
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has officially approved H Shankar’s appointment as the Managing Director (MD) of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), a group company under Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). His appointment took effect on April 1, 2025.
Before this elevation, H Shankar was the Director (Technical) at CPCL and had held the additional responsibility of Managing Director since July 16, 2024. His term as MD will continue until March 31, 2029, the date of his superannuation, or until further instructions, whichever is earlier, as per the notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has also been formally informed of the decision.
A seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, H Shankar brings with him a wealth of knowledge in refinery operations, project execution, and strategic leadership. His academic credentials include a degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in General Management, equipping him with a strong foundation in both technical and managerial domains.

Since joining CPCL’s Board as Director (Technical) in October 2020, Shankar has played a pivotal role in driving innovation and operational excellence within the organization. His leadership has been instrumental in executing major infrastructure projects and introducing value-added, sustainable products aligned with the nation’s energy goals. Notably, he has overseen the production of fuels of national importance, including those used in India’s space and defense sectors.

Throughout his career, Shankar has demonstrated exceptional skills in project management, successfully leading several large-scale initiatives from conception through completion. His expertise in contracts management has helped optimize project costs and streamline resource allocation. Furthermore, his deep commitment to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) practices has strengthened CPCL’s culture of safety and environmental stewardship.

Shankar’s elevation to the top leadership role comes at a critical juncture as CPCL is undergoing a significant transformation. The company is focused on enhancing its refining capacity and playing a greater role in India’s journey towards energy self-sufficiency. His strategic vision and operational acumen are expected to further reinforce CPCL’s position as a key player in the petroleum sector.
Industry observers view his appointment as a step towards continuity and stability within CPCL’s leadership structure. His proven track record, combined with his deep understanding of the sector’s evolving dynamics, positions him well to steer the company through its next phase of growth.
With his official assumption of duties as Managing Director, CPCL is poised to strengthen its contribution to the national energy landscape under his stewardship.
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