Sarkar takes up ONGC director strategy role
More than a year after the post was created, ONGC finally has a new director strategy and corporate affairs, ostensibly to increase efficiency.
On September 14 (2024), oil ministry corporate affairs desk undersecretary Vikash Kumar released an order saying: "I am directed to state that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved this ministry's proposal to appoint Arunangshu Sarkar, group general manager (production), ONGC to the post of director (strategy & corporate affairs)." When this report called Sarkar the same day to congratulate him, he said: "Thank you so much."
When asked what his priorities will be in the new role, he added: "The order has just come in, so can we speak later about that?" Sarkar previously oversaw operations at the Bassein and Satellite Asset in the Mumbai Offshore. He was also head of corporate planning and strategy at OVL from December 2014 to May 2019, handling corporate planning and BD for the oil ministry.
On his LinkedIn profile, Sarkar says: "With a strategic focus, I contribute to corporate strategy and planning, integrating innovative solutions and risk mitigation strategies; my tenure has been marked by successful project acquisitions and collaborations with global oil majors, reflecting a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future of energy during my 37+ years of E&P experience, both in Indian and international arenas." Sarkar goes on to say that in the Bassein and Satellite field, his project development/ commissioning/ operations leadership had strengthened ONGC's position as a significant offshore producer.
Sarkar beat eight others after search committee interviews on June 22 (2024) led by oil secretary and committee chairman Pankaj Jain alongside ONGC chairman Arun Singh and PESB chairwoman Mallika Srinivasan. ONGC chairman Singh has been holding additional charge of the director strategy and corporate affairs portfolio since the oil ministry announced it on December 7 (2022), the day he was appointed.
The oil ministry announced that the role would be in place from March 1 (2023).