August will see big names from public sector energy companies competing for the top post in ONGC.
Some of the names in the race are GAIL (India) Chairman and Managing Director B.C. Tripathi, ONGC Videsh Ltd Managing Director D.K. Sarraf, and ONGC Director (Exploration) Narendra Kumar Verma.
Other names doing the rounds are ONGC Director (T&FS), Shashi Shanker, ONGC Videsh Director (Finance) S.P. Garg and Chennai Petroleum Corp Ltd Director (Operations) S. Venkataramana.
The public sector explorer’s top job always tends to attract attention. The company, with an authorised and paid-up capital of Rs 15,000 crore and Rs 4,277.76 crore, respectively, is the largest oil and gas producer in the country.
Tripathi, a favourite
This time round, insiders say Tripathi could be the front-runner with age on his side and the record of taking GAIL (India) from being a Navratna to a Maharatna.
They are, however, quick to point out that Sarraf and Verma stand a good chance, as well.
Interviews for the position are expected to be held on August 30 by the Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB), which will select the successor to Sudhir Vasudeva, the incumbent who retires on February 28, 2014.
The last date for applications was May 30.
Once PESB shortlists the names, it sends its recommendations to the Ministry for Petroleum & Natural Gas, which then processes it further (including clearance from Central Vigilance Commission) and then forwards it to the Appointment Committee Cabinet for formal approval.