The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Akhilesh Kumar for appointment as Director (Finance) of BEML Limited, a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Defence. He is currently serving as Additional General Manager (Corporate Finance) at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
The recommendation was made during PESB Meeting No. 62/2026 held on July 14, 2026, following interviews with candidates shortlisted for the board-level position.
Selected from a Strong Pool of Candidates
Akhilesh Kumar was recommended after the PESB interviewed 10 candidates from various Central Public Sector Enterprises and government organisations.
The shortlisted candidates represented organisations including:
- BEML Limited
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
- NTPC Limited
- NLC India Limited
- North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO)
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
- Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
Following the recommendation, his name will be forwarded to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval.
Set to Succeed Anil Jerath
Upon receiving the necessary approvals, Akhilesh Kumar will take over as Director (Finance) of BEML, succeeding Anil Jerath, who is scheduled to retire on September 1, 2026.
The appointment will strengthen BEML’s leadership team at a time when the company continues to expand its presence across the defence, rail, mining and construction equipment sectors.
Key Role on BEML Board
As Director (Finance), Akhilesh Kumar will serve as a member of the Board of Directors and report directly to the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BEML.
He will oversee the company’s finance and accounts functions, including financial planning, budgeting, treasury management, accounting, compliance and policy formulation. The role also involves supporting strategic decision-making and ensuring financial discipline across the organisation.
Extensive Experience in Corporate Finance
Akhilesh Kumar brings significant experience in corporate finance and financial management through his long association with BHEL. In his current role as Additional General Manager (Corporate Finance), he has been involved in managing key financial operations and supporting strategic business decisions at one of India’s leading engineering and manufacturing public sector enterprises.
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His recommendation reflects PESB’s confidence in his financial leadership and expertise to steer BEML’s finance function at the board level.
Awaiting Final Government Approval
The PESB recommendation is an important step in the appointment process but is not the final approval. The proposal will now be considered by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) before the appointment is formally notified by the Government of India.
Once approved, Akhilesh Kumar will assume charge as Director (Finance) and play a key role in driving BEML’s financial strategy and supporting its long-term growth objectives.