IndianOil director marketing shortlist soon
Twelve candidates can expect to be on the interview shortlist for the IndianOil director marketing position to replace V Satish Kumar, who retires on August 1 (2025).
After advertising the position on September 26 (2024), the PESB received applications by October 24 (2024). A source tells us the PESB has prepared the shortlist but not yet formally announced it.
"It should come out by the end of April (2025)," he says. "Or the beginning of May (2025)."
Some on the list are drawing attention. VC Asokan, ED retail sales for the southern and western region, has appeared in several previous selection processes, marking him out as a persistent contender.
Jitender Kumar brings years of relevant experience, after heading two of IndianOil's most significant state offices - the Punjab state office covering Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir and currently the West Bengal state office, which also covers the Andamans, and all seven northeast states. Kumar has also served in Mauritius, adding international exposure to his CV and marking him out as one of the strongest candidates.
Saumitra Srivastava in corporate strategy is widely regarded as composed and professional. Hemant K Rathore, known for handling challenging assignments such as Aviation Fuel Stations (AFS), heads the Uttar Pradesh State Office II (UPSO II).
Rathore's operational credentials also make him a strong contender. Despite his age, Bibhuti Ranjan Pradhan, ED and head of the IndianOil Institute of Petroleum Management, is seen as having limited core marketing experience, with much of his career focused on CSR, training, and institutional business.
Mathew Verghese, leading the Delhi and Haryana state office, is believed to have spent a significant part of his career in the chairman's secretariat and is close to the senior leadership. However, questions remain about his direct marketing exposure.
Rajesh Singh, leading the Uttar Pradesh State Office I (UPSO I), is considered a potential surprise winner, with whispers suggesting he has the support of a senior cabinet minister.