New Delhi, May 2: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), the country’s leading public sector engineering and manufacturing organisation, announced the appointment of S.M. Ramanathan as its new Director (Engineering, Research & Development). Ramanathan officially stepped into the role on Thursday following his elevation to the company’s Board of Directors.
A seasoned professional with nearly four decades of service at BHEL, S.M. Ramanathan brings deep technical expertise and strategic insight to his new position. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Madras, complemented by a Master’s in Stress and Vibration Analysis. Additionally, he is a qualified cost accountant and a Fellow of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India, underscoring his multidisciplinary skill set.
Ramanathan joined BHEL in 1988 as an Engineer Trainee at the High Pressure Boiler Plant in Tiruchirappalli, where he was recognised early in his career with the Best Engineer Trainee award in 1989. Over the years, he has acquired extensive experience across a wide spectrum of functions, including engineering design, research and development, strategic planning, and operations. His operational expertise spans key areas such as materials management, production, maintenance, commercial functions, field engineering services, and financial management. His contributions have been integral to BHEL’s manufacturing units located in Tiruchirappalli, Ranipet, and Bhopal.
Before assuming his new role, Ramanathan served as Executive Director (OSD – Engineering, R\&D) at BHEL’s Corporate Office and simultaneously led the Heavy Electrical Plant in Bhopal. In late 2023, he was appointed Executive Director, overseeing HPBP in Tiruchirappalli and the Boiler Auxiliaries Plant in Ranipet. By January 2024, he took charge of HEP in Bhopal, becoming one of the few leaders to have managed the corporation’s top three revenue-generating divisions. Under his leadership, these units not only improved their operational performance but also set new benchmarks in efficiency and productivity.
Ramanathan has been at the forefront of technological advancements within BHEL, particularly in the development and optimisation of hydro turbines. By leveraging advanced IT solutions and mathematical modelling, he played a pivotal role in reducing production costs and cycle times. His innovative approach has earned him recognition within the industry, including a patent for turbine design and BHEL’s Excel Award for Innovation. He has also contributed extensively to knowledge-sharing through technical papers presented at both national and international forums.
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Well regarded for his decisive leadership and ability to inspire teams, Ramanathan combines technical depth with strategic foresight. His broad experience across multiple domains, from hydro and steam turbines to digital technologies and flue gas desulphurization systems, positions him to guide BHEL’s R&D initiatives in alignment with future industry trends and global best practices.
The appointment of S.M. Ramanathan was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister. His leadership is expected to reinforce BHEL’s commitment to innovation, technological excellence, and sustained growth in the evolving industrial landscape.
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