OIL INDIA: Outsider Roy prepares for BD role
Biswajit Roy’s supporters are optimistic he will be accepted at Oil India, despite the fact he is neither from the company nor a native of northeast India where the company has its roots.
Roy is today at IndianOil as executive director (HR). But not for long - he's preparing to take charge as director (HR & BD) at Oil India this month following his endorsement by oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan on February 24.
“What matters is not where you’re from,” says a Roy supporter. “It’s how you treat people.
Roy builds trust through fairness and transparency.” Roy's file is with the cabinet secretariat where it will languish for two weeks ahead of his appointment letter.
Before that his name will also pass under the fragrant nose of home minister Rajnath Singh and the PMO for final approval. Roy, 53, won anti-corruption clearance in mid-February.
At Oil India he will be charged with assembling a rejuvenated leadership team and lead the hunt for E&P properties abroad, as well as pipelines and services at home. “Roy has excellent communication skills," adds a source.
"This will help him close deals." Roy, he adds, is keen on farm-in opportunities in Siberia, where assets are cheap because of low oil prices, but unenthusiastic about the volatile Middle East.
He's also keen on Africa, Canada and a huge fan of renewable energy.