Petronet-LNG begins search for successor to Mathur

). Mathur will be 65 in July and is believed to have wanted another extension. During the meeting, Petronet-LNG directors agreed to set up a search committee to look for a new MD, comprising the chairmen of the four promoters: ONGC, Indian Oil, GAIL and Bharat Petroleum. We understand that AK Srivastava, joint secretary gas in the oil ministry will be the search committee convenor and will soon call a first meeting to decide whether to directly invite applications for the job or to appoint a ?head hunter? to do the initial screening of applicants. Oil secretary Sushil Tripathi ? chairman of Petronet-LNG ? is expected to appoint a separate chairman for the selection committee. ?The idea is to complete the process of choosing a new MD by 31st March,? we learn. Mathur, however, will remain in the job until a new MD is chosen. We further learn that Petronet-LNG has submitted to the oil ministry the draft of a newspaper advertisement it plans to publish for the position and the job profile of the new MD. Prospective candidates should be less than 60, and hold ?relevant experience.? Whoever is selected will be appointed for an initial period of five years, which can be renewed for another five years, ?at the choice of the board.? But the MD will have to retire at the age of 65 - the first time Petronet-LNG has set a retirement age for directors.