is currently serving as Executive Director and Asset Manager of ONGC’s Mehsana Asset. He joined the company in 1991 as an Assistant Executive Engineer (Production) in Assam.
During his career spanning more than three decades, he has held assignments at Sivasagar-Nazira, Mumbai, Delhi, Hazira and Kakinada. His experience includes production, well services, offshore operations, and deepwater and subsea development projects.
He also holds a postgraduate qualification in business management, with specialisation in marketing and finance.
Recognition for IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
Kumar’s appointment is a significant development for IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, where he studied petroleum engineering. His elevation to the leadership of one of India’s major public sector energy companies adds to the institute’s record of alumni serving in key positions across industry and strategic sectors.
He is scheduled to take charge of ONGC on or after December 7, subject to the terms of the appointment order.
