Petronet-LNG re-launches search for dir. tech

Petronet-LNG is preparing to launch a fresh selection process for its vacant director technical post following controversy over first-ranked candidate Anil Joshi, president (projects) at GSPC LNG.

Joshi's chance of becoming Petronet-LNG's next director technical to replace Rajender Singh are fading fast after directors aborted the earlier selection process at a Board meeting on August 7. In that process Joshi came first followed by Engineers India executive director (Ms) Vartika Shukla.

"They (directors) scrapped the process because of the controversy," confirms a company source. On August 30, the minutes of the board meeting were signed by oil secretary and Petronet-LNG chairman MM Kutty.

Our source adds the Board now awaits a review of selection criteria from the company's Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) to bring them in line with state-owned companies. Expect the NRC to submit its recommendations before the next Board meeting this month (September) and a fresh job advert by October.

"All complaints against Joshi were cross-checked and confirmed by our chief corporate ethics (vigilance) officer," we hear. "He suggested a fresh selection process" Neither Kutty nor other Petronet-LNG directors wanted to prolong the controversy after complaints that Joshi failed to disclose he is a contracted GSPC LNG employee (not salaried) or that he lacked operational experience.

Also under scrutiny was a warning letter sent to Joshi by ONGC when he abruptly left to join Petronet-LNG in August 2006.