Rajiv Sikka tipped as new Adani-IOC gas JV chief
In great secrecy, Adani Gas and IndianOil have been holding interviews over the past two months to select a new CEO for their gas retail joint venture IOAGPL.
"There have been several interviews," reports a source. "But no concrete decision has been taken."
Contrary to earlier reports, it seems Adani Gas senior vice-president and IOAGPL director Bhashit Dholakia won't be getting the job after all amid speculation that IOC and Adani might instead appoint Indraprastha Gas director commercial Rajiv Sikka. "Dholakia's appointment could not go through," says our source.
"Adani forwarded his name for the position but IOC did not want him as the (joint venture) CEO." He adds IOC wants an outsider to run IOAGPL, not somebody from either of the two promoter companies.
Sikka meets this requirement - originally from BPCL he is on secondment to IGL where he joined in May 2018 after four years at Central UP Gas at Kanpur. Two independent sources - one from BPCL and one from IGL - confirm that Sikka has submitted his resignation.
"He is currently serving his notice period," we hear. When contacted, Sikka refused to confirm or deny this.
GAIL Gas chief AK Jana is also believed to have appeared for interview. Whoever is selected will be responsible for setting up CNG and piped gas facilities in 19 areas where IOAGPL has won licences: nine from CGD-IX, one from CGD-X and nine from earlier rounds.