Sanjay Khanna has stepped into a pivotal role as the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), following the retirement of Krishnakumar Gopalan on April 30. Previously, Khanna held the position of Director (Refineries) within the company, where he made significant contributions to BPCL’s operations and strategy.

Leadership Experience and Roles

In addition to his new role at BPCL, Khanna is also a Director on the boards of Bharat Petro Resources and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals. He chairs the Technical Committee for Petroleum Refineries, which operates under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). This extensive involvement highlights his expertise and commitment to advancing the industry.

• Previous Projects: Khanna has been instrumental in several key projects, including the establishment of new process units at BPCL’s refineries in Mumbai, Kochi, and Numaligarh.
• Innovative Initiatives: As Director (Refineries), he oversaw operations at both the Kochi and Mumbai refineries, playing a crucial role in launching BPCL’s inaugural Niche Petrochemical project, known as the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP).

Educational Background and Experience

Sanjay Khanna boasts a robust academic foundation with a degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli and a Postgraduate degree in Finance Management from Mumbai University. With over 30 years of experience in refinery operations and technical services, he is well-equipped to lead BPCL into its next chapter.

Changes in BPCL Leadership

In another significant development, Raj Kumar Dubey has also taken on the role of Director (Marketing) at BPCL, in addition to his current responsibilities as the Director (HR). His experience will be pivotal as BPCL navigates its marketing strategies in a competitive landscape.

Recent Financial Performance

In related news, BPCL recently announced its Q4 financial results, revealing an 8% decline in profits for the fourth quarter. Despite this downturn, the company reported a notable improvement in refining margins, exceeding $4 per barrel. Furthermore, BPCL has declared a final dividend of Rs 5 per share, reflecting its commitment to shareholder returns despite challenging market conditions.

The leadership changes and financial updates at BPCL signal a period of transition and opportunity, as the company continues to adapt to the evolving energy sector landscape.