RK Garg set for interim CEO position at P-LNG
Petronet-LNG director finance RK Garg is expected to be appointed interim managing director and CEO after AK Balyan steps down on July 16, even as GAIL director marketing Prabhat Singh remains a strong contender to become full-time MD and CEO.
"We have received no communication from the ministry about extending Balyan's term," said a Petronet-LNG source on July 7. "This clearly means the ministry will appoint an interim CEO and Garg is the most senior director on the board." Another source at Petronet-LNG confirms that Garg's appointment is the most likely as he knows the company best.
"There's no point appointing an outsider or someone from one of the promoter companies (ONGC, Bharat Petroleum, GAIL or IOC)," we hear. Casual and easy-going Garg is well-liked by colleagues.
"If you meet him in the office corridor he stops to shake your hand and asks how you are," says a Petronet-LNG employee. "Not many people do that." Contacted by PETROWATCH on July 7, Garg politely declined to confirm he will again appear for interviews to find Balyan's replacement.
"The selection process has just started again," said Garg. "There's still time to apply." Petronet-LNG advertised the post on July 2, inviting CVs by July 15.
Petronet-LNG director technical Rajender Singh is expected to send in his CV as is GAIL director marketing Prabhat Singh, widely believed to be the favourite.
