Arvindar Singh Sahney, who heads Indian Oil Corporation’s (IoCL) petrochemicals business, will take over as the new Chairman of the state-run oil marketing company.
Sahney, who has around three decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, is currently the Executive Director (Business Development - Petrochemicals) of the country’s largest fuel retailer.
“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal of this ministry for appointment of Arvindar Singh Sahney, Executive Director, IOC to the post of Chairman, IOC, for a period of five years with effect from the date of his assumption of charge of the post, or till the date of his superannuation, or until further order, whichever is the earliest,” a government order issued on Wednesday said.
He has extensive experience in petroleum refining, petrochemicals marketing and industry outlook. Sahney has a special focus on energy transition, decarbonisation, green hydrogen, carbon capture and petrochemical projects.
His elevation comes at a time when the country’s largest OMC is effecting a green energy transition charting into renewables, biofuels, public EV charging stations among others.
Sahney will take over the charge from IoCL Director (Marketing) V Satish Kumar, who currently holds the additional charge of Chairman.
Satish Kumar assumed the additional charge of Chairman IoCL in September 2024 after the one year extension of S M Vaidya ended in August. Vaidya, who took charge as IoCL Chairman in July 2020, retired in 2023, but was given a year’s extension.
A Chemical Engineer from HBTI, Kanpur, Sahney started his career with IndianOil in 1993. Over the years, he has held key positions across various functions, including Refinery Operations, Technical Services, Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) and Petrochemicals, IndiaOil said.
He played a crucial role in the commissioning of the 15 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) Paradip Refinery, which has significantly bolstered India’s refining capacity and energy security.
Before assuming the role of Chairman, Sahney headed IndianOil’s Petrochemical vertical. He was instrumental in conceptualizing several major petrochemical projects, including the upcoming mega Petrochemical Complex at Paradip, that is poised to significantly expand IndianOil’s footprint in the sector.
Sahney is a strong advocate for a people-centric culture and is committed to strengthening IndianOil’s core business while expanding its green energy initiatives. His vision for the company aligns with the global shift towards sustainability, positioning IndianOil as a leader in the energy sector.
He also chairs Terra Clean, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IndianOil focused on sustainable solutions, and is a Director at another subsidiary IndOil Montney Canada, it added.